Hendrix and Rocket: Mad Monday

by Kristin Haynes, Anna Thompson (Illustrator)

Looking for ways to help your child manage their anger? Let Hendrix, a little dog with big emotions, help them understand the impact of anger.

When Mum goes out for the morning, Hendrix and Rocket get left behind. Watch as Hendrix’s emotions quickly take hold and the destruction that follows.

Through vibrant illustrations and a fun narrative, “Mad Monday” teaches young readers about the importance of emotional control, empathy, and the power of making amends.

“Mad Monday” appeals to kids and parents alike, particularly those helping children cope with anger. This beautifully illustrated story transforms a chaotic Monday into a lesson about love and growth, don’t miss it!

Buy now and receive a FREE printable poster of Hendrix's steps to calm (details inside book).

Genres: Childrens

Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2025

About the author

Kristin is the proud Mum behind the Hendrix and Rocket series. Inspired by her beloved Weimaraner's, Kristin wants to help young readers discover and fall in love with this beautiful breed. Kristin calls the southernmost part of Australia, Tasmania, her home. Here she balances her time between writing, running her own consultancy and raising two human children. When she's not driving around Hobart with her two noisy woofer's, she wages a losing battle with her husband's ever growing guitar collection, adding a touch of music to their household chaos.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this ARC via NetGalley and this is my voluntary review.

I’m sure my stance on this one is colored by my specific experiences, but that’s also why it’s so important to me. I love books that focus on social awareness for children. This one doesn’t hit the mark for me because of how it portrays dog behavior.

The author is the owner of Weimeraners and wants readers to develop a love for them, too. I feel like this story was a missed opportunity in that regard. Weimeraners are energetic breeds who require regular exercise. Max is mad in the book because he misses planned beach time, and this would have been a great opportunity to describe how missing physical exercise or planned activities can upset us, or cause us to try to get that energy out in negative ways, even though it doesn’t make us “bad” which is how Max’s personality is described at this time.

I also think there could have been a little more done to relate this to kids, but with additional discussion it’s still accessible.

I would still read other books by this author. Dogs are often relatable and the illustrations are unlike other books. It’s like a picture book/ comic book mix in some ways.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

My scattershot experience of this series of early reads means this is my third experience of it all, but the second book, apparently. I've seen the mutts experience Halloween (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) and Christmas (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), and now it's Monday. And Monday should mean Monday things – the kids off to school, and the dogs down to the beach for their morning walk. But when the routine gets dropped for "hooman things", well Hendrix isn't one to take that bad news lying down.

This is clearly a book regarding anger management and getting kids to be aware of when they're getting riled up. But dressing it all as being about dogs, and reducing the understanding of what's going on for one of them (compared to the older Rocket) means it is a very readable and entertaining lesson. The pages have an obvious purpose, and yet remain decent enough for children to read them by choice – a balance so many providers and creatives get wrong. Plus the view of Hendrix in full-on Hulk Hogan rage is almost worth the admission alone.

[Jennifer C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hendrix knows the Monday morning routine and he's looking forward to it — except this Monday is different and Hendrix doesn't exactly handle it well at first! But through the gentle guidance of his friend, Rocket, and his understanding human Mum, Hendrix learns how to temper his emotions when things don't go as planned. This is a well-done story that's relatable to young children, and does exactly what Kristin Haynes sets out to do — help young children deal with big emotions that they may not understand in a healthy way. The illustrations are well done and it was a nice surprise to find the fun facts at the end of the book about Tasmania's glue gum, the flower that Hendrix brings his Mum. I also appreciate the Mum's overall gentle demeanor, even though she was upset. I recommend this book for young children to help them learn how they too can calm themselves down when they're dealing with big emotions.

[Beverley Reichman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hendrix and Rocket: Mad Monday is a delightful story about two pups that that look forward to their regular Monday routine of going with Mum to the beach. However, on this particular Monday, Hendrix is informed that Mum has other responsibilities, and their beach trip is canceled. Hendrix does not take this news well, and his emotions take over. He gets extremely MAD and begins to chew on his family's most prized possessions. When mom returns, she sees the damage that Hendrix has done and makes him go outdoors. Rocket, his pup bud, validates Hendrix's anger, and teaches him how to manage it. Hendrix feels bad about making his Mum sad, and Rocket encourages Hendrix to apologize by giving her flowers from the yard. This is a great story to help young readers learn about their emotions and how they can calm their brain. The illustrations are very well done and visually add to the stories narrative.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was a great little story and it is the second book we have read starring Hendrix and Rocket!

