Henry Works
Henry Series
on Goodreads (158)
What’s inside...
Henry's friends learn that you can work hard and love what you do in this installment of the New York Times best-selling series inspired by the life of Henry David Thoreau. With a quiet humor and attention to natural settings, Johnson respectfully conveys Thoreau's philosophy of simplicity. Henry the bear, inspired by Thoreau, diligently tends to the wildflowers, crossing stones in rivers, and warns of coming storms, despite his friends not recognizing his contributions as 'work'. Through morning's mist to evening's glow, Henry's most important work is revealed, celebrating the nature and the many shapes and sizes of hard work.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Henry likes to work and help his neighbors?
What are some ways that Henry helps the people around him?
How do you feel when you help someone?
What kind of work would you like to do to help our family or friends?
Can you think of a time when someone helped you like Henry helps others?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing, focus on the feelings associated with helping others and being helped to foster empathy in your child.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking them to think of specific instances where they helped someone or were helped.
Praise your child's thoughtful responses and insights to boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Use examples from the story to point out how small acts of kindness can make a big difference, reinforcing positive behavior.
After the discussion, consider planning a small, simple project where your child can help a neighbor or a family member, making the connection between the book’s lessons and real-life actions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Hard Work
Explanation: In 'Henry Works,' the main character, Henry, demonstrates the importance of staying diligent and committed to his tasks throughout his day.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to complete their responsibilities, whether it's finishing homework or helping around the house, understanding that hard work is rewarding.
Example Lesson: Observation and Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: Henry interacts with his environment mindfully, noticing the smallest details in nature which highlights the beauty and importance of the natural world.
Real-World Application: Kids can be inspired to observe nature, learn about different plants and animals and the role they play in our ecosystem, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Henry encounters various challenges and uses his creativity to come up with solutions, showing that thinking outside the box can resolve issues.
Real-World Application: Encourage children to engage in creative activities or brainstorming sessions to solve problems, which can boost their critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Time Management
Explanation: Henry manages to perform numerous tasks effectively throughout the day, illustrating the importance of organizing and prioritizing activities.
Real-World Application: Teach children how to plan their day and prioritize their tasks, such as doing homework before playtime, which helps in developing good time management skills.
Example Lesson: Interdependence and Community
Explanation: By interacting with others in his community and working together, Henry shows that many tasks require cooperation and that we rely on each other in many ways.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to work cooperatively in group settings like school projects or family activities, understanding the value of teamwork and mutual support.