Suzy Kline

Finally read the first, and am impressed that this relatively weak entry spawned such a long series. I guess kids (and second-grade teachers) really needed Harry, Doug, and Song Lee.

Unfortunately this has a chapter about the First Thanksgiving that feeds all the stereotypes. Teachers and parents, *please* teach the books that are written by Natives about the invasions from Europe.

Doug and his good friend Harry are excited by the new developments: their teacher is bringing an ant farm to the class for scientific observations. Doug and Harry aim to be great scientists, and Harry loves creepy crawlies. In fact, all the students are excited except Sidney, who covers his fear of ants with loud dramatics. Harry lands the coveted job of ant monitor, and then loses it when he can't listen to the teacher. To make matters worse, Sidney crashes into Song Lee during dance show more lessons because he won't open his eyes, and Harry swears revenge. He slides ice-cold water down Sidney's back after school, careless of how Sidney may respond. Sidney does strike back, and in an unexpected fashion. He manages to cast the blame on Harry for a terrible accident, and only through Song Lee's bravery does Harry escape punishment for something he didn't do.

The story is fast, easy to read, and fun. Harry and Doug are well-developed in the limited space, and the plot feels natural and complete. Harry's crush on Song Lee is innocent, and I found it very cute. This series consistently focuses on the importance of science, and how excited the students are to study it; that is a frequently unexplored topic that is done well here. The only complaint I have is that the last chapter seems like an awkward appendage, since the chapter before neatly wraps up the plot and even has a pithy last sentence. Overall, the Harry series is a pleasant read that will appeal to children, if it is not my favorite of the beginning chapter book offerings available. show less

A gem of a book with vivid illustrations. The little girl in the story is shushed by members of her family, all of whom are too busy to focus on her. Rather than get belligerently angry, the girl goes outside and enjoys all the noise she needs to make playing noisily and happily in the yard with the dog. Afterwards, she is once again able to be quiet indoors.

I never set out specifically to write reviews and was surprised to find that I'd reviewed 99 books prior to this one. I decided in show more that moment to be deliberate about Book 100; to choose a book with extra importance to me. 'Shhhh!' is a very worthy choice. I like this book so much because it is right in tune with the feelings of children who are too often ignored by their loved ones - ignored not because mom and dad and other family members do not love their child, but because it's simply all-too-easy to be swept up in 'important' things and forget how truly important it is to spend a few minutes of focused attention here and here with one's beloved child.

I think this book has a new relevance and extra importance in these days of cell phones and easy internet connection, and recommend it to parents and children alike. The message of the book is clear to loving parents but the author and illustrator so deftly convey it that no insult or shame is dumped upon the parents, leaving room for the book to be enjoyed and connections strengthened between parents and children. show less

I do like this series, and have decided to read a bunch of 'em, since my library has them and they are short. I'm reserving the fourth star for the most special ones, but even the three star ones are worthwhile.

One could argue that this one is about Song Lee using her feminine wiles to change Harry... but since it only kinda works, and I don't think she was fully aware of what she was doing, imo it's ok. It might be fun to discuss the theme & her strategy with your kiddo.