often seen in the street without a hat

Sorry, I misunderstood and thought you were new to Harnett. When I first read them I think I barely knew where the Isle of Wight was (though that's Woolpack, I think)! Can't remember how old I was when I first read them, probably more than 8 as we didn't get to use the school library much until we were 10, but anyway I very rarely accepted anyone's recommendations as a child - is your 8-year-old the same?