Harry Goes Rowing - Paperback

Harry Goes Rowing - A Philadelphia Rowing Adventure

Harry Goes Rowing brings Philadelphia's rich rowing heritage to life through the eyes of Harry, a carousel horse who discovers the importance of leadership and teamwork on the water. Written for children ages 3-8, this illustrated children's book combines local history with valuable life lessons about self-confidence and finding your place on a team.

The Story

When Harry and his carousel horse friends begin learning to row, the Coach assigns Harry a special role: cox, the person who steers the boat and calls the rhythm. Harry feels disappointed, believing he was chosen only because of his small size. Through a dream encounter with Will, Harry learns that the cox holds one of the most important positions in rowing—the one who can win or lose the race. As Harry embraces his role and masters the skills of a cox, he discovers that leadership comes in many forms.

Educational Value

This picture book teaches children about:

• Leadership roles and their importance in team settings
• Building self-confidence when facing new challenges
• Teamwork and how different positions contribute to success
• Philadelphia's historical connection to rowing culture
• The artistic legacy of Thomas Eakins and his famous rowing paintings

Philadelphia Heritage

The story draws inspiration from Thomas Eakins' celebrated paintings of rowing scenes along the Schuylkill River. Real Life Notes at the end of the book describe the Philadelphia landmarks, rowing events, and the specific Eakins painting that inspired Harry's adventure. These notes provide parents and educators with conversation starters about local history and art appreciation.

Perfect For

Harry Goes Rowing works well as a bedtime story, classroom read-aloud, or gift for young readers interested in sports, animals, or Philadelphia history. The illustrated format keeps children engaged while the narrative addresses emotions and feelings that resonate with kids navigating their own social situations and team dynamics.

Book Details

Paperback format, published by Jumping Horse Press. Written by Karin Tetlow with illustrations that bring Harry and his carousel friends to life on every page.