Hattie and the Wild Waves

by Barbara Cooney

Book Overview

Based on the life of the author's mother, "the daughter of an immigrant family that was industrious, affectionate, and successful. . . . An idyllic childhood . . . serves as a glamorous backdrop for... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0670830569
• ISBN13: 9780670830565
• Release Date: October 1990
• Publisher: Viking Children's Books
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 10.4" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 5 years and up
• Grade Range: Preschool and higher

Customer Reviews

Sweet story with a good conclusion

Hattie grows up in growing New York City, creating, participating with her wealthy family and occasionally talking about what she will do with her life. She accepts the changes her father goes through that affects her and she does her best with them.Finally, one day she makes her big announcement that she will become a painter. Thankfully, her family is happy with her choice and compares her to her famous painting grandfather, but Hattie is able to tell that she will be, "a painter like Me." My daughter appreciates the message that this creative, painting girl grows up to do what her heart tells her to do, in the way she plans.

A Must Read for Every Young Girl!

We had to finally buy this book, because I had simply borrowed it from the library too many times! Hattie who is from a well to do German immigrant family has a mind of her own. While her sister excels at all the correct things such as needlepoint and piano, Hattie has no interest and is off drawing pictures. She looks to the ocean, her lifelong friend, for reassurance that she is choosing the correct path. From the wonderful German traditions and occasional word to the detailed pictures of life at the turn of the century, Barbara Cooney has written a true joy to read.

too wonderful for words

I am a huge fan of Barbara Cooney, whose illustrations and words have made me want to travel like Miss Rumphius, live by the sea like Hattie, and read more biographies because of Eleanor(a role model of mine). Hattie and the Wild Waves tells of a little girlk whose wealthy family moves from seaside house to seaside house, each time with more passion from Hattie on her love for the sea. From her big sister's wedding to the pink card that tells her fortune, Hattie and her ambitious spirit will capture your heart, and the beautiful illustrations will capture your admiration. Read it. You will love it.