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Imagine Harry
Meet Harry. He is the best friend a little rabbit could have. But no one else can see Harry, so Little Rabbit is extra careful to look out for him. He makes sure Harry gets plenty of cookies, no brussels sprouts, and absolutely no baths. Then Little Rabbit starts school, and he discovers that friendships change. Luckily, the best sorts of friends always know just when they're needed.
Sisters Kate and Sarah Klise have created a profoundly sweet, emotionally true story about growing up, starting school, and the beauty of having a best friend (imaginary or not).
Sisters Kate and Sarah Klise have created a profoundly sweet, emotionally true story about growing up, starting school, and the beauty of having a best friend (imaginary or not).
32 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2007
1 person is currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Kate Klise
67 books343 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.
Catherine "Kate" Klise is an American author of children's literature. Many of her books are illustrated by her sister, M. Sarah Klise. Their popular Regarding series is presented in a scrapbook style format, with letters, journal entries, and related ephemera telling the story. She is also known for her picture books as well as the bestselling 43 Old Cemetery Road series. Kate Klise's first adult novel, In the Bag, was released in 2012.
Catherine "Kate" Klise is an American author of children's literature. Many of her books are illustrated by her sister, M. Sarah Klise. Their popular Regarding series is presented in a scrapbook style format, with letters, journal entries, and related ephemera telling the story. She is also known for her picture books as well as the bestselling 43 Old Cemetery Road series. Kate Klise's first adult novel, In the Bag, was released in 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 27, 2023
Little Rabbit is very attached to his imaginary friend, Harry, but all that may change when Rabbit starts school. A sweet book, with artwork by the illustrator whose work I enjoyed so much in Shall I Knit You a Hat?: A Christmas Yarn -M. Sarah Klise. I love all the details in her work, from the deep, warm colors she uses to the delightful silhouette artwork decorating Little Rabbit's walls.
January 21, 2009
Sweet if rather forgettable (at least, I keep forgetting to post it!)
One caution: I think this would be more suitable to children who are "outgrowing" imaginary friends rather than those who are very dedicated to one at present. The latter may be disturbed by the idea that Harry "leaves"--though the former will likely understand why.
One caution: I think this would be more suitable to children who are "outgrowing" imaginary friends rather than those who are very dedicated to one at present. The latter may be disturbed by the idea that Harry "leaves"--though the former will likely understand why.
August 12, 2013
Our oldest picked out this book at our local library, and I was a bit surprised because I thought she might consider it too babyish. But I think she liked all of the drawings on the cover. It wasn't until I sat down to write my review this morning that I realized that the title was a play on words. Imagine Harry...Imaginary. Silly me.
The story is entertaining and the illustrations are sweet, but I have to agree with my friend, Kathryn's, comment in her review that this story would be best for children who are outgrowing their need for an imaginary friend. I would recommend it for school-age children and anyone who needs to be reassured as they are transitioning to school.
After we read the story, I talked with our girls about the fact that they did not have imaginary friends and as far as I remember, neither did I. We read several stories about them, but this aspect of childhood was never a reality for us. Still, it's an entertaining story and we enjoyed reading it together.
The story is entertaining and the illustrations are sweet, but I have to agree with my friend, Kathryn's, comment in her review that this story would be best for children who are outgrowing their need for an imaginary friend. I would recommend it for school-age children and anyone who needs to be reassured as they are transitioning to school.
After we read the story, I talked with our girls about the fact that they did not have imaginary friends and as far as I remember, neither did I. We read several stories about them, but this aspect of childhood was never a reality for us. Still, it's an entertaining story and we enjoyed reading it together.
December 21, 2018
Little Rabbit has a friend that no one else can see: Harry. Some of his friends call Harry imagine-Harry. (Cute joke that will go right over preschool heads). Little Rabbit loves doing things with Harry. But when Rabbit gets to school he finds that he enjoys doing things with other friends, too. Eventually Harry leaves for good and Little Rabbit is ok with that. In fact he states that Harry doesn't have a phone is his new home and never learned to read/write. Therefore Rabbit wouldn't be hearing from him ever again.
