What’s green, has three eyes, and lives in a cage by Horrible Harriet’s bed? And what happens when it goes missing…?
From the incredible imagination of Leigh Hobbs comes an original character and an old friend in Horrible Harriet’s wildest tale yet. Horrible Harriet and the Terrible Tantrum is another extraordinary adventure for Horrible Harriet and you, the lucky reader!
Hobbs works across a wide range of artistic mediums but is best known for his children’s books featuring Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, Fiona the Pig, the Freaks of 4F, Mr Badger and Mr Chicken. Horrible Harriet appeared at the Sydney Opera House in 2017.
In 2019, Hobbs was one of five Australian Legends of Children’s Literature featured by Australia Post on a stamp, and in 2016-2017 he was the Australian Children’s Laureate.
Horrible Harriet and the Terrible Tantrum is the perfect addition to this iconic picture book series. In this instalment, we see Harriet being the opposite of horrible: she wants to be GOOD. And while her attempts are sincere and sentimental, she’s finding it challenging to convince her peers she’s changed.
What I loved about this book is how true it is to its audience of children aged 5+. It’s an age where kids are figuring out their personality in a new environment all while trying to make friends. Harriet’s going through this too. While she wants to be good, throwing a tantrum is ultimately what helps her defeat the terrible tantrum that’s escaped from her roof.
Horrible Harriet and the Terrible Tantrum has funny illustrations and characters creating a hilarious storyline with an important message. It has the perfect dose of gross mixed in with raw and relatable themes. My favourite part was seeing Horrible Harriet try out her good-girl smiles and the uplifting end to the book.
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