The book has some great illustrations and they are perfect for the story. The story was easy to follow and understand and my daughter read it with ease and enjoyed it. As a parent it was a good book to use to talk about anger too and how to calm down in situations we may find ourselves in before we do something we wouldn't normally do, or could regret doing if we make someone else, or ourselves sad after completing our actions.

We liked the end information too where it gave more information about the blue gum too - my daughter and I love to read together and we love where there is additional facts and information in the books too as we then look these up online and find out more!

It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!

[Ameliessa Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look, let's be real, we've all had those Mondays where we feel like a tiny, furry ball of rage. 'Mad Monday' captures that beautifully, but with a dog. Hendrix's emotional rollercoaster is both hilarious and surprisingly relatable, especially if you've ever watched a toddler have a meltdown over a misplaced toy. The illustrations are bright and engaging, and Rocket's attempts at calming Hendrix are pure comedic gold. It's a fun and lighthearted way to introduce the topic of anger management to kids, and honestly, maybe a few adults too. Plus, it's a great conversation starter – 'So, remember when Hendrix... yeah, let's not do that.' If you're looking for a book that's both entertaining and educational, 'Mad Monday' is a solid win.

[Lila Danisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book about Hendrix and Rocket!

In this book, the author talked about how Hendrix got frustrated and (not) channeled his frustration. We (my son and I) liked this book better than the first book we have read in this series.

Through this book, my son learned about the consequences of not controlling your anger in the right ways. Alongside with Hendrix, my son learned that it's normal and absolutely ok to get frustrated and angry at something (or someone) but the most important thing is how we present those feelings without hurting others.

The illustrations were so good. Also slightly better than another book we read from this series.

Thank you to Kristin Haynes, BooksGoSocial, and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Lolisa Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mad Monday, takes us into the home of Hendrix and Rocket the Weimaraner dogs. Rocket is older and wiser, but Rocket struggles with his feelings, and one Monday it all goes to the dogs. Hendrix does not know how to deal with his anger when he does not get what he wants. He chews things up and makes a mess. When Hendrix sees how sad it makes Mum, it changes him. With the advice of Rocket, he learns to control his feeling and breath. The illustrations were perfect for the story. A great lesson for children of all ages. Great book! Five Stars

[Tabithas_Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley (thank you so much). However, the opinions shared are my own

4.5 stars
What a delightful reminder that we can control our anger. Hendrix and Rocket: Mad Monday is a charming and beautifully illustrated book with an important lesson. It would be perfect for use in the classroom or to help any child control their impulses. Rocket gently teaches how to deal with anger as well as how to apologize when we fail. A wonderful book I will be recommending to parents and students.

[Stephanie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son is 18 but mentally will always be four years old - and he loves dogs. This book helped him understand his emotions. Hendrix is the younger puppy - and the family does things he doesn't understand - and he is running around jumping worried anxious and he goes talk to Rocket who is like "just calm down" and he explains what is going on and not to be worried about xyz.

Great illustrations - and great for helping your children understand the feelings they are having! I would recommend this book for 4-6 year olds.

[Ann Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lighthearted lesson for the littles, Mad Monday does an excellent job of showing how emotions can get out of control. When things don’t go as expected Hendrix turns into “bad dog” and some destructive behavior ensues. Fortunately the older, wiser Rocket is there to help with sage advice, and a clearer perspective. A great way to help kids learn how to manage their anger, and understand that things are working out just fine, even when they aren’t going as planned.

[Fraya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wild and Fun-Filled Adventure!

Hendrix and Rocket Mad Monday is an energetic and entertaining story that’s sure to delight young readers. With its playful twists and lively storytelling, this book turns an ordinary Monday into an unforgettable adventure. Kids will love following Hendrix and Rocket’s antics and parents will enjoy reading it aloud. A great pick for any child who loves a bit of chaos and a lot of fun!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s hard to admit, but in the end I turn out to be the villain of this story. :) I feel guilty toward my dog for all the times I scold him when he barks or steals socks, shoes, and other things… Who knows how much I fail to understand, or how often I get angry for the wrong reasons. Highly recommended: this story is incredibly sweet, and Hendrix is absolutely adorable (even in his “bad” version!).