The concept of a book on growing out of our imaginary friends is greatly needed. But the end of this book leaves much to be desired. IMO, most children would be rather traumatized at this leaving off of imaginary friends who are very real to them.
The concept of a book on growing out of our imaginary friends is greatly needed. But the end of this book leaves much to be desired. IMO, most children would be rather traumatized at this leaving off of imaginary friends who are very real to them.
February 6, 2024
Little Rabbit's best friend is invisible. But not to him.
In this charming, tender story, we often see Little Rabbit in the company of his invisible friend, Harry. Their friendship helps them to negotiate nuisances like surviving shampoos and having to eat brussels sprouts.
As Little Rabbit grows older, he makes friends at school, friends who are real live animals... and quite visible. His interest in Harry dwindles.
Yet, as the story's sweet ending reminds us readers, Harry lives on.
FIVE STARS for a book that's written and illoustrated by a pair of sisters., one of whom still remembers her long-ago imaginary friend.
In this charming, tender story, we often see Little Rabbit in the company of his invisible friend, Harry. Their friendship helps them to negotiate nuisances like surviving shampoos and having to eat brussels sprouts.
As Little Rabbit grows older, he makes friends at school, friends who are real live animals... and quite visible. His interest in Harry dwindles.
Yet, as the story's sweet ending reminds us readers, Harry lives on.
FIVE STARS for a book that's written and illoustrated by a pair of sisters., one of whom still remembers her long-ago imaginary friend.
October 10, 2025
This story is about a little rabbit who has a friend named Harry that only he can see. Little Rabbit takes very good care of Harry, but eventually, when Little Rabbit starts school, Harry disappears. I wouldn't read this to a kid who believes wholeheartedly in their imaginary friend, it would be traumatizing! But to a kid who's almost done with their imaginary friend, or to help a child without an imaginary friend to understand another kid who has one, this is an excellent story!
October 7, 2024
Really was not sure how I felt about this one. I liked the art enough, but it was kinda a strange story about a maybe imaginary maybe real but invisible friend. Like it was kinda realistic but also kinda cold?? Anyway.
May 1, 2023
Nice concept, but the execution fell flat.
September 13, 2024
The play on words went well over 2’s head in this story about having (and outgrowing) an imaginary friend.
November 2, 2013
Imagine Harry has a timeless quality about it. I blame the warm colors and the sweet realism of the characters. Okay, yes, the characters are animals, but you(‘ll) know what I mean. Little Rabbit is content to play with his best friend Harry, whom to everyone else appears imagined. As Little Rabbit makes friends at school, Harry becomes less and less a presence, slowly phasing out activity-wise, until Little Rabbit makes the startling realization that he hasn’t seen Harry for weeks. The results aren’t panic, but rather a sense that such is the natural order of things, that Harry’s moving away was an eventuality, and he will be fondly remembered.
It is of interest to me how making friends at school might change Little Rabbit’s excuses for not bathing or eating brussel sprouts, staying up past his bedtime, or requiring extra servings of cookies. Maybe Harry sincerely existed, rather than merely functioning as a ruse that the mother sometimes questions. He is likely both. In the end, he comes to represent a certain time in childhood, pre-dating the sort of agreements a child makes upon entering school. Harry is like summertime–which has me appreciating his association with before the school year.
Sarah adds lovely little details to her settings. You’ll notice the portraits and pictures on the walls. The opening double-page of the story hosts a portrait of the mother (l) and a row of smaller portraits of Little Rabbits peers (r) with one empty frame (or is Harry is just as invisible on film/in paint). Little Rabbit isn’t lonely. Though evidently an only child, we find images of a Mother Rabbit and Little Rabbit doing all kinds of activities together. Harry isn’t evidence of an absence in Little Rabbit’s life; just that there is plenty of room for imagination in any child’s life.
