Hattie and Hudson

by Chris Van Dusen (Author) Chris Van Dusen (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

A little girl and her colossal friend teach a monster-size lesson about prejudging others in a charming offering from Chris Van Dusen.

Hattie McFadden is a born explorer. Every morning she grabs her life jacket and paddles out in her canoe to discover something new on the lake, singing a little song on her way. When her singing draws up from the depths a huge mysterious beast, everyone in town is terrified -- except Hattie, who looks into the creature's friendly, curious eyes and knows that this is no monster. So Hattie sneaks out at night to see the giant -- whom she names Hudson -- and the two become friends. But how can she make the frightened, hostile townspeople see that Hudson isn't scary or dangerous at all? Chris Van Dusen brings his colorful, perspective-bending artwork to this satisfying new story about acceptance, friendship, and sticking up for those who are different.

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Kirkus

Outdoor enthusiasts will celebrate this brave young heroine as she schools the town on acceptance.

ALA/Booklist

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

School Library Journal

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.

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"Van Dusen's ('The Circus Ship') sleekly painted lake is a midsummer day's dream: saturated greens, glimmering blue water and little red boats you're dying to take for a spin." —The New York Times Book Review 

"Chris Van Dusen brings his colorful, perspective-bending artwork to this satisfying new story about acceptance, friendship, and sticking up for those who are different." —A Mighty Girl (blog)

"The evocative illustrations, and timeless themes of acceptance, friendship and being an upstander will resonate with young readers, and provide a good jumping off point for conversations about courage and kindness." —Baltimore Sun

"Told through Chris Van Dusen's signature lively illustrations, Hattie & Hudson is a delightful summer read full of wonder and heart." —Bill Grace, Buttonwood Books & Toys, Cohasset, Mass.
Chris Van Dusen
Chris Van Dusen is the creator of many outstanding books for children, including The Circus Ship and Randy Riley's Really Big Hit. He is also the illustrator of President Taft Is Stuck in the Bath by Mac Barnett and the best-selling Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo. He lives in Maine.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781536217384
Lexile Measure
640
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Candlewick Press (MA)
Publication date
May 11, 2021
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV032170 - Juvenile Fiction | Sports & Recreation | Camping & Outdoor Activities
JUV052000 - Juvenile Fiction | Monsters
Library of Congress categories
Friendship
Friendship in children
Monsters
Lakes
Singing
Individual differences

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