Henry the Explorer

by Mark Taylor, Graham Booth (illustrator)

On the night of the blizzard, Henry and Angus, read an exciting book about exploring. And the next morning Henry assembled his equipment for the trip: lunch and flags for claiming all that he planned to discover. Exploring is hard work, and sometimes, although explorers do not get lost, they are not quite sure which way to go. All of which makes Henry's exploring worth reading about.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Adventure, Classics, Fiction, Juvenile

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1966

Reviews

[Andrew Gillsmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my favorite children's book of all time. I have so many fond memories of my mother reading this to me when I was young. The book is the first in a series of "Henry" books in which he explores his world in each of the four seasons. They've gotten pretty hard to find, but I highly recommend picking one up if you ever come across it.

The illustrations are gorgeous, fwiw. They've got a very 60's psychedelic/pop-art vibe to them. Like Verner Panton illustrating a children's book.

Pure wholesome goodness.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can see why these are favorites with those who know about them! Written in 1966, they had become hard to find until a favorite publishing company of mine reprinted them! This was pure delight so can’t wait to get the other three in the series.

Henry reads a book at night about explorers and decides to set off to discover things too. He leaves flags everywhere and gives his speech to claim things. Then he goes into a cave and the adventure truly begins.

I loved the humor and imagination of this tale! Highly recommend this! And the picture did a wonderful job of conveying innocent childhood.

Ages: 3 - 12

[Amanda L · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the curious Henry and his companion, but MAN was this loaded with archaic stereotypes. The men are the search party saviors and the [one] woman stands idly by in an apron and skirt (complete with an ostensible outfit change in the single day over which this story takes place) while her own son is missing. And of course she never leaves the kitchen. I know it's characteristic of the era in which it was written but it's stark enough to prevent me from reading it to any kids in my life, lest we perpetuate this staunch patriarchal silliness sadness.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspired by a book, young Henry, and his pooch, set out to explore . . . all the while hoping they don't run into any bears. With lovely illustrations by Graham Booth.

[Kristin Nare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this, especially Henry's dog's name (Angus McAngus) and the fact that he goes out to claim territory on his adventure. So cute!

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable story about a little boy and his dog who go out exploring. Written back in the sixties when children were allowed to roam wild more than they are today, this darling book has gorgeous illustrations that will delight parents as well as children.

Check your library for this out of print gem.

[Mama’s Hysa Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite! This is our first pick out of all of the (over thirty) library books we picked out for the last week. I will likely purchase this one for my boy.

[KimW · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a bit of a relationship with this book.

My preschool shared this with us one day, and after reading it to us, they helped us kids all make little paper flags like Henry's, and little pretend flashlights out of paper towel tubes, and then they set up a plastic kiddie tunnel in one of the rooms so we could crawl through it with our flags and "flashlights" pretending to be Henry exploring a cave, like in the book. Except I think that there were two many of us kids or someone was out sick or something, because somehow I ended up crawling right through the tunnel and out the door and into the hall at one point.

I only hesitated a split second before - inspired by Henry - I kept on going down the hall and out to the stairwell. I was halfway up the stairs to the administrative offices of the church one floor up before one of the secretaries from upstairs saw me and brought me back. It was very gently explained to me that we were PRETEND exploring and I had to stay in the playroom, and I definitely remember waiting my turn for the tunnel afterward and thinking that compared to real exploring, this pretend exploring was kind of...boring.

Years later I finally tracked down a copy to remind me to always go on adventures.

[Lagobond · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm quite taken by the atmospheric story and illustrations in this book. I enjoy how Henry's adventure is described in a very matter-of-fact fashion, and mostly from his perspective, without any adult editorializing or scolding. I like that he is free to venture out on his own, in a beautiful and realistic setting which reminds me of roaming the countryside as a child. And of course Henry's mop-like sidekick, Laird Angus McAngus, is utter perfection.

Unfortunately there are some issues here which have kept me from sharing this book with the kiddos. The first thing that bothered me was how Henry's exploration is marked by flags being left everywhere, to "claim" his discoveries and the various "natives" he encounters. Not only is he littering, he's also colonizing his world. That's not how I would like children to view their surroundings. The book also follows the old gender stereotypes: little boys go exploring; moms stay home to cook and worry; and adult men are sent out to search when someone goes missing. (On the plus side, Henry is allowed to be independent, and his community is willing to be there for him in a pinch.)

So I wouldn't read this book to kids without also discussing these issues. But it does have a few things going for it that make it worthwhile -- with a little extra effort.

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would be great for children who love the outdoors. Henry goes on an adventure in this book. He wanders quite a ways from home, and his mother is worried about him. At the end, Henry finds his way back home after his long adventure. The illustrations are really cool in this book. I think it would work as a great read aloud to students.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up again because my mom had recently bought it again. We used to have it when I was a child, and rereading it was very nostalgic. It's appearance of an era long ago gives the story a lovely charm, and I will always love the name Laird Angus McAngus. I hope to find my own copy for my personal library some day.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Henry and his dog, Laird Angus McAngus, set out to do some exploring. They plant homemade flags whenever they discover something exciting. But when he finds a cave to explore, he stays a little too long and it’s dark when he emerges. Can he find his way home? Meanwhile, his mother sends out a search party. But Henry makes it home ahead of them.

[Sierra Dirksen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is about Henry who, after reading a book, decides to go exploring. While exploring Henry gets lost. Through lots of adventure, Henry is eventually able to find home again. This book was cute, however the pictures were not fun or colorful. Overall, the book had a good storyline but not so good pictures.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When young Henry and his dog go out exploring, they discover many wonderful things, including friendly neighbors and a deep, spooky cave. But by the time they're done searching for new discoveries to claim, it's after dark! Will the brave explorers find their way home? And what adventure might they think up next?

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry reads a book about exploring and decides to try it. His mother thinks he's lost and sends out a search party, but Henry finds his way home. Cute story - short but interesting. Seasonal - snow storm. Pictures colorful and imaginative.

Read to reading readiness class and they loved it - 3.22.76.

[Vincent Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great artwork, simple adventure story for boys. Allows the imagination to ponder about going on adventures.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun and beautifully illustrated book about a boy named Henry and his dog who go out one day an explore on one snowy day and get lost and run into a bear in a cave and have a search party looking for him. Fun story with a cute ending.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

What fantastic illustrations! I can't believe Graham Booth didn't do more than just this "Henry" series, but nothing turns up on an internet search. Superb use of the double page spread, and always careful, intriguing placement of Henry and Laird Angus MacAngus.

I keep wanting to go back and look through the pictures again!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zach can't stop talking about this book! We had to make flags and go "explore" the backyard.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all-time favorites from childhood. I loved sharing it with my girls. They loved it too.

[Amber Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to my Kindergarten and Grade One classes over the years. It was very popular.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I distinctly remember reading this book while in kindergarten, to the school principal. She was an older lady.

I would love to find a copy of this book to have.

[Sylvia]

A beloved favorite.