Hendrix and Rocket: Holiday Helper

by Kristin Haynes, Anna Thompson (Illustrator)

A heartwarming Christmas tale about belonging, bravery, and finding your place in the festive fun.

Perfect for ages 3–8, this playful, gentle story captures the real feelings kids face during busy family moments, when everyone seems to have a role except them.

Through Rocket’s calm reassurance and Hendrix’s hopeful heart, young readers will see that being included doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly… it just means being yourself.

The house is fizzing with holiday excitement, twinkling lights, jingling lists, warm cookies, and joyful chaos. Rocket, the confident helper, already knows exactly where he fits. Hendrix… isn’t so sure. He watches the bustle from the sidelines, wishing he could join in but unsure how.

Set inside a warm, slightly messy, very real Christmas home, this tale celebrates the small heroes of the the eager helpers, the quiet observers, the ones who feel big feelings, and the grown-ups who cherish every one of them.

With humour, warmth, and two irresistible furry friends, this book shines a light on the magic that happens when a child finds the courage to speak up, and the joy of discovering that there is a place for everyone in the holiday cheer.

And sometimes? Sometimes all it takes is one brave little bark to save Christmas.

Genres: Picture Books

36 pages, Paperback

Published October 31, 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

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Hendrix and Rocket: Holiday Helper, by Kristin Haynes, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Everyone has something to do except Hendrix the dog, even Rocket the dog has a job to do. This was such a cute holiday story. I loved the illustrations in the book.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Hendrix and Rocket: Holiday Helper is a sweet story about Hendrix, the dog who is feeling lost and left out on the run up to Christmas. Everyone has a job to do even his dog friend Rocket. Hendrix is a good boy and understands everyone is busy, but he feels sad he's not needed. When he discusses it with Rocket he realises he may have a job but he just hasn't found out what it is yet and shortly after he discovers he's been relied upon for one of the most important jobs - protecting presents!
This was such a sweet story with a lovely message for kids and grownups. It was also a hug in a book for any child who is shy and unconfident in asking others for help or how they can help too.

[Steven Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big Hendrix fan and this book in the series does not disappoint. Any kid with a dog will see Hendrix bring a new relationship that they may have not seen. Joyous ending is always sweet as well!!!

[S.A. Krishnan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four Point Four Stars
Lovely Christmas Story! Hendrix, Rocket's furry friend wants to help everyone in the family at Christmas. But it seems like no one wants his help, not mom, or dad or even the kids. He feels sad because even Rocket has a job and he does not. Something cute happens at Christmas night as Hendrix stays guard. Lovely Christmas book that brings the festive spirit and the emotional connection as Hendrix tries to find his place and where he belongs. Enjoyable read for older kids.
Thank you for the eARC Netgalley.
Review also found at:
https://ok-readingcorner.blogspot.com...

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently read the Halloween edition and loved this so much!
I enjoyed this one too. a nice little festive treat.

many thanks to Netgalley for the ARC

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was about a dog named Hendrix. He starts to feel left out because he feels like no one needs him around Christmastime. I thought this "tail" was amazing! It showed how everyone can come together to help for the holidays. It's a book for the whole family to enjoy! I definitely recommend to children and adults alike!!

[Ameliessa Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a warm and gentle Christmas read! This story melted my heart and beautifully captures that mix of Christmas sparkle and real feelings — being excited, wanting to help, but not quite knowing how to fit in. It’s one of those books that quietly reminds you that everyone has a place, even if it takes a few tries to find it. Perfect for cozy December evenings with cocoa, twinkly lights, and maybe a wagging tail nearby.

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

By sheer chance, I met two Weimaraners last time I was at the vet's office for Daisy's annual checkup. One was outgoing and friendly. The other was far more reserved and unsure of its surroundings. Hey, it was the vet's, so can't blame it. It actually probably better mirrored Hendrix in behavior with its unsure but friendly approach to a strange human stopping to stare at it. In any case, you can see why this fun children's book featuring two Wiemaraners drew me right to it. Here Rocket is the more assured, comfy in itself canine while Hendrix is still feeling his way. He wants to be a part of the excited activity and frequently chaos about him Christmas has brought to the household but is struggling to find his place in the whole. Just like a child, he wants to be included while not quite knowing how.

The illustrations by Anna Thompson help convey the activity and growing excitement about them all. There was a homey feel to the pictures, each of which offers cute little extras. Make sure you check out Hendrix and Rocket's collar and Rocket's fun holiday sweater. And addition to Hendrix's look at the end helps show he's included. dogs' expressions are well done, each managing to convey a mix of caution and hopefulness, not to mention disappointment and surprise. Lots of garlands and green, too, about the house, but make sure to note the decorations on the walls and such. It was also cool to see and read about the Tasmanian Christmas Bell flowers, something I'd never heard about. And, oh, I can't help but grin that Dad is shown cooking, not mom. Grin.

Bottom line, a sweet story for young children that, well, can be enjoyed by all ages. Even us not even close to childhood adults. As a dog person, especially having met a couple Weimaraners recently, I know I enjoyed the story and illustrations. No one wants to feel ignored or left out, even the pets, and let's face it, when you think about it, the chaos, fun as it may be, about homes at the holidays may be a bit overwhelming for both human and pets. Thanks #BooksGoSocial for giving me an early look at this delightful Christmas tale. This story may focus on a specific holiday but, let's face it, these moments of uncertainty, not quite feeling a part of things, are universal no matter what the occasion or time of year.

[Books On Tour PR & Marketing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joy fills the air in this tail-twitching, nose-tickling, biscuit-licking Christmas tale celebrating family belonging with those deliciously cheeky Weimaraner pups, Hendrix and Rocket. After their spooktacular fun in Halloween Hijinks, the canine pals are back, taking their positions as festive helpers very seriously in the heartwarming Holiday Helper.

