Harvey Comes Home

The Harvey Stories #1

by Colleen Nelson

A dog’s world is a world of scents, of adventure. When a runaway West Highland Terrier named Harvey wanders out of his old life guided only by his nose and his heart, lives begin to converge.

Austin, a young volunteer at Brayside retirement home, quickly finds that the audacious Harvey inspires Mr. Pickering, a bitter resident coping with memory loss, to tell stories of his childhood. Moved by the elderly man’s Dust Bowl recollections of grinding poverty and the perseverance of his friends and family, Austin begins to trade his preconceived notions for empathy. But is it enough to give him the resolve to track down Harvey’s original owner?

Supported by striking illustrations from acclaimed artist Tara Anderson, Colleen Nelson immerses readers in a rich and unflinchingly human tale of struggle and hope—all inspired by one curious dog.

Genres: Middle Grade, Canada, Juvenile, Animals, Realistic Fiction, Dogs, Historical Fiction

224 pages, Hardcover

Published September 19, 2019

About the author

Colleen Nelson is the author of YA fiction books Finding Hope (2016), 250 Hours (2015), The Fall (2013) and Tori by Design (2011). 'The Fall' and 'Tori by Design' both won the McNally Robinson Book of the Year Award. 'The Fall' was also nominated for the White Pine Award. Currently living in Winnipeg with her husband, two young sons and three grown step-children, Colleen manages to eke out time to write everyday, but usually in the early morning after a strong cup of coffee. A junior high school teacher for ten years before having children, Colleen is familiar and comfortable with the tricky phase of life called 'adolescence'. Now a Teacher-Librarian in Winnipeg, Canada, Colleen is constantly on the look-out for books that will catch the attention of her reading-reluctant sons.

Reviews

[Liana Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Harvey runs until a bouquet of dog scents lures him to a forest path. The forest is alive with sounds and smells that lead him off the gravel path and onto one that is made of bark chips. Harvey walks along this path. His curiosity takes him farther and farther away from his home.”

I love children’s books and I love books about dogs so naturally I adored this gem. It’s a beautiful triple narrative told from the perspective of Maggie, the girl who loses Harvey; Austin, the boy who finds Harvey; and the dog Harvey, who’s just trying to figure things out in an ever-changing world full of weird scents. What I loved most about Colleen Nelson’s book is her ability to seamlessly weave multiple narratives and time periods together, which cover the themes of loss, intergenerational friendships, loyalty, love, forgiveness and sacrifice. Tara Anderson’s adorable illustrations are perfectly placed at the beginning of each chapter, which help to soften some of the graphic and emotional flashback scenes in the book. I would recommend this book for tweens.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colleen Nelson's seemingly simple narrative about a West Highland Terrier who strays from home is a balancing act of narratives that is nothing short of brilliant. I love the jigsaw of voices between Maggie, the girl who lost Harvey and Austin, the boy who found him.. Add to that, Harvey himself, propelled by scent, and Mr. Pickering's reminiscences of growing up in the prairies during the Dust Bowl.

This small novel packs a wallop of emotions. You may pick the book up because of the Westie, but you'll stay to find out what happened to Maggie, Austin and Mr. Pickering. And I dare you to get to the end without shedding a tear!

[Niki · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOTE: I received an eARC via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Colleen Nelson has masterfully woven together a contemporary story of a beloved dog and the people whose lives he touches and a historical fiction story of a boy and his friends, family and dog during the Depression. Harvey, the sweet dog in the middle, ties everything together and makes you have all the feels.

I look forward to adding this to my elementary school libraries when it is published. I recommend it for readers ages 8-11.

[Jill Jemmett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story had a unique format. The chapters alternate perspectives between Austin (the boy who found Harvey), Maggie (the girl whose family owns Harvey), and Harvey (the dog). I liked that we got to see the different sides to the story including the girl who desperately wanted her pet returned and the boy who had always longed for a dog. The dog’s perspective was original because he was stuck in between wanting to go home to Maggie and wanting to stay with Austin.

There were some upsetting parts to this story. The idea of losing my dog kept running through my head while I was reading this story. There were also some disturbing flashbacks to when Mr. Pickering, one of the retirement home residents who loved Harvey, was a child and his own experience with his own dog. That included when his dog lost his leg and eventually died. Those parts were incredibly sad to read.

