Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Award-winning author Colleen Nelson delivers a new entry in The Harvey Stories, exploring themes of acceptance, understanding, intergenerational friendships, and the loving comfort of everyone's favorite West Highland Terrier.
Harvey is back with Maggie, Austin, and the residents of the Brayside retirement home. When Brayside's new Assistant Director Hilary Appleby starts enforcing new rules, visits for Harvey become more difficult and the residents and staff aren't too pleased with the changes.
At the same time, Maggie and Austin see their fair share of problems at school. Maggie's audition for the school play doesn't go as planned, and she now must work with Ndidi, the girl who got the role she wanted. Austin struggles to admit his friend Amar that he can't go to the school trip due to money issues. At the same time, Austin regularly checks on Mr. Kowalski, a resident at Brayside whose wife is in the hospital, and learns about his life story during his visits.
As the rules make it harder for him to be on the premises, Harvey's presence as a comfort dog is needed more than ever with Mr. Kowalski needing comfort with the absence of his wife. With Ms. Appleby making it difficult for him to be around, can Harvey stay a part of the Brayside community?
Synopsis
The award-winning Harvey Stories are back with a new story of acceptance, understanding, and the loving comfort of everyone's favourite Westie.
There's nothing quite like the loving companionship of a loyal dog. When Harvey's status as Brayside's comfort dog comes into question, the elderly residents are quick to stand up for him.
Mr. Kowalski, a longstanding Brayside resident, is struggling with his wife's recent hospitalization. As Harvey watches over him, Mr. Kowalski shares stories of his youth during World War II--tales which fascinates Harvey's friend Austin. At the same time, the newly appointed Assistant Director Hilary Appleby, the person who wants to get rid of Harvey, also creates unreasonable rules which make the residents of Brayside miserable.
The new school season for Austin and Harvey's owner Maggie proves to be harder than expected. Maggie's audition for the school play of Annie doesn't go as planned, with the role she wanted going to Ndidi, who rarely comes out to rehearsals. Austin, for his part, is battling shame around not being able to afford a school trip.
Award-winning author Colleen Nelson and illustrator Tara Anderson team up once again to deliver another engaging story where Harvey's exceptional nose leads Maggie and Austin to find resolution to the many challenges they face.
Themes of acceptance, understanding, and intergenerational friendships are the strengths of this middle-grade novel.