Hattie and Hudson

The story’s message—don’t judge by appearances—is gently delivered in a tale just right for one-on-one sharing.

K-Gr 3--Hattie McFadden is a young explorer who loves canoeing on a nearby lake. As she contentedly paddles along, she hums a happy tune. The girl's cheerful singing intrigues a lonely green monster, who ventures out from his deep and dark watery lair. Curious, the gentle giant gazes into Hattie's eyes and joins in the song, "harmonizing with a low rumble." While the other townspeople react with fear and loathing, Hattie befriends the peaceful creature and names him Hudson. When a town hall meeting is organized to get rid of "the Deadly Beast," Hattie is distressed and sagely says, "If only they knew him." Together, Hattie and Hudson devise a plan to dispel misconceptions. Van Dusen's stunning illustrations offer unique perspectives, from an aerial view of Hattie first making eye contact with two glowing eyes beneath the silvery water to a vertical spread of Hudson triumphantly emerging in the sunlight with Hattie perched on his head. VERDICT This eloquent, evocative book about compassion is perfect for sparking discussions on prejudice. A sensational choice for a seasonal storytime.--Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ont.

K-Gr 3—Hattie McFadden is a young explorer who loves canoeing on a nearby lake. As she contentedly paddles along, she hums a happy tune. The girl's cheerful singing intrigues a lonely green monster, who ventures out from his deep and dark watery lair. Curious, the gentle giant gazes into Hattie's eyes and joins in the song, "harmonizing with a low rumble." While the other townspeople react with fear and loathing, Hattie befriends the peaceful creature and names him Hudson. When a town hall meeting is organized to get rid of "the Deadly Beast," Hattie is distressed and sagely says, "If only they knew him." Together, Hattie and Hudson devise a plan to dispel misconceptions. Van Dusen's stunning illustrations offer unique perspectives, from an aerial view of Hattie first making eye contact with two glowing eyes beneath the silvery water to a vertical spread of Hudson triumphantly emerging in the sunlight with Hattie perched on his head. VERDICT This eloquent, evocative book about compassion is perfect for sparking discussions on prejudice. A sensational choice for a seasonal storytime.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ont.