Though this story broke my heart a little, the optimistic title kept me reading. I enjoyed the overall book, though there were some difficult scenes.

Thank you Pajama Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have or had a Westie, this novel is for you! Harvey is adorable, spunky and full of love for people. He doesn't always understand what the humans are saying but he senses changes in people faster than the humans do.
Harvey's human, Maggie goes away on a family holiday and the dog sitter neglects to close the gate, giving Harvey a chance to run free, hopefully to find Maggie. He is found, instead by Austin who brings him to the nursing home where he volunteers. Harvey has a particular affinity for one of the more cranky residents, Walter Pickering who loved his own dog General as a kid.
As Austin begins to visit Mr. Pickering with Harvey, Austin learns about Walter's life during the great depression.
The theme of love and loss permeates the story and leaves the reader filled with happiness and sorrow by the end. Recommended for tweens and anyone with a Westie in their life!

[Maggie (Magsisreadingagain) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Pajama Press for the ARC of this wonderful middle-grade novel, in exchange for an honest review.

The story follows Harvey, a West Highland terrier who is loved by his young owner, Maggie. When Maggie goes on holiday, Harvey tries to find her, following his nose, and becomes hopelessly lost, but is saved by Austin, a young boy volunteering at a local retirement home where his grandfather works. Harvey quickly becomes a hit with the staff and elderly residents, particularly cranky Mr. Pickering. As Mr. Pickering tells stories of his youth, growing up in the dirty 30s on the Canadian prairies, Austin sees another side of the elderly man, and learns some valuable lessons. But will he be able to track down Harvey’s owner, and return him home?

Young readers will learn about the hardships so many families faced in the drought years of the 1930s, as they tried to scratch a living out of the Canadian prairies. Nelson has tied together the love of dogs, and the bonds of friendship, to provide a relatable tale, that will resonate with many readers. But be prepared... numerous tissues may be required.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grades 4-7

[Timothy Forner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book! It brought tears to my eyes. According to Amazon, it is aimed at the middle-grade reading level. However, the themes in the book are emotionally intense, so it is definitely an upper-middle-grade read. It is also a great book for adults. I love Harvey!

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how mr Pickering tells Austin stories of his child hood, but I cried a bit when mr Pickering dies.

[Kathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Pajama Press for an eARC of this book.

I LOVED this book about a dog named Harvey who escapes from home while his owner, Maggie, is away on vacation. He is found by a young boy named Austin, near a retirement home where Austin volunteers after school. Austin quickly falls for Harvey, as do the residents at the home, including Mr. Pickering, a ninety-six year old who often confuses Harvey for his former dog, General. The story consists of Harvey in the present day, and the people who love him, as well as flashback stories from Mr. Pickering about his childhood during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.

I suggest you have a box of Kleenex handy when you read this book, as it's both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I quite enjoyed both the historical and present day storylines and how they weaved together. I think students who love animal stories will definitely be interested in this book, and I'll be purchasing it for my library collection.

[Michelle Kadarusman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with little Westie, Harvey, on the first page. But this is so much more than a simple story for dog lovers. Colleen Nelson has deftly woven multiple narratives and time periods, and delivered an emotionally taut, compassionately drawn, tale of loss, loyalty and inter-generational friendships. I was fascinated to spend time on the Pickering farm and learn about the Dustbowl years on the Canadian prairies. An added bonus was to read of the origins and author's connection to the historical period (General was real!!). This is the kind of book you feel the wiser for reading and want to encourage others to experience, young and old.

[Karine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books is wonderful, it made me worried, then got me mad, and then I was happy, and I even started to cry. Seeing this story being told through Harvey (the dog), Maggie (the owner), Austin (the rescuer) and hearing the beautiful story that Mr. Pickering tells Austin is so beautiful. The end when everything is explained, in my opinion the author chose the best ending and truly wrote a wonderful book.

[Christopher Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will be a difficult review, as there was a lot to like in this book - but I also have a few small issues with it.