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Rocket’s schedule is changed unexpectedly, he gets a little mad and does bad doggy things such as mom‘s shoes. But when he sees Mom‘s reaction later, he realizes that he should do something different with his anger. Of course, Hendrix is there to help Rocket learn their lesson and get back in mom‘s good graces. I do really like these books but I wish they had a better cover. This cover is horrible. The illustrations inside the book are so great that it’s a shame the covers are so bad.

[Carolyn Watson-Dubisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Hendrix is upset. Monday came and his Mom went out and left him and his brother Rocket without their usual outside time! Hendrix loses control of his emotions and does some naughty things. This story is cute and the illustrations are fantastic. A good story and message for kids about controlling emotions. Recommended.

[April Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story, especially how it was told using two dogs processing their emotions and learning how to breathe. It is unique from other social emotional stories and I think kids will understand it and enjoy the story. The dogs are great ambassadors for good behavior and breathing through anger. Well done!

[Join the Penguin Resistance! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightfully illustrated and written in a calm and encouraging manner, this picture-and-text story for young children will encourage children (and elders) to pause, center, and breathe whenever they feel "the mads" coming on. The story illustrates how one person's anger can be destructive, to that individual and to others.

[Ashlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The red eyes for the dog scared me.
I see many positive reviews so this book is obviously going to be different from me (an adult) reading it versus a kid. The message is good, but the last page was like now he is a better dog. I wanted a little bit more. Overall, not bad, but could have been better.
The dog eyes creeped me out so bad.

[Little Batties · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kristin Haynes has added another book to her Hendrix and Rocket series. This time, our lovely dogs are dealing with a different emotion: anger.

Hendrix is angry that his humans keep leaving him, and he decides to act out to teach them a “lesson.” This does not work in the way he expects and ends up punished for it. And, dear old Rocket, our “wiser” of the two, imparts some wisdom that the old dog has learned with his age.

It is a sweet reminder on how dogs can feel abandoned when we leave, and it is a good way to show little ones that our pets do some things for attention. What might seem like a “bad dog” moment is more than that. The pet is trying to tell their human something, and it is worth the reminder to littles who may not fully understand why their dog has chewed the head off their favorite Barbie or ripped open their favorite stuffed animal.

However, this particular book in the series didn’t hit the metaphorical mark others have. It’s a little harder to rationalize a human emotional side to this like some of the others, which makes it a little more difficult for this to translate more readily to a social emotional learning moment for the littles reading it. It’s still a great book if you are trying to teach littles about some of the things their pets do, but it doesn’t work as well for a reminder on how to figure out and “tame” our own acting out.

Thank you NetGalley and Broadleaf Books for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mom1kori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for Teaching Emotions
A wonderful book that helps kids understand and manage anger in a fun way. Hendrix is so relatable!

[Steven Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, Bad and Mad!

Important lesson here and Hendrix is the perfect dog to teach such a great lesson. No more shows to chew on!!!

[Danielle LaRosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story teaches self control and managing anger through Hendrix a sweet dog with big emotions. I think children will sympathize with Hendrix and learn a thing or two from him. Recommend!

[Paula Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

This was a good book that held my daughter attention from the beginning to the end. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Ollie Skyba · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a sweet and approachable picture book from an Australian author who raises two human kids alongside two four-legged ones. The series works well visually, and using dogs to model emotions is a smart choice (children often understand feelings more easily when they see them reflected in animal behavior).

In this story, Monday doesn’t go as planned: routines change, expectations fail, and one of the dogs becomes overwhelmed and acts out. The “mom” figure helps him calm down by breathing and redirecting his anger, which is a useful and familiar emotional tool.

What I missed, though, was acknowledgment of the puppy’s right to feel upset in the first place. His routine was broken, no one explained why, and yet the focus is mostly on correcting his reaction rather than sharing responsibility for the confusion. With dogs, we might let that slide but if the real audience is human children, it would be helpful to show that emotions don’t appear out of nowhere, and that adults also play a role when plans suddenly change.

Thanks NetGalley for ARC

[Raisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

Mad Monday written by Kristin Haynes is about Hendrix and Rocker, the Weimaraner dogs. One Monday Hendrix wakes up and Mum not home. Rocker being older attire to help Hendrix relax. Hendrix gets mad and chew things. The illustrations are appealing. Perfect story for the little ones to learn about their emotions. Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for sending me an ARC in exchange of an honest review of the book received.