Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
Best friends Harry and Doug triumph in each of the five scenarios in this sequel to Horrible Harry in Room 2B. They overcome an argument that arises when the class has to choose ``secret pals''; put on the best anti-smoking skit in the class; and lead the others in putting homemade spider webs up around the school in commemoration of Charlotte's Web. Despite the genuinely childlike situations it draws on, the book is a disappointment: too often the humor fizzles. The only laugh-out-loud moment comes when the principal volunteers to be Doug's assistant in a show-and-tell presentation; unbeknownst to Mr. Cardini, Doug plans to demonstrate how to spike hair. Other intended jokes fall flat or come at the expense of other classmates, giving a few of the stories a vaguely mean-spirited tinge. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 7-10. (May)
School Library Journal
Gr 2-4-- Room 2B is every child's dream. In these five short, easy-to-read stories of classroom life, Harry, Doug, and their friends enjoy Christmas, performing anti-smoking skits, and reading together. (Teachers should love the idea of celebrating Charlotte's Web with an invasion of paper spiderwebs!) The teacher, the principal, and the librarian are caring, understanding, and adaptable. It's refreshing to find adult authority figures portrayed so warmly. The principal doesn't balk at volunteering as a model in the class speech lesson--even when Doug's demonstration turns out to be how to spike one's hair. Harry's demonstration is ``green slime,'' a kind of Silly Putty concoction made with cornstarch, water and food coloring. The recipe actually works, which will delight experiment-minded readers. For a slightly younger audience than the author's ``Herbie Jones'' series (Putnam), this is one school story which rates an A+. --Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, Ill.
JULY 97 - AudioFile
Horrible Harry is narrator Doug’s best friend. This funny, easy-reader story is about friends; school adventures; and a creative, nonconformist boy named Harry. Johnny Heller is the best narrator of children’s books around; his youthful voice exuberantly tells the tale just like a child would--with pauses followed by rushes of enthusiastic, run-together, slightly exaggerated sentences. Heller’s finesse at distinguishing the myriad of characters further enhances his narration. Horrible Harry is a pleasure, especially for early readers. When a superior narrator for children (Heller) connects with an exceptional storyteller (Kline), the result equals pure, laugh-aloud entertainment. J.A.B. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine
