Henry Hodges Needs a Friend is a sweet new story about a lonely little boy, and how he finds happiness when he gets a special new pet. More than that, its teaches little ones how God knows just what we need.
About the story:
From Andy Andrews, the best selling author of The Kid Who Changed the World, this hilarious rhyming story, complete with charming art, offers comfort to children who often feel left out or are in need of a good friend.
At some point, almost every child struggles with feeling like they don’t fit in or are left out—just like Henry Hodges. Henry is a lonely little boy on a lonely little street who longs for a friend. One day, his mother and father take him to a pet rescue shelter and his lonely world is changed! Told in a playful rhyme with adorable illustrations, this book will be a favorite among children and parents who love dogs and, ultimately, will comfort and encourage children who struggle with feeling accepted and finding friends.
Kids will want to read this whimsical and imaginative story again and again!
My Thoughts:
I think every person feels lonely at some point in their lives, and sometimes grown-ups might forget that this applies to kids too, just like Henry Hodges was feeling at the beginning of the story. Henry gets excited when his parents notice, and tell him that they’re going to “look high and low for the perfect new friend… a pet”
Between the colorful illustrations and lively Seussical-styled rhyming, Henry’s vivid imagination comes to life in the pages. Like many kids with vast imaginations, he pictures his perfect new friend (who his parents tell him will be one-of-a-kind just like he is) in so many ways- from a pig who climbs trees to a figure-skating hippo, and many other funny critters in between.
I enjoyed listening to my six year old Isaac read this story for the first time. He giggled through a lot of it, and told me his favorite character Henry imagined was a goldfish with antlers. Isaac was very happy with the perfect pet Henry and his family chose, which is a black and white puppy, because Isaac also has a big black and white dog Harley, who is definitely one of his buddies.
In the end, Henry realizes that God knew just what he needed, and his new puppy is perfect for him.
Does your family have a special pet that your kids love? Or maybe you remember one from your own childhood? I’d love the hear about it!
Giveaway ends 3/18/15 at 11:59PM
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Yes We had a pet for our daughters, a small mixed terrier named Skeeter. She was with us for 21 years!
j1man1r66@etex.net
Jennifer Rogers
As long as I can remember we always had a dog or two and at almost 80 I still have one. She's the sunshine in my day.
We had a Labrador/retriever named Zach when I was growing up. He used to watch for me at the same spot everyday when I walked home from school, I loved him so much. He died when he was 11 years old. I was married & expecting our first baby, I cried for 2 days.
My daughter and out cat Remy are always together
My kids favorite pet is their guinea pig Skippy
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Merry
My favorite pet in my life was the cat named Golden. He was so beautiful and friendly. I missed him a lot 🙁
Fiona N
My grandson loves our dog Freckles. He likes to hug her.
I had several special pets growing up, but our cat Betty Lou was especially close to me.
My first pet was my dog Sundown. I still remember her like it was yesterday. She was the most loving dog.
Carly D.
We have always had dogs. We have 2 now that are great friends with our 2 grandsons. But when my boys were little we got a Shar-pei and named him Jack the Ripple. My youngest son was two at the time. Jack lived for 17 1/2 years. Pretty much unheard of for Shar-peis. My sons literally grew up with him. It was hard for him to say goodbye when it was time.
I had a horse that was really special to me – we learned with each other as I was learning to ride and she was learning to be ridden!
i think pets are so vital to a child growing up; a companion and a best friend; someone to snuggle with; and someone to help keep the tears away when a child gets bullied or picked on or has a bad day! a pet always makes your day feel better
Our three animals are adopted and they each fill a special need in our family life.
my little niece loves our dog ki ki they are wonderful friends. thankyou, ken pohl19@comcast.net
I have adopted two cats from the shelter. One is spunky and free spirited and the other is thoughtful and reserved with spurts of crazy energy. They are awesome companions and I could not imagine life without them.
Taffy, our cocker spaniel, would sit beside me while I was potty training. So I was told.
theyyyguy@yahoo.com
I adopted a cat when I was nine years old. Lucky was my first cat and he lived to be fifteen years old. I was devastated when we had to put him down a few years ago due to kidney failure. I always looked forward to seeing him when I got home because he was always a great comfort and the sweetest cat.
We have always had dogs and everyone of them has been so special to us.
We have two kitties that I think belong to my daughter more than they belong to me anymore!
Browny was a cat that loved to go for fast walks on a harness and leash, followed close behind by Robin, who would not let him escape!
Our birds had some babies and the kids are so excited. It's amazing watching them hatch, grow and become feathered.
I had a cat when I was younger that I still miss.
I'm always looking for good children's books to read to my boys to help them, or teach them. I'll have to get this book to read to him, because he's just started school and I think he's a little overwhelmed. Thanks!