Henry Hodges Needs a Friend

By Andy Andrews

From the 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!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Mar 3, 2015
• ISBN: 9780718039608

Andy Andrews

Andy Andrews is a bestselling novelist, speaker, and consultant for some of the world’s most successful teams, largest corporations, and fastest-growing organizations. He is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The Noticer, How Do You Kill 11 Million People?, and the modern classic The Traveler’s Gift. For more information, please visit AndyAndrews.com.

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Reviews for Henry Hodges Needs a Friend

[carlathelibrarian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Henry Hodges is a lonely little boy who lives in a very quiet town at the very end of his street. He doesn't have any friends that live nearby and he has become bored playing with his toys. He mopes around sad and lonely. One day his mother tells him that he is going to be getting a special pet. He imagines all kinds of fantastic pets with fantastic abilities such as a figure skating hippo. When he gets to the shelter he looks at all the animals until he sees a lonely little dog at the end. This is going to be his special new friend. He names him Hap, short for Happy. and knows right away that this is his special new friend. With Hap in his life, heavyhearted Henry is changed forever. He and Hap run and play, exploring their world around them together and Henry is now a happy boy with a happy life. A shared life is a happy life.

This book is written in rhyme and The illustrations are wonderful. The pictures are full of imagination and humour.

There a couple of messages that can be reinforced with children using this book. The first is that you need to be open to what you are looking for. Whether it is a new pet, a new friend or a present for a special event, what you get may not be what you wanted, but it can still be amazing. The second is if you are feeling lonely, do not give up, a new friend may be just around the corner waiting for you, just like Hap was waiting for Henry.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[bookslesstravelled · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

*I received free copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest, unbiased review*

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.