HENRY AND THE SOMETHING NEW
By: Jenn Bailey
Illustrated by: Mika Song
Published: March 19, 2024
Publisher: Chronicle Kids
Fiction
For kids like Henry, regular routines are important. So, when a big field trip is planned at school, Henry is both worried and excited. Henry is worried about riding the really loud school bus, but he is also excited about going to the museum. Henry loves dinosaurs and there will be dinosaurs at the museum, but he also loves books and he could just stay at school and be in the library with all the books.
This early chapter book with just five illustrated chapters, continues the story of Henry, a child on the autism spectrum, in the award-winning Henry series. Henry, like other kids on the spectrum, has to sometimes try new things, especially when it might mean doing things they really don’t like. For example, riding a loud bus was overwhelming for Henry, but his friend Katie made sure he had a place to sit.
Upon arrival at the museum, everyone had ideas about what to see first. All Henry wanted to see was the dinosaurs, but he wasn’t able to say it. So, they saw bugs and insects and then rocks and space suits. Finally, Henry shouted he wanted to see the dinosaurs but they still couldn’t get to the dinosaur room. Henry was getting frustrated.
Henry did eventually get to see the dinosaurs, but he was also very concerned about following the rules and being on time. If you have a Henry in your life or your child’s classroom, this series helps kids understand how children on the autism spectrum may think or feel about certain things. Understanding why a child may be upset about a change in the routine, or why someone isn’t following the rules, or how a child can be focused on only doing one particular thing will make responding and respecting kids on the spectrum so much easier. Don’t miss this Henry series written for kids in elementary school.
Jenn Bailey is an author, editor, blue-ribbon pie baker, and eager traveler. She received her MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Born and raised in Rhode Island, she now calls Leawood, Kansas, home. Although her kids insisted on growing up, she and her husband, Kevin, still share their space with numerous cats and dogs. Check out her website, HERE.
Mika Song grew up in Manila, Philippines, and Honolulu, Hawaii. She moved to New York to attend Pratt Institute and worked in animation before making children’s books. She lives in New York City with her husband and daughter. Check out her website, HERE.
To purchase a copy of HENRY AND THE SOMETHING NEW, click HERE.
Other posts you might like:
Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to make a purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.
Check out my review policy, HERE.
Posted Under Autism, Book Review, chapter books, Children's books, fiction, Jenn Bailey, Mika Song