As the title tells you, Henry needs a friend. His parents decide that friend needs to be a pet. Henry thinks long and hard about all the random pets it could be, including a backpack cow that gives chocolate milk and an ice skating hippo. After a trip to the shelter, Henry finds his perfect friend.

This is a sweet book to give to a child who is getting a new pet. There is a place in the book to put who it is to and from. The silly possible animals makes it fun to read aloud. One of my favorite things in the book is the dedication to a children's librarian who has changed so many lives. Overall, the sweet story is a win. Some of the rhymes seem a bit stretched, but nothing was horrible. The illustrations are simple but cute. While it isn't in my top favorite books, it is still a great addition, especially for new pet owners.

Simple but profound. This is a sweet child friendly book that I've enjoyed reading again and again to my 6 and 8 year old. I particularly like the reassurance at the end that God will send us the friend we need.

Cute story about a lonely boy who friends his own best friend

My granddaughter thoroughly enjoyed this book of a boy who is lonely but finally gets a forever friend. Absolutely spectacular! This was inspiring and would be a great book to give to a shy little one who may have trouble finding friends. I absolutely recommend this book to ages 2 1/2 and up.

Immediately, before reading a word, I noticed the thoughtful, beautifully detailed illustrations created by Colleen Madden. They would be excellent for a picture walk and to build oral language skills.

Andy Andrews provides an engaging, rhyming text with a cadence that I feel is reminiscent of a Dr. Seuss favourite, namely, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” Key words are printed in a contrasting colour – this is great for drawing attention to them, building vocabulary, and/or emphasizing descriptive language, which is one of the skills that students need to practice when creating their own stories. This would be a great mentor text both for style and word choice.

This book would also be an excellent resource to act as a jumping-off point for discussing a range of emotions and how each student might react when they feel a particular way (i.e., what do you do when you feel sad or lonely?). It is a very relatable text for young children.

I was delighted to see that this book encouraged the adopting of a pet from a shelter, since my own dog was a rescue from the SPCA!

“Henry Hodges Needs a Friend” is a delightful, heart-warming book and I would definitely like to purchase it for my classroom library.

Henry Hodges is lonely. He has no friends and he doesn't live near any other kids. His parents decide that it's time for a pet. Henry starts to think of all the pets that he could have. A cow or a cat would be nice. His parents take him to the shelter and he finds Hap, a sad little dog who is also lonely.

A funny, yet touching tale of a young boy who wants a friend. Silly and fun read about Henry's wild imaginations as he wonders what sort of one-of-a-kind pet is right for him. With funny pictures, and a fun to say rhyme this book it great for kids. and the adults who read to them. Laugh along as you read this story about Henry as he finds a friend.

I really enjoyed reading this. I loved how it rhymed, and the story was happy. Will read this one again to my children.

A top-notch five star illustrated children's book. This one left me feeling all warm and fuzzy. It's bright and colourful and the illustrations are delightful!

Henry is lonely and has no friends. He's a sad boy. His parents tell him they are getting him a new friend who is a bit different and unique just like himself. Henry begins imagining animals like a cat that meows, a cool purple fox, a cow that gives chocolate milk or a porcupine with soft quills..

Off they go to the animal shelter (I love that it's a rescue pet they look for, that can open up good conversation). Henry finds the cutest but loneliest puppy in the place and has a new friend!

We see much joy with Henry and his new pup spending time together, it's really heart-warming this book. It's rhyming text on each page but it's rhyme that's done well, I read the book you see, so this I can tell.

Some pages are just illustrations and the pictures speak volumes. Very expressive. It's a lovely message that no matter how lonely or different you are someone will always choose to be your friend. This book will make children want to have a pet. Lovely. One of the best children's books I've read.

"Henry Hodges Needs a Friend" by Andy Andrews and illustrated by Colleen Madden is dedicated to a children's librarian. It is easy to see why. Henry Hodges is lonely and bored. He has no nearby friends. His parents, noticing Henry's unhappiness, decide to let him choose a one-of-a-kind pet. Discussing Henry's plight lends itself to many learning experiences. A young listener can try to predict what pet Henry will choose. Some very funny pets are imagined by Henry. The book is written in rhyme. Rhyming words like meet-street and swing-bring populate every page of this beautifully illustrated book. Many opportunities exist for parent/teacher exchange of ideas with young children.

Thank you Thomas Nelson: CHILDREN'S and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a nice read. My children liked it and it opened opportunities for conversation on Jesus being the Ultimate Friend that will never leave us and wants to walk through our days with us. He is faithful to lead us to the friends He wants us to befriend for Kingdom purposes. And along the way He is beyond amazing to know us intimately and add blessings to our lives in the way of pets and critters. We have had our fair share over the years and we count each one a blessing. I really loved the author’s way of descriptive/creative one-of-a-kind searches. They had us laughing out loud! Pick this one up and read it to your littles.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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I loved this! The fun rhyming text flowed nicely. The pictures were bright and fun. I loved the silly animals that Henry thought of. I loved the message about getting a pet from a shelter rather than a store. Just loved it!
#netgalley

My 8 yr old grandson read this in about 10 minutes. He has a 5th grade reading level, and had no problems reading this. He said it was short and would like to read more about Henry. That tells me he enjoyed it. Thank you.