Harry and the Hot Lava

Chris Robertson has written and illustrated a wonderfully whimsical picture book that has the main character, Harry, frantically attempting to avoid the hot lava which is flowing all over the floors in his house. We see Harry (inspired by the author’s own son, Benton) ducking into the bathtub, jumping onto a coffee table, trying to balance on one unaffected tile in the kitchen, and cowering on the top bunk of a bunkbed trying to escape the dangerous red-hot liquid. Phew! Even I was nervous for the little boy in the story (don’t worry, nobody gets harmed!)

The book features the amazing artistry of Chris Robinson who has most recently penned and illustrated the widely-acclaimed picture book My Yellow Umbrella. In his distinctive style, Robertson has us leaping, ducking, and carefully avoiding “the hottest most dangerous liquid known to man” along with Harry. FANTASTIC ILLUSTRATIONS! As an extra delight, the author even makes a cameo appearance in the book at the very end.

My Bottom Line: Harry and the Hot Lava is a wonderfully-illustrated and highly imaginative journey into the mind of Harry, a young boy playing “don’t step in the lava” – a timeless game with many variations, gleefully played by children all over the world. I highly recommend this clever book to children ages 3 to 8 and encourage parents to feed their own imaginations and join their kids in a game of “Don’t Step In The Lava!”

Watch out! The hot lava's coming!!! Did you bounce from table to couch or pillow to pillow to escape hot lava as a kid? This story brings back those wonderful days of imagination (for us adults, at least). For kids, this is exactly the thing they love to play. Run! The hot lava's here!

This is a lovely story for children of all ages, which hits them in a world they understand - play time fantasy. The illustrations are colorful and fun to watch. . .especially when Harry screams 'Hot Lava!' All my nieces and nephews squealed with delight and asked to read it again and again just so they could scream with Harry.

In other words. this is a terrific picture book that I can really recommend for all children. It's simply fun to read!

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

There is no denying that I love Chris Robertson. I love his artwork and the way he captures childhood in the pages of a book. Harry and the Hot Lava is a charming picture book about a young boy with a wild imagination. Kids will love this simple story that depicts a common childhood game requiring nothing more than the desire to play. Kids will enjoy the familiar theme and the bright colors of the illustrations.

My kids are big fans of Chris Robertson and they always ask to read his books over and over again. His illustrations remind me of cartoons from when I was little, yet they are fresh and modern enough to appeal to my kids as well.

Honestly, you can't go wrong with one of Chris Robertson's books.

Source: The author sent a digital copy of this book to me in exchange for an honest review.

Chris Robertson delivers an imaginative and playful tale of a boy named Harry, who is determined to avoid the hot lava that seems to be following him everywhere. The Author’s illustrations are beautifully adapted to the story, and we can see and almost feel the hot lava as Harry struggles to make his way to the safety of his Mom.

The character of Harry is inspired by, and dedicated to, his son Benton; the author makes an appearance at the end of the book, joining in the fun and imaginative story. The author validates the importance of parents in helping their children to develop their imagination, and encouraging them by joining in the fun. I highly recommend this book for children and their parents as encouragement to spend time together in a world they create.

The most enjoyable times I had with my son when he was young were engaging in all his creative games, and just letting go and enjoying his company. These are truly the times my son and I will always remember.

This is a wonderful picture book for early readers, full of fun little-boy "drama" and full-page illustrations that are energized with color and motion. Chris Robertson's artistic abilities and imagination shines in Harry and the Hot Lava.