Lillian Hoban (1925-1998), one of America's favorite children's book illustrators, is best known for a young chimpanzee named Arthur and his little sister, Violet, and for illustrating six of Russell Hoban's books about Frances the badger, which have taken their place among the great classics of children's literature. Lillian Hoban was born in Philadelphia and attended the Philadelphia Museum School of Art. She studied dance for ten years and became a professional dancer. She began to write and illustrate her own stories only after having children, basing her tales on their experiences.
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.