Let's start with the issues. The first is probably the manner in which the story works - we meet Harvey, who accidentally runs away from home and is lost, only to be found by a young boy called Austin, who doesn't want to give him back to his rightful owner. But the majority of the book is about a different character and his memories of growing up in depression-era America. That's fine, but instead of showing this story through a flashback structure, the story is told to young Austin - and I don't quite believe that a man in his nineties would be able to tie a story like that together so convincingly, inventing dialogue and all the little details that go with it. I understand that the writer wanted Austin and Harvey to be present in these chapters, but I think there was a better way to go about it.

The second issue is that there is a massive change in tone towards the end. The story is written in a very young reader-friendly way, right until the end; one dog has a leg amputated, and the father of one of the other characters is found dead, with maggots crawling on his skin. This comes out of nowhere, and if my 8-year-old had been reading the story, this could have had a bad effect on her.

The final issue is that the story races towards its conclusion, and for this there needs to be a deus ex machina (some unknown character - unless I missed something - mentions that they'd seen Harvey on the other side of town, which puts Harvey's owner and his current guardian together, without Austin ever having to really grapple with his conscience and decide to return the dog) and the old man who had been telling the story then passes away - which works to an extent, but the idea of him suddenly wanting to go outside seems just a touch too neat.

These are my main concerns, but with those points borne in mind I would still recommend this book to slightly older readers - say, 11 or 12 years of age and up - because there is a good story here, and good characters; I know that Colleen Nelson has written a sequel to the tale, and if I come across a copy, I'll certainly read it,

[Vonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book grew on me the further into the story I got. The stories told are very captivating and remind me a bit of The Little House on the Prairie books. I would recommend this book for late elementary/middle school.

Austin is a boy who volunteers at a nursing home where his grandfather works. Maggie is a girl across town whose family goes on vacation. While gone, Maggie’s dog, Harvey, escapes from the young lady who is caring for him. Austin ends up finding Harvey and takes him in. Harvey spends most of his time with Austin at the nursing home, visiting the residents. Austin really wants to keep Harvey, so he lies to his grandfather so his grandfather thinks he can’t find the owners. Over time, one of the nursing home residents, Mr. Pickering tells Austin about the hardships he faced growing up during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. It’s these stories from Mr. Pickering that bring the story to life.

Several cautions for sensitive readers - Bertie, a young girl in the story has a drinking father who abandons her. She lives alone and because of the lack of food during the dust bowl and she struggles to survive. There are also a couple of instances of death - a pet that dies from an attack of wild, hungry animals and Bertie’s father dies. There is a difficult scene surrounding that discovery.

I believe this story is based on true information found in the author’s family history. I found the story engaging and would recommend it.

I received an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cover and title of this book might lead readers to anticipate a sweet little story of a runaway dog who is desperate to make his way home. It's so much more than that, and I found myself tearing up at various points as I read this story about a smart Westie. When his human companion, Maggie, is away on a trip with her family, Harvey follows the scent and path of a squirrel out of his yard and ends up further and further away from home. Olivia, the girl who was supposed to watch him, had failed to latch the gate. Eventually, he ends up outside Brayside, an assisted living facility where a boy named Austin is volunteering. Austin knows that Harvey must belong to someone, but he's hoping to keep him just the same. Harvey becomes the bridge between Austin and Mr. Pickering, a miserable elderly man avoided by just about everyone because of his temper and grumpiness. As the three spend time together, Mr. Walter Pickering slowly tells stories from his youth about his beloved dog, General, the rough times during the Great Depression and its aftermath on the prairies, and a girl named Bertie, who the old man regretted having let down time and time again when he was young. The chapters alternate from the perspectives of Austin, Harvey, and Maggie, an effective device since it allows readers to develop an understanding of the emotions and behaviors of the characters. This one will tug at readers' heartstrings and blow them away at certain parts.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first glance at this cover, you’ll think “Oh, a super cute dog with an equally adorable name goes missing?” and you’d be right…except his journey is unlike any other “dog book” I’ve read.  HARVEY COMES HOME by Colleen Nelson is an emotional story of love and loss told through alternating chapters from three different perspectives—Harvey, Maggie (Harvey’s owner), and Austin.  Curious Harvey gets lost in pursuit of a feisty squirrel and is found by Austin, a young boy who assists his grandfather at his job at a retirement home.  When Austin brings Harvey to the facility, the cuddly dog takes a liking to the oldest resident, Mr. Pickering, a grumpy, lonely man who has lived there for fifteen years. Harvey triggers memories for Mr. Pickering and readers are given a window into the difficult and trying times of the Great Depression where recollection of dust storms, poverty, and hunger will surely bring upon empathetic feelings.  Encouraged by Harvey, Mr. Pickering finds comfort and strength to discuss his childhood memories which happen to be inspired by the author’s own grandfather.  The superb illustrations by Tara Anderson draw readers further into the story and serve as reflections for the pages on which they appear. Heartbreaking, and sometimes tough to read, HARVEY COMES HOME is a poignant examination of the undeniable bonds of friendship—furry or otherwise—and the loyal, caring support that is shared to lift each other up.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the Kid Lit Exchange network and Pajama Press for the review copy of Harvey Comes Home by Colleen Nelson and illustrated by Tara Anderson. All opinions are my own.

