Harvey's Hideout
By Lillian Hoban
The Story
A big sister and little brother, stung by name-calling, retreat into rival hideouts — until loneliness quietly does what arguing never could.
Why It's Special
For any house with a bossy big sister and a sulky little brother keeping score, this one names the fight without taking sides.
- Big idea: Being mad at someone and missing them can happen at the exact same time.
- Vibes: Cozy, a little grumbly, ultimately tender — like a sibling truce forming in real time.
Perfect For Kids Who
- are working on patching things up with a sibling
- like to declare secret clubs and hideouts
- respond well to stories that admit both sides have a point
- enjoy animal families that feel like real families
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & feelings: Why do you think Harvey called Mildred mean and rotten, and Mildred called Harvey stupid and no-good?
- Empathy: How do you think Harvey felt sitting alone in his secret hideout?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever been so mad at a brother, sister, or friend that you didn't want to play with them?
- Problem-solving: What do you think finally made Harvey and Mildred want to be together again?
- Imagination: If you had a secret hideout like Harvey's, what would you keep in it?
