Horrible Harry and the Purple People

by Suzy Kline Narrated by Johnny Heller

Overview

Horrible Harry is acting stranger than ever. He keeps talking about purple people, even though he's the only one who can see them. It is the last week of school, and everyone is restless, but Harry has finally gone too far. When a classmate makes some purple figures with paper and glue, Harry knows she is making fun of him. With fists clenched, Harry promises to show her one of the real purple people. But his best friend, Doug, thinks Harry is heading for big trouble. Young readers will love this colorful adventure featuring Horrible Harry and the other students in Room 2B. They'll be laughing out loud as Johnny Heller's narration captures Harry's determination and all the energy of the lively second grade class.

Editorial Reviews

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4Once again, Harry shows that he has a great imagination. Here, he says that there are invisible purple people in Miss Mackle's classroom, but Mary knows there's no such thing. When Miss Mackle, who has been reading Alice in Wonderland, throws a tea party for the class, Harry decides to invite one of the purple people and pulls a prank to prove that they do indeed exist. Harry and his classmates form a wonderful group of characters. There is a certain respectful camaraderie within this circle of friends that is refreshing, and the author demonstrates a clear understanding of the ways of children. The youngsters are funny and intelligent, and readers will no doubt be tempted by Harry's mischievous ideas. Miss Mackle is depicted as an understanding teacher who shares in their camaraderie. Children will love this inventive addition to the "Horrible Harry" books and will look forward to more.Carrie A. Guarria, Lindenhurst Memorial Library, NY

Kirkus Reviews

Kline (Marvin and the Mean Words, p. 641, etc.) lets loose with the further adventures of Harry, who, in the last week of second grade, has become even more of a cut-up than usual. Miss Mackle is apparently spending the day (Kline is somewhat vague on the timing) reading Alice in Wonderland to the class. Harry insists there are invisible Purple People in the room; after he appears to tame a bee and find a lost lunch card with the "help" of the Purple People, his skeptical classmates start to wonder about his claims. Harry's announcement that a Purple Person will join them at their class tea party produces the book's only moments of suspense; the climax, in which Harry produces one of the Purple People by throwing grape juice on a classmate, is disappointing; then again, Kline isn't attempting to make grand statements or to pound in any major morals. A silly story that unfolds harmlessly.

AUG/SEP 07 - AudioFile

Second grade is drawing to a close, and the class is planning a tea party as they finish a read-aloud of ALICE IN WONDERLAND. As Harry listens, he becomes certain there are invisible purple people in the classroom and sets out to convince his classmates and teacher. True to character, he first exaggerates and then demonstrates the amazing capabilities of those purple people. Johnny Heller's skillful narration captures the youth and energy of Harry and each of his friends—imperious Mary, calm Song Lee, and Doug, who is eager but also coolly detached as narrator. Heller paces the story with well-placed extended pauses, which heighten the anticipation of the next bit of nonsense. Young listeners will enjoy guessing what’s going to happen next. A.R. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170904990
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	01/25/2013
Series:	Horrible Harry Series , #8
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

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