Andrew Henry's Meadow

by Doris Burn

Andrew Henry has two younger brothers, who are always together, and two older sisters, who are always together. But Andrew Henry is in the middle--and he's always with himself. He doesn't mind this very much, because he's an inventor. But when Andrew Henry's family doesn't appreciate him or his inventions, he decides it's time to run away. Many children in the neighborhood feel the same way and follow him to his meadow, where he builds each of his friends a unique house of their very own. But in town the families miss their children and do everything they can to find them. And the kids realize that it feels a little lonely out in the meadow without their parents.

This is a heart-warming story about children who want to feel special and appreciated for who they are.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Adventure, Classics, Family, Kids

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1965

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was my all-time favorite book as a child, and it continues to resonate with me today. I connected with Andrew Henry immediately and would read this book over and over again, captivated by the illustrations for hours. One of the messages of this book is about quirky, talented, creative children who just want to be understood and appreciated, especially by their parents.. Andrew Henry has absolutely nothing in common with his sisters, another tidbit that I could so relate to. His parents don't get him, so he leaves to create and build his own hideout. Soon other children follow. Each child has his or her own niche, and Andrew Henry is very accommodating. The front cover of the book is illustrated with dragonflies - because of that illustration, I am still drawn to dragonflies - they ignite a childhood memory in me that symbolizes uniqueness and individuality. Please read this book - and then read it to your children.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe you won't think it a five star book, but I'm utterly enchanted. And it doesn't feel dated at all, at least in the newer Philomel edition, except for maybe how the females wore skirts or dresses, even the young girls at play. I've read a lot of older illustrated books, and I promise you, this is special.

[Sylvester (Taking a break in 2023) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was checking this book out to see if it would appeal to Squirt. Holy Moly have I dodged a bullet! Squirt would LOVE it. He would immediately pack his tool belt and head down the road. Building and inventing?!! This is every kid's fantasy. It's still even a little bit mine. I will read this to Squirt one day. One day when I'm more brave.

[Lobstergirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed pen and ink illustrations of town vistas, strange inventions, Rube Goldberg contraptions, and construction projects that imaginative children will enjoy staring at. They reminded me of Robert McCloskey's style in books like Homer Price and Lentil.

[Carole P. Roman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you ever have one of those days, you know, when you want to disappear? You feel unappreciated, misunderstood and just out of sorts with the rest of the world?

Andrew Henry's Meadow is just such a book. Andrew Henry is the middle child. With two older sister's and two younger brother's, he has unique interests and unlike his siblings, has no one to enjoy them with. Content with his own company, he creates wonderful and thoughtful inventions. The problem is-his efforts are under appreciated. Bothered by his family's unhappiness with his efforts, he goes off to build his own home, where he does what he enjoys to his heart's content.

Soon, a village of many misunderstood youngsters are housed in his meadow. It seems, some parents aren't tolerating their pastimes either. Four days pass, and frantic parents search for their "missing" children.

It all ends with a happy reunion and with the understanding, that while we may not all have the same interests, we must respect and allow others to enjoy theirs.

A wonderful book about tolerance and understanding. Great read.

[Mary Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

As children, my mother always provided bedtime stories. Me and my brother were allowed to select one book for story time. Andrew Henry's Meadow was always a favorite choice of mine. When I had children of my own, I shared my own beloved copy of AHM.

My daughter and I were looking through the books we purchased tonight for my grandson and we began to talk about books that were her favorite when she was a young child. Andrew Henry's Meadow was one she loved as much as I did. Many years have passed since my days of reading/enjoying Andrew Henry's Meadow. I had forgotten about the wonderful illustrations and the amazing inventions that I had so loved as a little girl and in turn, read to my own.

Love that book and now I am on a mission to locate a NEW COPY for my grandson. Share it with your children. They WILL love it, too.



*Update: Like my AHM copy, my children got older and misplaced my beloved childhood book. I've since replaced it with a vintage copy. The new Littles will have to enjoy it at MiMi's house. MiMi is always happy to share a bedtime story.

[Friend of Pixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a terrific book this is. Logan is big on building and contraptions and every page shows the amazing creations of Andrew Henry, a boy whose inventive mind knows no bounds. Unfortunately, his inventions know no bounds either, taking up the kitchen (helicopter), sewing room (carousel), and living room (giant eagle cage). He finally decides to leave home and find a place where he can invent & build unhindered. He goes on a long walk to a field where he builds himself a unique house. Other misfit kids whose hobbies annoy their parents drift out to him and pretty soon Andrew Henry is building custom houses for them. I'd never heard of this book, but my local independent bookseller recommended it. I guess it's an anniversary reissue and it's been out of print for some time. Written in 1965, it's illustrated with oustanding and engrossing pen-and-ink drawings that remind me of those in Ferdinand the Bull. I usually borrow from the library, but we had to own this one.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book as a kid. I would spend hours reviewing the illustrations. Love that Andrew Henry.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Henry is always building things but his family doesn't like it. So he sets out to build his own house—which he does very well. Then all the kids in town who aren't allowed to pursue their hobbies at home (like fishing in the bathtub and baking mud pies in the oven) come too, and Andrew Henry builds houses for them as well.

