Henny
Elizabeth Rose Stanton, Author and Illustrator
Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Book, Fiction Jan. 7, 2014
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes: Chickens, Individuality, Self-acceptance, Humor
Opening: “Henny was not a typical chicken. Henny was born with arms. Henny’s mother was very surprised, but she loved Henny anyway.”
Synopsis: It’s not every day that a chicken is born with arms. Henny likes being different…and she doesn’t like being different. She tries to strut around like the other chickens and fit in, but Henny has to be herself. As she grows, she worries about being right-handed or left-handed….wearing long sleeves or short sleeves…using buttons or zippers…and needing deodorant. She helps the farmer by milking a cow, feeding the chicks and the pigs. She discovers she can cross her arms, brush her teeth, comb her comb, carry a purse hail a taxi and ice skate. But, can she do the one thing she want to do most — fly?
Why I like this book: In her debut picture book, Elizabeth Rose Stanton has written a fresh and lovable character in Henny. This is a charming story about differences, self-acceptance and self-discovery. But it is also about a journey, wonder and dreams. Kids will relate to Henny and laugh at her antics and cheer her as she slowly discovers that with arms she can experience the world in a way the other chickens can’t. Being different can have it’s pluses and nothing is going to stop this curious chick. The language is very simple and a great book for young readers. Stanton’s pencil and watercolor illustrations are lively, expressive and tickle the imagination. She is an author/illustrator to watch.
Resources: Encourage your child to be imaginative and draw some animals that wouldn’t normally have arms, or legs. A fish with legs…a frog with arms…a bear with a beak and so on. Doodling can be fun. Check out Tara Lazar’s interview with Stanton last November and Joanna Marple’s illustrator’s interview with Stanton last September. Stanton gives some insight into her artistic process. You can visit Stanton on her website.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
I love HENNY, Pat, and I’m so glad you reviewed it for our list! Beth did such a great job with this book – I know we will be seeing lots more wonderful books from her in the future!
I love Henny too. I also think we will be seeing a lot more books from Beth in the future. Kids are going to love this story.
This sounds so cute, Pat. A great example of a character driven book too.
Definitely a character driven book with a lot of humor.
I read Henny, and loved it. She is quite a character. For a chicken, arms can be a super power.
Putting arms on a chicken was a very clever idea. Look at what she can do! What would cupcake like?
Cupcake would want Henny to stick her arms deep into the treat jar and bring out a handful or two or ten…
That’s great. Good activity for kids to imagine what Henny could for their pets or other animals.
A very unique story, cleverly told. This would be great in a classroom too. Love that it shows us that although something is different, it can still have it’s pluses. 🙂 Thanks, Pat.
Different can have its benefits, as Henny shows kids. Such a humorous story!
Terrific review, Pat! What a wonderful character and idea for a book! Love it! Will look for this one at the bookstore. (Sounds like this book is going to be a bestseller.) 🙂
Thank you Robin. Henny is a character with a lot of personality. I hope it becomes a bestseller.
I’ve ordered my copy. Sounds like you’ve shared another winner.
Great. I love to know when someone orders a book I recommend. Such a funny book for kids.
Love this story too!
It is such an entertaining story with a beautiful message about differences and making the most of it!
I didn’t realize this was a debut book. I’ve had good intentions to read this. Need it on my list.
Enzo would adore this book! So much fun!
I was so excited when I heard about Elizabeth Rose Stanton’s book. Shame on me for not having read it yet. Thanks for the reminder!
It’s quirky and fun. You will enjoy it.
I love this book! Henny is too, too funny~
Glad you’ve read it! It is very funny — imagine a chicken wearing deoderant.
Yeah for Henny! My library still doesn’t have this but I am hopeful!
This is your kind of book. You’ll love the illustrations and simplicity.
I’ve heard so much about it – can hardly wait!
You’ll love it. 🙂
I’ve seen this book mentioned elsewhere. Now, I really want to check it out! Great review, Pat!
Cathy, it really is a witty and charming book. You can’t help but cheer for Henny.
I’ve had my eye on Henny for quite some time, but haven’t seen the actual book yet! I’m glad our chickens don’t have arms! Whew! What trouble they would be!!
You’re just going to have to get a copy Rhythm. HA! HA! I can see you running around chasing chickens with arms — but they may give you treats.
Hmmmm. I hadn’t thought of that one. They leave me treats all the time anyway. 😀
I love it! A chicken with arms ~ using great characters such as this really helps teach us valuable things about ourselves!!!!
Henny is such a lovable character. Yes, it certainly does help children learn important things about themselves.
Henny is just an adorable, individual chicken. I can’t wait to read this one. I love it when kid’s are encouraged to appreciate their differences.
Yes, learning to appreciate differences is key to developing compassion with self and others. Starting at a young age and change the world.
I adore HENNY and it was so wonderful to meet Beth in February at a book signing having interviewed her recently.
Joanna I’m delighted you love Henny. And I try to remember to link to interviews. I forgot. But I added your interview link to the review.
I want to read this!!! 😀
Erik, you’d find it hilarious. Josie would love it too!
This looks like a great title to add to our debut picture book study group! I have seen it reviewed, and haven’t gotten a copy yet. Time to rectify that.
Hope you get a copy. It would be a good book to use in a PB study group. Lucky you!