L (omphaloskepsis)
http://contemplatrix.wordpress.com/20...
It is of interest to me how making friends at school might change Little Rabbit’s excuses for not bathing or eating brussel sprouts, staying up past his bedtime, or requiring extra servings of cookies. Maybe Harry sincerely existed, rather than merely functioning as a ruse that the mother sometimes questions. He is likely both. In the end, he comes to represent a certain time in childhood, pre-dating the sort of agreements a child makes upon entering school. Harry is like summertime–which has me appreciating his association with before the school year.
Sarah adds lovely little details to her settings. You’ll notice the portraits and pictures on the walls. The opening double-page of the story hosts a portrait of the mother (l) and a row of smaller portraits of Little Rabbits peers (r) with one empty frame (or is Harry is just as invisible on film/in paint). Little Rabbit isn’t lonely. Though evidently an only child, we find images of a Mother Rabbit and Little Rabbit doing all kinds of activities together. Harry isn’t evidence of an absence in Little Rabbit’s life; just that there is plenty of room for imagination in any child’s life.
L (omphaloskepsis)
http://contemplatrix.wordpress.com/20...
July 10, 2011
A sweet book about imaginary friends. Little Rabbit's very best friend was Harry, although some of the other animals called the friend Imagine Harry. That didn't bother Little Rabbit. He and Harry played together. When it was time for a snack, Little Rabbit asked for two glasses of lemonade and four cookies because Harry got hungry, too. When it was time for Little Rabbit to go to kindergarten, Mother Rabbit had to explain that Harry could go to school with Little Rabbit, but he couldn't have his own desk and would have to sit with Little Rabbit and be very quiet. Things went well at school. Harry was very quiet and thoughtful. He stayed behind in the classroom at lunchtime so that Little Rabbit could sit with his new friends. Little Rabbit began to see less and less of Harry as he made many new friends at school. It's a delightful book about imaginary friends and the illustrations are colorful and charming.
December 31, 2013
My daughter was still too young, I think, to really "get" the story in terms of imaginary friends and outgrowing them. However, she did like the story--even without that element.
I thought it was a nice tale, though. And, maybe we'll revisit when she's older. We certainly will if she ends up with an imaginary friend of her own. It's a nice exploration of friendship, and what happens when friends grow apart (even if they are imaginary!). I think what I liked best is that even after Little Rabbit has stopped hanging out with Harry, he still looks back on him with fondness.
The illustrations were very sweet. They're done in a style that I think has been popular in recent years. I like it, although they don't really stand out for me.
I thought it was a nice tale, though. And, maybe we'll revisit when she's older. We certainly will if she ends up with an imaginary friend of her own. It's a nice exploration of friendship, and what happens when friends grow apart (even if they are imaginary!). I think what I liked best is that even after Little Rabbit has stopped hanging out with Harry, he still looks back on him with fondness.
The illustrations were very sweet. They're done in a style that I think has been popular in recent years. I like it, although they don't really stand out for me.
September 25, 2018
Never discount the importance of imaginary friends! They're a growing pain as necessary as making and losing real life friends. They make life easier, they help with coping, and they're just plain fun (especially if you're an only child). The Klises once again tell the tale of growing pains and how to deal with them, especially as Little Rabbit goes to school. The illustrations were spot on and depict a life that's well-lived, show how reluctant Little Rabbit is to deny Harry anything (especially when it comes to bedtimes and cookies). Overall, this was a sweet book and it's safe to say that the Klise sisters have done it again.
Review cross-listed here!
Review cross-listed here!
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May 23, 2016Meet Harry. He is the best friend a little rabbit could have. But no one else can see Harry, so Little Rabbit is extra careful to look out for him. He makes sure Harry gets plenty of cookies, no brussels sprouts, and absolutely no baths. Then Little Rabbit starts school, and he discovers that friendships change. Luckily, the best sorts of friends always know just when they're needed. Sisters Kate and Sarah Klise have created a profoundly sweet, emotionally true story about growing up, starting school, and the beauty of having a best friend (imaginary or not).