I don't think I can give any higher compliment to this book than my sons did. My four-year-old sat entranced through the whole thing as I read it to him, and my twelve-year-old brushing his teeth next door overheard part of the story and asked to borrow it afterwards.

[Suanne Laqueur · Rating 5 out of 5]

My brother's favorite book when we growing up. Like Andrew Henry, he's an inventor.

This is a delightful story about little houses and having a place where you can be yourself. A place where you can celebrate the things that make you happy, even if they don't make others happy.

Also a story about how we sometimes like to run away, but how we like to come home.

[K.J. Mecklenfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely :-)

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolute delightful story and one that clearly loves and understands children! Oh, my heart! We all enjoyed this as a read aloud!

[Manik Sukoco · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a classic picture book that has been a bedtime favorite in our family for years. If you have never had a copy before, this new Philomel print will not disappoint, and the price is right. You can't go wrong giving "Andrew Henry's Meadow" to new readers or parents of younger kids.
But if you have had one of the prior versions (either the original Coward-McCann edition, or the 2005 San Juan reprint), you will find minor disappointments in this latest incarnation. Most importantly, the heart of the book - Doris Burn's detailed pen-and-ink drawings - are rendered on a smaller scale than in prior editions, both because the dimensions of this printing are smaller, and because the entire text and layout has been reformatted, with the words being given greater relative prominence (as well as being subjected to pointless, minor revisions from the original). The net result, while subtle, is notable: Some of the intricate detail (so integral to captivating young eyes and imaginations) is lost in the compression. I've done a side-by-side comparison with both prior editions and, while I appreciate Philomel's glossy paper, crisp text, and glossy book jacket, cannot avoid a distinct preference for the older illustrations. Even though they're less flashy, the older versions are more interesting to look at.
So, while I don't mean to be overly negative about this new printing - it's great to have this perpetual favorite readily available for a new generation - it may be worth seeking out a copy of one of the prior printings, if you can find one for a decent price.

[#AskMissPatience · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite childhood book. Fortunately, was able to find an original copy to buy.

Wasn’t until adulthood did I realize why this was my favorite book. Being appreciated for unique talents as a child isn’t something that was my story. Mostly due to illiteracy. Called stupid by family reflected on my heart deeply. Which sadly reflected outwardly for a good long while. Even while I was beginning to succeed.

As an adult have overcome this challenge. But, never forgot the theme Andrew demonstrates.

My world looks very much like Andrews at the end. To thy own self be true. And, so he was. As am I. As I hope you are, too. Whom ever you are :)

[Svea Goertzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all-time favorite books. It is an idyllic reminder of my childhood. I highly recommend it whether you are a child or an adult. Everyone should have this in their library to read it often. It would be a great Christmas present for any child.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

April 2018 - we read this one because a library patron gushed about how much he loved it as a kid, and since we didn't own a copy, he loaned me his own copy to take home and read. It totally lived up to his praise, and I can see how this is the kind of story that sticks in your mind if you read it over and over as a kid. The inventions were fantastic, and Ben and I both loved seeing all the houses he builds in the meadow. Delightful wish fulfillment.

[Jennifer Heise · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this vintage classic, young Andrew Henry, forbidden to build things out of scraps in his own house, walks away into the woods, where he finds a meadow and builds himself a house using his making skills. But soon he is joined by child after child interested in making themselves houses or spaces that match their desires-- together, they build customized playhouses for each child. After 2 days of the children living in the meadow (it's unclear where the children found supplies), they are finally tracked down by anxious families who are impressed by their little village of playhouses. The families have apparently learned their lessons!

Pair with The Big Orange Splot for inspiration and A Kid's Guide to Building Forts for actual building.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend loaned me this book because of my growing fascination with small houses...and my vision of living out my life in a community of small houses inhabited by my close friends. Andrew Henry hit on this idea much earlier in life.

As the "outsider" middle child, with a ton of creative energy, he was always into things that didn't quite fit. After yet another misunderstood invention, he struck out for a nearby meadow, where he built a small house. And then other outsider children came, and he built them houses...

As many other reviews mention, the illustrations are fantastic. Burn did a great job of creating Andrew Henry...he's sympathetic and strong, he doesn't feel sorry for himself, he's just a through-and-through problem-solver, with a strong dose of creative whimsy which means that normal boundaries don't contain him.

[Ivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrew Henry is kin to Homer Price and Henry Huggins. He is a boy who loves to build things - houses and gadgets. When he gets scolded once too often for being underfoot and in the way he heads into the great outdoors to build a house of his own. Once in the great meadow he encounters several other kids who seek a place of their own where they can do want they want and be as loud as they want. Andrew Henry builds them all little houses. In the end they are happily reunited with their families.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a treat to have back in print! The pen and ink are amazing and the story is a great misfit/independent child adventure just right for bedtime reading. You'll need a more patient listeners, or a young reader age 5-7 to get the most out of this one. Either way, the illustrations are classicly wonderful.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine a little village filled with children whose parents don't have patience for their special gifts and interests back at home.
Andrew Henry makes it a reality, at least for a a few days.
It's enough, because it changes everything.

