Pretty sure my little dog, Ruby would love Harvey.

Harvey Comes Home by Colleen Nelson

Illustration by Tara Anderson fromHarvey Comes Home published by Pajama Press

I have just finished the most wonderful middle grade novel, Harvey Comes Home by Colleen Nelson, illustrated by Tara Anderson and published by Pajama Press.

Kids will absolutely love this novel about a little West Highland Terrier who escapes when left in the care of a dog sitter. New scents leads Harvey farther and farther afield until he can no longer find his way back home. Days later, the hungry and frightened little Westie is rescued by eleven-year-old Austin at the retirement home where his grandfather works.

While Austin pretends to be looking for the lost dog’s owner, he secretly hopes to keep Harvey. Harvey is soon much-loved  by staff and patients alike and even becomes an unofficial therapy dog at the retirement home. The Westie plays an important role in helping elderly patient, Mr. Pickering unlock  his childhood memories of the Dust Bowl era. As Mr. Pickering shares his story, Austin begins to see the elderly man in a new and more sympathetic light.  Meanwhile, Maggie, Harvey’s real owner, is desperately searching for him.

I have just finished the most wonderful middle grade novel, Harvey Comes Home by Colleen Nelson, illustrated by Tara Anderson and published by Pajama Press. Kids will absolutely love this novel about a little West Highland Terrier who escapes when left in the care of a dog sitter. New scents leads Harvey farther and farther afield until he can no longer find his way back home. Days later, the hungry and frightened little Westie is rescued by eleven-year-old Austin at the retirement home where his grandfather works. 

While Austin pretends to be looking for the lost dog’s owner, he secretly hopes to keep Harvey. Harvey is soon much-loved  by staff and patients alike and even becomes an unofficial therapy dog at the retirement home. The Westie plays an important role in helping elderly patient, Mr. Pickering unlock  his childhood memories of the Dust Bowl era. As Mr. Pickering shares his story, Austin begins to see the elderly man in a new and more sympathetic light.  Meanwhile, Maggie, Harvey’s real owner, is desperately searching for him. 

Told in alternating chapters in the voices of Harvey, Maggie and Austin, Nelson paints a moving picture of the  bond between dogs and people, especially the bond between Mr.Pickering and his childhood dog, General. The power of Harvey Comes Home lies in Nelson’s skilled storytelling. Fully drawn characters, including the curious little Westie, are absolutely believable. Her ability to bring history to life for any aged reader makes this book a must read. Delightful illustrations by Tara Anderson add a touch of whimsy to an already 5 star book. (Interior black & white drawings of Harvey are are by Tara Anderson from Harvey Comes Home ) #middlegradebooks #bookstagram #bookreview #kidsbooks #teachersofinstagram #writinglife @pajamapressbooks @colleennelson6466 @tarasartstudio

Told in alternating chapters in the voices of Harvey, Maggie and Austin, Nelson paints a moving picture of the  bond between dogs and people, especially the bond between Mr.Pickering and his childhood dog, General. The power of Harvey Comes Home lies in Nelson’s skilled storytelling. Fully drawn characters, including the curious little Westie, are absolutely believable. Her ability to bring history to life for any aged reader makes this book a must read. Delightful illustrations by Tara Anderson add a touch of whimsy to an already 5 star book.