October 2022, The Book Guild Ltd, 26 pages, Paperback, Review copy
Book summary
The View From Here is all about Harriet, a beautiful pink toy hippo, who goes to live with a little girl called Alice.
Harriet has been bought for Alice as a birthday present by her father at the Henley Regatta and she leads a very glamorous lifestyle until Alice is given a computer for her 7th birthday.
Suddenly, Harriet is no longer the apple of Alice's eye but a 'has been hippo' languishing on top of a dusty wardrobe.
How can she make Alice love her again...
Nayu's thoughts
I love how real this tale is. We all have had toys that are favoured more than most. I felt the reason for Harriet's abandonment is very true for some children, technology can overtake their young world and toys get ignored in favour of watching shows online or playing games. I grew up when computers were only just starting to get popular so most of my childhood was spent without screens. However, there were a few toys that would stay on the top shelf, loved from afar just not always played with. That's why I love how real this tale is.
Harriet's sentiments are relatable and exactly how toys must feel when loved a little less as some grow up. Thanfully Alice eventually sees sense and remembers the fun she had with Harriet, and takes her down permanently to play with by the end. I love the soft illustration style which has a timeless quality. While not exactly a picture book there is a picture on every page alongsitde the clear text.
Suggested read
Another feel good read about toys is Happy Birthday Old Bear by Jane Hissey (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)
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