Henry and the Something New by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song. Chronicle Books, 2024. 9781797213903
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Realistic fiction
What did you like about the book? Henry’s class is getting ready for their field trip, and Henry is apprehensive. He briefly contemplates staying at school in the safe and comfortable library, but the prospect of seeing the dinosaur exhibit at the museum wins out. The day presents many challenges for him; he has never ridden on a bus before, and he has a hard time expressing himself to his classmates and chaperone. Still, he stays with his group, learns about rocks, bugs, and mummies, keeps his frustration (mostly) in check, and is ultimately rewarded by both dinosaurs and ice cream.
This sequel to the 2024 Schneider Family Award and Geisel Honor winner Henry Like Always is sure to be equally well-received. Anxiety about the unknown is a universal theme that all children can relate to; it is easy to celebrate Henry’s small victories over everyday worries such as a noisy bus and the fear of getting lost. Though not specifically named, Henry is on the autism spectrum and the gentle narration reflects his thought processes and strategies for dealing with the many variables presented to him by the field trip. Readers who are already familiar with Henry will be happy for a cameo appearance by Katie, Henry’s first friend at school, and love the way he reacts when his group finally arrives at the Dinosaur Hall, by wrapping his arms around himself because “there was a lot of happy to hold inside.” Five short chapters make for a good choice for reading aloud or independently, and the watercolor and ink illustrations, in black and white and soft green, bring life to Henry’s adventure.
Anything you did not like about the book? No
To whom would you recommend this book? A good fit for readers in kindergarten through 2nd grade, especially those who have enjoyed the previous picture book and chapter book about Henry.
Who should buy this book? Public and elementary school libraries
Where would you shelve it? Early chapter books
Should we (librarians) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? No
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City: Leigh Russell King, Lincoln Street School, Northborough, Massachusetts.
Date of review: April 20, 2024
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