Release: November 3, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Annick Press
Source: Netgalley
Find it at: Amazon, B&N, TBD
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Imaginative, self-confident, remarkable Mimi steps into the spotlight in this charming debut with an emotional heart.
If you were to imagine a rare moment of destiny, I bet you wouldn’t imagine it in a kitchen on an ordinary Wednesday. I bet you wouldn’t imagine a plate of cheese and crackers or a replacement best friend, but this was my moment. Because when my Dad left to be a trick high diver in Mr. Morelli’s Big Top Circus , he left his ordinary life to achieve his singular destiny. Grandma didn’t realize she had just handed me the key to my momentous life.
Mimi is the expert in all things odd, like snow days, blue raspberry candy, and especially her dad, who recently joined the circus. And she’s sure he’ll be back to recruit her once she proves how special she can be. With her new hamster as her assistant, Mimi starts rehearsals for a marvelous mime show. But her moody older brother and needy ex best friend, not to mention memories of the day her dad left home, keep interfering with her plans.
Still, Mimi throws herself into her act. Everything has to be perfect for her dad’s return, even if no one but her hamster believes in her. Even if Mimi is starting to doubt her own story, too.
Debut author Eliza Martin’s weird characters are brought to life by Anna Bron’s lovable art in this charming novel about savoring the not so ordinary in even the most difficult moments.
About the Author:
Eliza was born and raised in Toronto’s east end. She
graduated from Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts .Then She graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts as Theatre Specialist, English Major from the University of Toronto and an Acting Diploma from Sheridan College. She began working with children and youth through the arts as well as education early in her career. And she is currently studying for her Master of Arts in Child and Youth Care at Ryerson University
Besides, she is a writer, theatre artist, and arts educator. She works with children and youth in Toronto, Ontario. Harvey and the Extraordinary, based on her 2018 play, is her debut novel.
ANNA BRON studied traditional animation at Sheridan College. She has animated, designed, and directed commercials and short films. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Harvey and the Extraordinary Review:
“Harvey and the Extraordinary” is a beautiful middle-grade realistic fiction that makes you go through various emotions, and the story impacted me.
Mimi is adorable in the lead. I loved her drive to be extraordinary and be unique. I feel that is a beautiful outlook to have in life and a great way to follow your dreams. Similarly, I adored Patricia and Grandma. They root for Mimi no matter what, and Patricia showed her what it is to be a true friend. Harvey is also cute as the pet hamster who helps the family come together. Even Dominic is a memorable character, and it was interesting to see how the children in the story coped with the loss in a different manner.
Moreover, I loved the author’s writing style and thought she did an excellent job for a debut novel! She touches on some critical subjects of moving on, self-acceptance, and finding out who your true friends are. I enjoyed how the story flashbacks between the past to find out what happened for Mimi to be in the situation she finds herself in. Moreover, the author maintains a mystery about the father, where you don’t know what happened to him.
Similarly, I also loved the illustrations by Anna Bron and thought they complimented the story beautifully. I received an advanced copy of the book for my review, and even though some pictures were not available, I loved the ones added.
Overall, “Harvey and the Extraordinary” is a beautiful story that touches your heart. I highly recommend it and know you will enjoy it if you are a fan of Kate DiCamillo’s novels.