Harvey, a West Highland Terrier, escapes his yard to chase a squirrel but becomes hopelessly lost. He wanders around town and eventually comes to rest outside Brayside Retirement Villa where Austin finds him. Austin is a young boy that helps his grandpa clean Brayside as a punishment for bringing firecrackers to school. Austin’s mom and grandpa agree to let Austin keep Harvey while they search for the owner. However, when it comes time to take Harvey to check for a microchip, Austin chickens out. He lies to his mom and grandpa and tells them that they couldn’t find Harvey’s owner. Meanwhile, Maggie, Harvey’s owner, misses her dog dearly and searches for him. Across town, Austin and Harvey become close, and Austin tries to convince himself that he is doing the right thing by keeping Harvey. Then Austin realizes that Harvey is the key to getting cranky, old Mr. Pickering to open up about his past and his trusty dog named General. Will Mr. Pickering’s stories be enough to convince Austin to do the right thing?

I absolutely adored this sweet tale of a dog bringing people together. Colleen Nelson does a beautiful job of weaving a tale that includes tough choices, heartbreak, and hope. This book would be fantastic for teaching or reviewing point of view since the chapters alternate between three different perspectives: Harvey, Austin, and Maggie. As a social studies teacher, I also enjoyed that this book included some information about the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. This book would be ideal for grades 3 – 6.

[Shazza Maddog · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for middle school or slightly younger kids about Maggie, a girl going on vacation, her dog, Harvey, a West HIghland Terrier, and Austin, a boy who really wants a dog of his own.

When Maggie and her family go on holiday, they hire Olivia to stay at the house and watch Harvey. Harvey, however, breaks out of the yard chasing a squirrel and after that, follows his nose as a dog is wont to do. Unfortunately, he doesn't know how to get back home.

On the run long enough to look more like a stray, Harvey shows up at the Braymore, an assisted living/nursing home/retirement home where Austin works with his grandpa. Austin and Grandpa get Harvey cleaned up but Austin lies about taking Harvey to animal control to find out if he's chipped or not. Instead, he and Grandpa keep Harvey at the Braymore during the day and at their apartment at night and Harvey becomes attached to one of the men, Mr. Parrish, in the home. Mr. Parrish had a dog, General, who is missing a leg and Austin asks about it, leading to Mr. Parrish telling Austin (and Harvey) about his childhood, with his best friend, a girl named Bertie, and General, during the Dust Bowl era.

Meanwhile, Maggie and her family have returned home and Maggie finds out Harvey's gone missing. Maggie is determined to find her dog - as determined as Austin is to keep him.

A lovely little story with some heartbreak but a happy-ish ending.

