Harry and Willy and Carrothead [Hardcover]

Judith Caseley (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Harry was born with no left hand. When he got to school, the kids asked him what was wrong with his arm. "Nothing," said Harry. "That's my prosthesis."

Harry's hand didn't keep him from being a good baseball player -- or a good friend. Harry and Willy and Carrothead are three of the most real kids you are apt to meet between book covers, and you will like them as much as they like each other!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-- As a book encouraging self-respect among children despite physical differences, this is a commendable effort. Born without a left hand, Harry is, in the words of a schoolmate, "just a regular kid." He enjoys the same games, and his matter-of-fact responses to other children's questions soon satisfy their curiosity. He makes friends with a redheaded boy named Oscar, and when another classmate calls him "Carrothead," Harry jumps to his defense. In one of those quick social changes common among school children, the three boys become best friends. The emphasis is on the similiarity of the boys, and the portrayal of Harry carries a clear message that even people who are considered disabled can be capable and self-assured. The story is weakened, however, by a lack of tension that fails to make it emotionally involving. Caseley's cheerful and inviting full-color cartoons depict a multiracial suburban setting. An accessible, attractive, and positive character portrayal. --Danita Nichols, New York Public Library
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Judith Caseley says, "When I was a little girl, I fell in love with Abraham Lincoln. I was drawn to the kindness and melancholy I saw in his face. My sister Jean and I prayed to a framed portrait of him that hung on our bedroom wall. To this day, when I see Lincoln's likeness on the wall of a school auditorium, my heart lifts with gladness or my eyes fill with tears. I remember the fierce secrets we told him, the joys and sorrows that were for his ears only. It was a private act of communion, and we called him A. L."

Judith Caseley is the author-artist of such favorite picture books as On the Town: A Community Adventure; Bully; Mama, Coming and Going; and Dear Annie. She lives on Long Island, New York, with her two children.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 24 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books; 1ST edition (March 18, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688094929
• ISBN-13: 978-0688094928
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #417,480 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous!, February 17, 2000

By 

K. Breuer (ND) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Harry and Willy and Carrothead (Hardcover)

Our daughter, adopted in Korea, was born without part of her left arm/hand and she loves this book. The first time I showed it to her, when she was only 2-1/2, she said "Just like me!" A must-have for any parent of a child with this type of condition.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must for Families with Amputee Children, December 22, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Harry and Willy and Carrothead (Hardcover)

As the parent of an amputee child I can say that this book is a "must have" for your library. It is important for such children to see that they are as normal as any child and in this book, Harry the amputee child, is the hero. When we read the book to our child, his immediate response was "Hey, he's just like me!" Thank-you Judith Caseley.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must have" book for all children and parents., January 26, 1999

By 

Susan Salzer (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Harry and Willy and Carrothead (Hardcover)

Our 2 year old grandson said Harry looks just like he does. But, most importantly, Judith Caseley captures the feelings of parents of children with differences. Before any of us were able to see what we had in our baby we saw what was missing, and were sad and scared. It took a while to be positive. This books reminds us that all children are teased, and although many of us have differences, we are all alike.