About This Book
Reach for this book when the house is filled with 'He's being mean!' or 'She's stupid!' and your children seem trapped in a cycle of competitive bickering. It is a lifeline for parents who want to validate their children's frustration while showing them that the 'secret hideouts' we build to keep others out often end up becoming lonely prisons. This classic story follows Harvey and his older sister Mildred, two muskrats who are locked in a battle of petty insults and exclusion. As they each go off to play in secret, they eventually realize that their solo fun is lacking one vital ingredient: each other. It is a gentle, humorous look at the reality of sibling dynamics, perfect for children aged 4 to 8. You might choose it because it avoids being preachy, instead using a relatable 'secret base' scenario to model how an apology can lead to a much better afternoon for everyone.
