A wonderful tale of discovery, Hazel Pacheco Rosenthal’s Henry Wondered, has everything necessary for a children’s picture book classic: captivating and believable characterization; subtle, effective use of literary device (including a child favorite, onomatopoeia!); a highly interesting plot with lasting life lessons; and vibrant watercolor illustrations that capture the eye and imagination while perfectly complimenting the text.
Humor is seamlessly woven into the delightful tale through wordplay (a treat for the adult reading aloud) and Kim Sponaugle’s creative illustration. My favorite example of wordplay is when Henry’s “bestie,” good-natured Ernesto, approaches Henry while Henry is trying out a different ‘crest style’ that’s not working out so well, and says, “Bad plume day?” Also, because I read the book aloud, the rolled r’s when ‘Fede-r-r-r-ri-co’ speaks were especially fun. Two examples of humor in Sponaugle’s illustration are: Henry’s plume is shaped in an obvious question mark (he wonders) and Federico’s dramatic pose at the end of his flamenco dance—it cracked me up.
Rosenthal also masterfully utilizes repetition of the title phrase, “Henry wondered” throughout, with a poignant deviation upon Henry’s realization that he cannot be anything other than himself: “Henry didn’t have to wonder if trying to look sophisticated was a bad idea—it was!” Rosenthal’s subtle infusion of education for the young reader focuses on vocabulary-building, life lessons, and ornithology (birdlife!). As a bonus, she includes a glossary at the end of the book, so the young reader (and adult reader) has the benefit of a direct reference along with the context clues coupled with brilliant illustration clues found within the story.
Young readers will love identifying the shape of a heart in the wild sweet pea vines in the scene with Henry and Gloria, the “horn-playing insects” in the moonlight-gilded trees above the “fabulous flamenco dance party,” and the shooting star in the beautiful night sky at the end of the book.
Henry Wondered is the first in a promising series entitled, Henry and Friends. I, for one, am looking forward to Book 2!
I found this to be a funny and delightful story about the awkwardness of adolescence. Henry represents lots of boys who have a crush, but can’t seem to find the nerve to communicate and instead try to act and look like someone else. It’s a fun way of pointing out that being just you is just fine. Be confident in who you are as a person and watch what happens. The artwork in the book is a delight, bringing full and vibrant color to every page. The details in every picture will make young readers want to read this charming story over and over again. Henry Wondered, by Hazel Pacheco, takes a slice of life we call awkward adolescence, mixes it up with some crazy and mixed-up birds, and provides a great story filled with hilarity. Highly recommended.
Education meets entertainments in this children's tale centered around birds. This biology based book follows a a covey of quails in the Rio Grande bosque. Budding ornithologists will obsess over this adorable tale. This avian adventure follows Henry, a quail looking to catch the attention of Gloria, as he competes with newcomer, flamboyant Federico.
Federico is loud, slightly obnoxious and is the children's book version of Rico Suave. He thinks he is all that and a bag of chips. Unfortunately, he doesn't know the difference between flamingo and flamenco. The lady quails don't seem to notice or care. They are mesmerized by his dancing. Poor Henry feels invisible and unworthy of Gloria's attention. He heads off to try and discover ways to impress his love. He hopes to dance like the blue-footed booby, or change his hair like a grey-crowned crane. But Gloria still notices Henry and after deciding to ask Federico with help learning the flamenco, all the quail are having a fabulous dance party and Henry's heart is full and happy.
Henry's friend Ernesto is the comic relief of the book, a goofy, wise-cracking side character who always has a corny joke. Ernesto really could, and should, have his own series with a more humorous flair.
This book was filled with vivid illustrations by Kim Sponaugle that looked like a beautiful mix of watercolor and oil pastels. They were eye-catching and vibrant. Despite having cartoon-style faces, the birds and scenery were all drawn very realistically. She made the wildlife and beauty of the landscape come alive.
The prose was simple, the story was easy to follow and moved at a quick pace, and wrapped up with a fun ending. These are all important elements to keep young readers engaged. I love the theme of jealousy being explored, which is so important to discuss with young readers. Children experience jealousy with siblings and friends so they can easily connect to Henry's emotions in this book. Social-emotional themes in children's fiction are crucial ways to teach valuable life lessons. But this book also had a strong element of science and had an educational twist there too. There was a glossary of terms in the back telling readers all about the unknown vocabulary they may have encountered during the text. A special treat was hidden in the author's note at the very end, where the author explained her inspiration for this book came from her own childhood confusion over flamenco and flamingo, as well as nature in her native state of New Mexico.
A must have for classroom science libraries, social-emotional bookshelves and families.
