Henry Upside Down: Book 4

Henry #4

by Jenn Bailey, Mika Song (Illustrator)

The fourth book in the Schneider Family Award and Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor-winning series that follows Henry, a boy on the autism spectrum, as he navigates friendships, classroom conundrums, and the ups and downs of daily life as a sweet and sensitive first-grader.

It’s Henry’s turn to take care of the school garden. And his best friend, Katie, will help him. But then a new girl named Ivy joins their garden crew. Ivy tells jokes that make Katie laugh. She does handstands, just like Katie. Katie says Ivy is her friend. But Henry is Katie’s friend! Suddenly, Henry’s world feels upside down. Follow along as Henry learns to tend a garden, deal with a big box of worms, and maybe even make a new friend.

Readers of all kinds will delight in seeing the world through Henry's eyes in these gentle, classic-feeling stories, delivered with empathy and charm by the award-winning author-illustrator team of Jenn Bailey and Mika Song.
JUST RIGHT FOR BEGINNING With short chapters and simple text, this book is perfect for newly independent readers who are just moving on to longer books.

GREAT BACK-TO-SCHOOL Perfect for any reader starting a new school year, the Henry series explores common school experiences in a gentle, funny, and encouraging way. 

DIVERSE Centering neurodivergent kids is vital to expanding diverse representation across books for all ages. The Henry series provides an excellent opportunity for kids on the autism spectrum and their friends to see themselves in the stories they read.

AWARD-WINNING Jenn Bailey and Mika Song received a Schneider Family Book Honor Award for Henry, Like Always, the first book in this series. See how the story continues in this addition to the classic-feeling early reader series!
Perfect Newly independent readers An excellent resource for parents of kids on the spectrum Librarians, teachers, and booksellers looking for a children’s book that offers a window into the experience of autism A reassuring read for kids with varying levels of social anxiety Gift givers looking for a sweet and relatable book about trying new things

52 pages, Hardcover

Published April 7, 2026

About the author

Jenn Bailey is an author, editor, documentarian, blue-ribbon pie baker, and eager traveler. She received her MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Born and raised in Rhode Island, she now calls Kansas City home where she lives with her husband, three sons, and numerous cats and dogs. Jenn was inspired to write Henry's story after watching her own sons, one who is on the autism spectrum, navigate finding a friend - a process which took patience, time, and courage. But finding the right one was always, always worth it.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up because Henry gets to be a hero, but I do have mixed feelings. Even a person like me, not on the spectrum, would object to the rules getting broken by adding a third person to a job meant for two. And Ivy & Katie didn't even try to include Henry. I do like that the worms are revealed to be not gross or dangerous, but that part could have been made more clear (touch them gently, it's fine!).

[Zan Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry, a young boy with autism, learns to manage his school garden with his best friend Katie--but Henry's world feels turned upside down when Katie brings along a new friend named Ivy"