The Sea View Hotel

by James Stevenson

Book Overview

"Hubert the mouse is disappointed when he arrives at a resort to find that there are no children. Happily he teams up with Alf, the canine handyman, and has a delightful time."--Booklist. "Simplicity,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0688134696
• ISBN13: 9780688134693
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.93 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.4" x 10.2"
• Age Range: 5 years and up
• Grade Range: Preschool and higher

Customer Reviews

Fun is Where You Find It! (4 1/2 *)

Another winner from James Stevenson!Set at the turn of the 19 th century, this story is a visual delight with a light-hearted message for kids and adults alike. Little mouse Hubert and his rather straight-laced parents vacation at a seaside resort (a beautifully pictured Victorian). Hubert discovers that he's the only kid there, and that the other animal guests are not very interested in him.Then, Hubert has the good fortune (and the curiosity) to meet Alf, the hotel groundskeeper. He shows Hubert that "there's plenty to do around here...but you have to keep your eyes peeled." Together they enjoys some unexpected joys of nature, and Hubert takes a thrilling ride in Alf's homemade glider.My five-year-old and I enjoyed this very much. The pictures of late 19th century houses and trains are richly detailed, from the candelabras to the stenciled ceilings. Stevenson effectively conveys how joy can be found in seemingly boring places. It takes some curiosity,and sometimes some adult guidance to discover that joy. A fun book for kids and adults: Highly recommended!

A winner with four-year olds

This is the book that grows on you, as a parent. My older child received it as a gift when she was around 4. I didn't see much to it, but my daughter asked to read it over and over again. By the hundredth reading I came to see that to a four year old Hubert's entertainments, while rather ordinary activities, are quite engrossing. The message that friends come in all ages and where you least expect them is quite reassuring. When my second child became addicted to the book I realized it was a real winner. Both my kids like to read it night after night -- both around the age of four. Hubert's activities are interesting to them, and the beach hotel setting is just a little bit exotic. I suppose fuddy-duddy parent characters are to be expected. Maybe to the kids they don't look any more fuddy-duddy than their own! The illustrations are wonderful, and kids like the cartoon aspect of the text.