Henry Hodges Needs a Friend - Andy Andre... *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.

The boy who changed the world, by Andy Andrews, is an enjoyable picture book for the entire family. The message is simple but very profound-- the unforeseen consequences that our actions and decisions have on ourselves and others.

 

The author shares with young readers the story of four boys; Norman, Henry, George, and Moses, whose lives would be entwined through their gift of caring. They grow up into adults that found ways to use their knowledge and caring nature for the benefit of many.

 

The storyline, its simple vocabulary, and the vivid images would captive young readers and make them think about how a great idea, no matter how small, could be nourished to make a difference in the world. And how their actions could lead to unforeseen consequences.

 

I highly recommend this book to parents and to those working with young readers who are looking for an easy to understand picture book with a powerful message.

This Shakespearean quote addresses the issue of perspective: "There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." Sometimes we are so tied up in our circumstances -- that emotions, (self) justifications, the attribution of blame, and the obstinacy and refusal to consider/understand another point of view -- blinds us to the solution at hand, or to the light at the end of the tunnel. The change in perspective might start out as a little shift, but if you start off in the right direction, even that slight veering (away from wrong) will take you where you ought to be. Sometimes you need another person to point it out to you, as in this book, the noticer, does.

This is a work of fiction, which involves fragments of an ancient relic and how in the hands of certain real-life historical figures (George Washington Carver, Oskar Schindler, John Adams, Alfred Vanderbilt, etc.) who while in possession of this artifact, achieved monumental gains for humankind in their choice to do what is good and right. You probably know of about the butterfly effect, or that a tiny ripple can have far-reaching effects and consequences. It really makes you think -- how history, and by extension, the present day, would be different if some people didn't do what they did.

Quote: "Everybody -- every single body -- makes a difference! But there's a *choice* that determines what kinda difference you will make. Most folks don't see how important they are... how much they matter to all of us. So they never choose to do something special with their lives. And not making a choice? That *IS* a choice... a lost one." Think on this.... really think on this!

I was looking for a different book at the library, and found this on the same shelf. I gravitated to the word "gift" (I always think of the Magi) and picked it up. Turns out that is classified as a self-help / motivational book. If you are familiar with the children's 'Magic Tree House' series, it is kind of like that (incidentally, this is suited for children from middle school onwards), whereby the protagonist goes back in time to meet famous historical figures, and learn inspiring and life-changing lessons from them.