Russell Hoban (1925-2011) first became famous for his children’s picture books about a badger named Frances and other animal characters that have a lot in common with children we know – Bedtime for Frances, A Baby Sister for Frances, Bread and Jam for Frances, and Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas, among others – and for a young adult novel, The Mouse and His Child. Hoban was born in Pennsylvania and served in World War II. He lived with his wife, Lillian Hoban, who illustrated many of his books, and their four children in Connecticut until 1969, when he moved to London. There he married Gundela Ahl and had three more children. In England, Hoban wrote acclaimed adult novels, including Lion of Boaz-Jachin and Riddley Walker.
The illustrations are utterly charming, as Lillian Hoban’s always are, and it is wonderful to see that this story has completely stood the test of time! (5 Stars)
Youth Services Book Review
An especially memorable character study of a runaway beaver…unique, humorous, precise of speech.…How touching the moment when Charlie’s father looks at his truant son’s first serious nighttime labor and says, ‘Any tramp that can make a pond like that is going to be some beaver one of these days.’
The Atlantic Monthly
Harvey Muskrat and feuding sister Mildred have more than a surface resemblance to Frances badgered by little sister Gloria. Their first quarrel (over where Harvey may hammer on his raft) is cooled by a wise father: "Mildred, it's true that Harvey is selfish and inconsiderate, but he is not stupid and no-good"; "Mildred is loudmouthed and bossy, but she is not mean and rotten." Punishment over, the two resume fighting--in the very same words--about who started the trouble, and part, Mildred to go to a party where "little brothers are not invited," Harvey to go to a secret club where "big sisters are not allowed to be members." On the second day of stubborn seclusiveness, Harvey, lonesomely cooking bacon in his underground den, decides to enlarge it and discovers Mildred, lonesomely serving her doll in a den next to his. They trade accusations, then team up to picnic and party together. The illustrations amount to Frances in full color…. The Hobans, as usual, know what makes kids kick. Lots of them will find Harvey's Hideout.