A classic I've only now discovered, recommended by Linda Urban at the festival of books.

Probably classified as a storybook now; lovely line drawings throughout.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one. Perfect ink drawings. So satisfying. Regular kid problems. Delightfully portrayed and love how they fix them. Just loved this. What always wanted to do as a kid build your own house!

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was our favorite book from last summer's reading program. We probably read it 50 times and I never got tired of it.

[Gregory Vigue · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book as a child. I loved the illustrations and the imagination of this book.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad to have seen this book go out of print, but luckily someone saw its beauty and greatness and got it back in print for future generations to enjoy. Andrew Henry's Meadow (1965) was written and illustrated by Doris Brun. The story is very interesting, concerning Andrew Henry who's the middle child of a large family. Andrew Henry loves to build things, but his family thinks that his creativity is a nuisance, so they order him to stop with his projects.

Andrew Henry is determined to find a place where his talent and love for the building will be appreciated. So he leaves home and winds up in a meadow where he sets to work on building a house for himself. Soon after completion, other children arrive at the same meadow. There's a girl named Alice who loves birds, but because her father is a farmer, birds are not good for crops, so she too has found her way to Andrew Henry's meadow. Soon, more children arrive with the same kinds of problems, all wanting Andrew Henry to build them their own special homes to accommodate their wants and needs.

Soon the parents realize that they've lost their children and set out to find them, but can't. The only one who does know where the children are is Andrew Henry's loyal dog, Sam. Once they find the children living contently in the meadow they are so relieved for their safety. Back at home, Andrew Henry's family decide that the best thing to do going forward is to give Andrew Henry space in the basement to keep pursuing his talents in invention and building.

I think this book was wonderful. The pen and ink illustrations are very detailed, and the story is about compromise and not neglecting a child's gifts, just because they don't fall in line with how you want things to be. When you have a child with a unique talent, don't suppress it because you don't understand it. Open yourself up to them so that they can thrive, because in the end, one day, they will, and it'll either with or without you. Grab a copy, you won't be disappointed. My rating - 5/5

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another favorite - if not favorite. Doris Burn's illustrations are so wonderful and detailed that even if the story wasn't equally great, I'd still enjoy this book.
But she also manages to draw even the most reluctant readers into the pages with Andrew Henry, and his fantastic gadgets and building projects. He's right in the middle of his siblings, and really, all he wants to do is build inventions and mind his own business, but his older sisters and younger brothers are either annoyed or disinterested, and his parents scold him for things like constructing a wooden eagle's nest right in the middle of one room - which definitely felt super unfair, when I read this as a kid.
So, Andrew Henry packs up his things, and moves to a meadow where he builds his own house, and over the course of a day or two, his friends start making their way towards the same meadow. They ask him to build them houses as well, and he builds according to each of their quirky interests. One little girl loves bird watching, and he builds her an amazing treehouse with a little binoculars holder, among other inventive bird-related features. He builds one boy a dugout style house, and an underground house for a friend who loves musical instruments and needs noise insulation, and so many other brilliant custom houses, for all these friends who feel like they can't otherwise have the hobbies they love at their homes.
Everything works out very nicely in the end with their families, but it was always such a magical idea, as a kid - to think of a meadow just for kids, a house made especially for each one.

[Lacy Pezzaniti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful book, especially for young boys. The way it is both narrated and illustrated makes it a really easy and pleasant book to read, and it has such a profound moral to it. It is somehow both a calming and intriguing story to read, and there were no parts where I felt bored or that it needed more excitement. It truly is such a sweet story about the natural gifts and fascinations we are all born with. This book encourages children to use your talents to make other people happy. It also shows children that although parents and grownups can get frustrated from time to time. if all of the children were to disappear or leave us adults would miss them very much. This would be a fantastic book to use on lessons involving good character and kindness.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I choose to read this title to see the pen and ink drawings by Doris Burn and they are extremely detailed and prolific in this title first copyrighted in 1965. This type of illustration was very common that that time, but the illustrations found in this title are some of the most detailed I have ever encountered.
The story made me think of Robert McCloskey’s title Homer Price which was a much longer novel than this brief story but similar story line of a young boy building inventions and illustrations in both titles were pen and ink. This story, however, I feel does not appeal to today’s 21st century child. I am glad I viewed the illustrations.

[Maggie Panning · Rating 5 out of 5]

How did I not know about this book? This seems like the kind of book that would grace most children's book shelves and yet I never became aware of it until I was over 40! Luckily my son is only eight, and he thoroughly enjoyed it. The only problem with books like this is that he would love to be able to set out to build things like Andrew Henry and real life can feel frustrating after a book like this. Still, I would happily buy this book for my son's shelf. And I just might.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

So creative! This book was written in the 1960s, and one can really see the difference in how kids played then vs how they play now, as well as the freedom they had to explore on their own. Just 20 years later, and parents (at least in the area I grew up in) wouldn't allow their children outside unsupervised), and it's still that way.