Harry and Willy and Carrothead

Harry was born with no left hand. When he got to school, the kids asked him what was wrong with his arm. "Nothing," said Harry. "That's my prosthesis."

Harry's hand didn't keep him from being a good baseball player — or a good friend. Harry and Willy and Carrothead are three of the most real kids you are apt to meet between book covers, and you will like them as much as they like each other!

Three boys overcome prejudicial ideas about appearances and become friends.

Harry was born with no left hand. When he got to school, the kids asked him what was wrong with his arm. "Nothing," said Harry. "That's my prosthesis."

Harry's hand didn't keep him from being a good baseball player — or a good friend. Harry and Willy and Carrothead are three of the most real kids you are apt to meet between book covers, and you will like them as much as they like each other!

Children's Literature

Caseley has a way of making a point through the creation of rounded characters. She most definitely does this in Harry and Willy and Carrothead where layers of understanding peel away like an onion. Harry, the first character to whom we are introduced, is born without a hand and arm. Almost from the beginning of his life, it is clear that this is not something that is a primary characterization of him. He is almost "super-normal" in his creativity and openness. He can discuss his prosthesis or defend a new friend with equal ease. The character with first apparent disability is Carrothead who hates his red hair and even more hates being teased by Willy. Upon examination, it is really the bullying Willy who has the strongest handicap! With sensitivity and sensibility, Caseley works her story around the characters until she attains friendship and understanding for all three.

Judith Caseley says, "When I was a little girl, I fell in love with Abraham Lincoln. I was drawn to the kindness and melancholy I saw in his face. My sister Jean and I prayed to a framed portrait of him that hung on our bedroom wall. To this day, when I see Lincoln's likeness on the wall of a school auditorium, my heart lifts with gladness or my eyes fill with tears. I remember the fierce secrets we told him, the joys and sorrows that were for his ears only. It was a private act of communion, and we called him A. L."

Judith Caseley is the author-artist of such favorite picture books as On the Town: A Community Adventure; Bully; Mama, Coming and Going; and Dear Annie. She lives on Long Island, New York, with her two children.