[Michelle Mallette · Rating 5 out of 5]

See my full review here.
This is a terrific children’s book that is a tale within a tale, offering multiple perspectives when a beloved little West Highland Terrier named Harvey escapes his yard, eventually rescued by 11-year-old Austin. Austin falls hard for Harvey, and is trying to find a way to keep the little scamp, despite his mother’s insistence otherwise. Meanwhile, Harvey’s real owner Maggie is devastated when she finds out her dog is missing, and does everything she can to find him. Harvey also works his magic on Mr. Pickering, a resident at a care home where Austin volunteers to help his Grandpa. Mr. Pickering shares stories of growing up in Saskatchewan during the 1930s, accompanied by his dog General and his best friend Bertie. It’s not an easy story, reminiscent of Old Yeller and Black Beauty, so keep that in mind when considering this for youngsters. Great writing, authentic and painful at times, sweet but never saccharine. Just a terrific novel for kids, highly recommended. My thanks to Pajama Press for the digital reading copy provided through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. One note – my digital copy did not have any illustrations; the print copy features work by Tara Anderson.

[Maura · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 6 year old son and I read this together, and we both loved it, especially the chapters from Harvey's perspective, which were refreshingly unique. We both also loved the chapters with stories from Mr. Pickering. I especially appreciate books which help young children gain a better understanding of dementia and all we can learn from our elders.

The historical elements of Mr. Pickering's stories were vividly rendered, helping my 6 year old have a greater understanding of the challenges of living through the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. One chapter was *really* scary, but I only chose to skip a couple of sentences that describe a death with more vivid pictures than I want my 6 year old to picture, but it's definitely a totally acceptable book for slightly older kids - 4th grade and up, for sure, plus more mature 3rd graders, and 99% of it was fine to read together with 6 year old, providing some context and discussion after difficult chapters. A wonderful, sweet, beautifully written chapter book showing how a dog can open hearts and how taking time to hear each other's stories can enrich our lives.

[Sheridan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute, heartwarming addition to this year's RMBA nominees. I had goosebumps for several of the last chapters and think this could have a meaningful impact on some of my students.
I did think that the narrative splicing of Mr. Pickering's story with Harvey's felt a bit drawn out - but in a realistic way. Anyone with elderly family members will recognize the mix of frustration, worry, and fondness that Austin feels whenever Mr. Pickering nods off in the midst of their conversations.
This might be a good book to introduce conversations of hardships & loss with your young ones. It would be an excellent way to transition into any sort of volunteer work (letter writing counts!) with care homes, I'm sure!

Many of my students wanted warnings/spoilers regarding the dogs in the story - and several refused to read it once they learn of the death of one, but those who have read it so far have really loved this sweet cast of characters. My 3/5 rating is simply because the story hasn't stayed with me like some of the others in this nomination category have. I think my 6s will like this best, as it reads a little young, but some 7s might pick it up as well!

[Amelia Curry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very heart-warming and detailed. Even as a kid only participating in the Silver Birch reading club, this book was near perfect, but in this review I will only talk about what I enjoyed and didn't.
1-This book has a very unique way of writing. Like the book "Wonder" each chapter is from a different point of view. I find this helpful so you know how each character is feeling in each situation. I also like that it doesn't have each persons point of view on one situation, making it drag out a bit too long.
2-The detail in this book, in my opinion, is very nice. It lets you picture what the Author wanted you too see. Though, in some scenes, the details seemed to be the downfall. Like what happened to Bertie's dad, and how General died, or how he lost his leg.
3-I like the way it explains the Risks and Consequences that happen. Like how Austin ended up working at Brayside. It gives you a good view so you're not wondering, "How did we get here?? What's going on?"
Thank you for listening to my review, if you did, and keep up the good work!
~To all the good read participants reading this review, and the author and illustrator for this book. Sincerely, Amelia.

[Sylvia McNicoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

You might be surprised how many kids read the ending first because they can't take too much tension--I was and am that kid and have surveyed many of my young readers to find out they are too. So I took great solace in the title which indicates no harm comes to Harvey, the spunky and loving Westie. With very cute illustrations by Tara Anderson and a stunning in-time-for-Christmas red hard cover design by Rebecca Bender, this would make a great read aloud for 8-100 year olds or an independent read for the 9-11 year old animal lover.

The three narrative strands of dog, owner and finder of the lost Westie--combine to give a perspective of the value of seniors and their stories as well as the value of all-accepting pets who inspire self esteem and foster intergenerational friendships.