Subject: Rabbits -- Juvenile fiction
Children's stories, American
Imaginary companions -- Pictorial works -- Juvenile fiction.
Subject: Rabbits -- Juvenile fiction
Children's stories, American
Imaginary companions -- Pictorial works -- Juvenile fiction.
December 12, 2012
Imaginary friend? Huh. Dot Ransom was with my true-blue friend in childhood. It just so happened that she also was a life-size ragdoll so she wasn’t totally imaginary, but the talks we had and the things we shared (and the times she was responsible for whatever Mother didn’t like)—imaginary. In this book, Harry is invisible (and that is why Mother sat on him frequently). This story is a tribute to those imaginary friends of childhood and those imaginative children who have one.
March 31, 2013
Little Rabbit has an imaginary friend, Harry.
They hang out quite a bit.
Until LIttle Rabbit goes to school.
The illustrations are very sweet in this book.
I love how there is so much going on in the background.
Eventually LIttle Rabbit makes more friends and essentially forgets Harry,
or thinks of him fondly in memory.
It was a little weird.
I was expecting Harry to be real,
or for Little Rabbit to pass him along to another kid.
They hang out quite a bit.
Until LIttle Rabbit goes to school.
The illustrations are very sweet in this book.
I love how there is so much going on in the background.
Eventually LIttle Rabbit makes more friends and essentially forgets Harry,
or thinks of him fondly in memory.
It was a little weird.
I was expecting Harry to be real,
or for Little Rabbit to pass him along to another kid.
November 1, 2010
Teton County Library Call Number: J PICTURE KLISE
Suzy's rating: 4 stars
I really enjoyed this book about a rabbit's imaginary (Imagine Harry) friend. His friend, Harry goes everywhere with him until Little Rabbit goes to school. Imagine Harry shows up less and less as Little Rabbit's days are filled with friends and school. This book is super cute.
Suzy's rating: 4 stars
I really enjoyed this book about a rabbit's imaginary (Imagine Harry) friend. His friend, Harry goes everywhere with him until Little Rabbit goes to school. Imagine Harry shows up less and less as Little Rabbit's days are filled with friends and school. This book is super cute.
April 1, 2016
Little Rabbit has the best friend in the whole world--he just happens to be imaginary. We see the two have a mighty friendship and many adventures together. We also see how imaginary friends can come and go when we need them. This would be good to talk about friendship and imagination, or going to school for the first time.
May 7, 2010
Nice art - so so story. It's about imaginary friends and letting them go. Hmmm... not too sure a kid who still has one is going to want to read that. If they don't have an imaginary friend, they may not be too interested in this.
October 13, 2011
Oh Little Rabbit! He is so cute and his imaginary friend situation is so gentle and believable. I loved the ending and I look forward to sharing this book with our younger kids in the library next week.
March 17, 2016
Cute story of a little girl who has an imaginary friend. I enjoyed it. I especially liked that no one tried to impose their reality on hers to make her get rid of her imaginary friend. Adorable drawings in the book.
April 13, 2008
Little Rabbit has an invisible, inseparable friend named Harry, that is until Little Rabbit starts school.
April 24, 2008
great book about an imaginary friend who somehow disappears after Rabbit starts school.
May 14, 2008
Gentle story about imaginary friend and outgrowing that friend.
November 28, 2009
when rabbit starts school, his invisible friend harry fades away. warm illustrations.
March 19, 2010
I am trying to become more familiar with books for younger kids so I thought I would start with the Texas 2X2 books. This was a cute book about an imaginary friend.
April 15, 2011
Excellent book for children...imaginary friends & making new friends
July 28, 2011
Good art and sweet story. Little rabbit outgrows his imaginary friend.
September 1, 2011
As someone who had an imaginary friend growing up, I can relate to little rabbit. This is a cute story where little rabbit learns he can live without his imaginary friend, Harry.
April 3, 2012
This book is so cute! It's all about an imaginary friend Harry.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews