Loved this! Read longside my 9 year old daughter, this was a laugh out loud page-turner that had us both in stitches as we followed the exploits of main character Harper, and the drama that unfolds in her refreshingly chaotic and imperfect family life.
Whether it was her film-producer uncle and his exploits, or her brother's hairstyling routine, the pace and wisecracks were frenetic and so much fun that we giggled like loons as we read!
I loved the wit and viewpoint of Harper and her take on life around her. The observations, asides and conversations were hilarious; her descriptions of her family and their foibles guaranteed to have you cracking a grin as she adjust her 'Drew dial' to measure each situation that arises.
The diary style entries are a key element, adding to the voice that Kathy Weeks has created in Harper, and perfect for fans of 'Wimpy Kid', 'Dork Diaries', Tom Gates and similar.
Don't be fooled though, this isn't just a comedy...Harper's determination, attitude and ability to cope with life touch on some more serious issues (family and friend relationships, difficult situations, and the chaos that life throws at her), and will engage and be familiar to many a reader at the upper end of primary. For those not quite ready for teen drama, but still facing issues and dealing with their own experiences, too, this book fits the niche nicely.
My favourite part was the observations that Harper makes about her family. Recognising the love/hate relationships, and the embarrassment that can be caused by relatives to siblings/children was one of the most enjoyable aspects (although I obviously didn't see myself in any part of dad!!).
Isla's favourite part were the animal cameos adventure ( no spoilers, but the llamas and Kate Middleton's (a cat, don't worry!) antics in particular).
The engaging text format ( bubble writing, capitals, the diary style/layout) and the brilliantly fun illustrations from Aleksei Bitskoff are also highlights of this fab book.
Thanks to Hachette for having me on the blogtour....find out what other fans have to say at the following stops on social media:
Find out more about the book from the Hachette website: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/aleksei-bitskoff/whats-new-harper-drew/9781444961782/?lens=hcgdivision
Author, Kathy Weeks, is on Twitter as @KathyWeeks1977
Thanks again to Hannah at Hachette for my copy 🙏📚
Review by Rich Simpson (@richreadalot) January 2022 for the book blogtour. All opinions my own.