[M.L. Little · Rating 4 out of 5]

@kidlitexchange #partner: Harvey Comes Home by Colleen Nelson. Available now through @pajamapressbooks.
——————-
Who doesn’t love a Westie? I sure do and this book has all the charm of one. When curious Harvey gets away from a petsitter, he finds himself far from home and in the care of a boy named Austin whose grandfather runs a retirement home. Harvey moves right in among the residents, bringing grumpy Mr. Pickering out of his shell and teaching Austin a thing or two about people.
The story is told in four perspectives: Harvey’s frantic owner, Molly; Austin, Harvey, and Mr. Pickering as he recounts his boyhood. I loved the parallel storyline of young Walt Pickering and his dog, General.
This cute story is on sale now! Thank you @kidlitexchange for the review copy-all opinions are my own.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harvey is a West Highland Terrier who manages to sneak out of the yard when his owners are away on vacation and he is being cared for by a temporary sitter. He's found by a young boy named Austin who adores Harvey and brings him into the Brayside retirement home where he volunteers. Harvey is a hit with many of the people living there but especially with one reticent old man with whom Austin had never been able to make a connection before. However, when Harvey's young owner comes home from vacation and finds him missing, she is devastated.
This is a sweet story about the connections that animals/pets can give us as well as how important the stories of the elders are if we take the time to listen. Grades 3-6
(A bit predictable, which some will take comfort in and others will despise. Spoiler: the dog does NOT come to any harm!!!)

[Sandy Wilmering · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Maggie and her family go on a trip, they arrange for someone to look after her beloved dog, Harvey. However, Harvey becomes lost after his caretaker forgets to close the back gate. Harvey is eventually found outside of a retirement home by Austin, who does jobs there after school for his grandfather. This is a story about the unconditional love of a dog, and their ability to open what seems like the hardest of hearts. The book also discusses friendships, loss, memories, and regret. The perspectives in chapters alternate between Maggie, Austin, and Harvey himself. To me, the book is really about Austin, and how Harvey changes his perspective about the people around him. I was disappointed with Harvey and Maggie's reunion: I would have preferred it to have been a result of Austin doing the right thing, especially with everything he learned from Mr. Pickering.

[Colline Vinay Kook-Chun · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Harvey, the dog, is told alongside that of Mr. Pickering, a senior at the Brayside retirement home, and a young boy named Austin. Through these stories, readers will not only experience adventure but they will also learn what it looks like to be empathetic (as well as learn a little history). Austen is a young boy who slowly learns the importance of listening to others and of being empathetic to both Mr. Pickering and Maggie, Harvey’s unknown owner.

Young readers will love this story of a dog who goes on an adventure. They will connect, as well, with both Maggie and Austen especially if they own a dog or would like to own one. Harvey Comes Home is a story that will touch the hearts of young readers and encourage them to follow Harvey in more of his adventures.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Saturday well spent. I started this book in the morning and couldn’t put it down...and I’m not even really a dog person. This is a book for dog lovers. The ones that understand the bond between a person and dog. I loved how well layered this story was. There’s the missing dog story that goes about how you’d expect, except along the way there’s the story of another dog decades earlier, there’s the story of an old man learning to open up and a boy learning a new perspective, there’s a look at life during the dust bowl...there’s history and connection and dogs bringing them all together. Well paced and well written. I closed it with tears in my eyes.

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harvey is an adorable westie who runs away from his keeper when his family is away from home on vacation. He is found by Austin, a young boy who works after school at a retirement home. Austin is supposed to take Harvey to a shelter, but doesn't, and lies about it. Harvey spends his days at a care center for seniors. Through him Austin gets to know the cranky Mr Pickering who ends up telling him stories about living on the Canadian Prairies during the 1930's. Meanwhile, Maggie, Harvey's real owner, has returned from vacation and is searching for him.
I became so emotionally engaged in the different story lines that I ended up with leaking eyes.

[Cromaine Library]

When his owner leaves for a vacation, Harvey the dog slips out the gate to find her. Along the way, a boy working at a retirement home picks him up to take care of him.

This slim book packed a huge emotional punch. All of the perspectives were well done, and I especially liked Austin's interactions with Mr Pickering, who had dementia. Moral dilemmas were presented in an age-appropriate way, and glimpses of the 1930s were written in such a way that the reader was transported back in time. This is such a sweet story!

Recommended by librarian Heather