Everyone in the house has a job to do – ticking off lists, flipping through cookbooks, sorting baubles and untangling tinsel. Even Rocket is on cookie duty to guard the precious Christmas treats from over-zealous family members (here’s looking at you, Dad!). It seems Hendrix has been overlooked, and he forlornly wanders away, feeling separated from the household’s Christmas spirit. With a little nudge and a little hope of promise, Hendrix makes it his mission to discover what his job is – listening, watching, waiting – until … You’ll have to read the book to uncover Hendrix’s ‘very important job’.

Kristin Haynes delights once again with her playful narrative; demonstrating some typical family roles and a general household busyness. And paw-fect for Christmas time, there’s plenty of doggy dancing and bouncing antics, and even more warmth and love curled around this story like a soft blanket. For those who celebrate, the festive season comes with much anticipation, wonder and magic. Both Kristin and illustrator Anna Thompson deliver these qualities in their book, just like Santa’s present-delivery on Christmas Eve. Anna’s expressive characters and mix of large spread and sequenced vignettes allow readers to visually and responsively immerse in the action and excitement of the hectic decoration and food preparations. The family’s laughter and affection are seriously contagious!

With a final nod to the glorious Tasmanian Christmas Bell flowers, which also feature in the pages, Kristin incorporates some information about ‘Nature’s Jingle Bells’ – her characteristically Tassie inclusion in all her Hendrix and Rocket books.

Playing a part and belonging, and having patience and persistence all feature in this loving tale of family bonding, togetherness, and celebrating the ‘important’ things (like each other). Holiday Helper is a baublicious picture book wrapped in light and love for every important member of the family this Christmas!

[Donna C.K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this 38-page story on its release day (October 30) from NetGalley via BooksGoSocial because I'm in the mood for Christmas stories, particularly children's stories.

Holiday Helper is a story featuring Hendrix and Rocket, two dogs, and is one in a series. It is a reminder that everyone can be involved in preparations, for holidays and otherwise, even your beloved pets and as stated in the synopsis, it "explores what it means to belong, to help, and to be seen".

With Christmas approaching, Hendrix wants to do help whether it is taste testing, sorting through decorations or being on cookie duty as the preparations are in full swing. The house is filled with the scents and sounds of sprucing up for the festivities like trimming the tree and everyone except Hendrix has been assigned a task. His offers to help were turned down and he was very sad until he found what his job was.

What this story for 3 to 8 year olds does, is provide an opportunity for parents/guardians and older siblings, to talk to young children about their feelings about being included, their purpose, and how they can connect to people in their lives.

Reading about Hendrix and how he felt left out reminded me of a time when my daughter was very young and wanted to help with simple chores, or with bringing something I wanted from elsewhere in the house. I didn't intentionally overlook her but I did ask my son who is older, to do things more often. One day she said in exasperation, "I can do things too". From then on, I enlisted her in more activities and accepted her offers to assist because she was very capable.

I think it would make a great bedtime/class time/family time story. The illustrations are nice too and the inclusion of the information about the Tasmania Christmas Bell flowers was informative.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot on the heels of the Halloween entry to this expanding series (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) we get one specially for Christmas. And to my mind it is better – everything and everyone seems set for the holiday, except for Hendrix, who almost begins to think Christmas is over before it has begun. He will only get in the way of what the humans are doing, or be at risk of danger and/or mess, and hasn't got a job to do. Luckily, he might just fall on his feet where that is concerned. But will that be enough to make his Christmas?

There's little in the way of outright seasonal message here, bar one sentence of affirmation – this is very much the modern, secular Christmas just as the Halloween book stuck to the plastic crud and begging of it all. But I still liked this simple, little drama of the well-intentioned dog, not exactly put in the doghouse but worrying how he can make himself useful. That's a decent mindset for kids to have – to know you should be busy, but not busy doing the wrong thing at the wrong place or time – and the nature notes specific to the author's native Tasmania we close with are still welcome, too. Four stars might be a tiny bit generous, but not much.

[Chelsea Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC Review**

This is a festive tale that is as heartwarming as it is charming. My son and I loved it! The illustrations are vibrant and beautiful, perfectly capturing the joyful (and slightly chaotic) spirit of the holiday season. Young readers (like my 5 year old) will instantly connect with little Weimaraner Hendrix, who feels a bit uncertain and left out as his family buzzes around preparing for Christmas. His journey to find his place and be a helper is both relatable and tender.

This book is more than a simple Christmas story. It offers a gentle and empathetic way for children to explore their own feelings of inclusion, purpose, and connection. Watching Hendrix find his special role, with the calm and supportive presence of his older friend Rocket, is a beautiful lesson in empathy and persistence.

This story is a truly wonderful addition to any bookshelf. it's perfect for bedtime reading, encouraging conversations about helping others, and reminding children that everyone has a special part to play in the holiday cheer. This book is a delightful read for the holidays and a wonderful story for any time of year!

[Lila Danisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story!

I read it for my son on Christmas time. Though we don't celebrate Christmas, my son is very familiar with it because of his videos and western cultures (?) since his daddy and family are from there.
My son liked the story. He said it was cute that Hendrix wanted a job and busy on Christmas. He said if he were Hendrix, he wouldn't want have a job and he would gonna have fun on Christmas. And that was the time I tried to tell him the messages of the book, which I assumed one of them was the importance of knowing your role in daily life. If my son choose to be the one to have fun, that's also the role. And no matter what role he chooses, it would always be important because he knows what his worth.

The illustrations were also good. Colorful and full of details especially in each character's expressions.

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

[Sally Wilsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hendrix and Rocket: Holiday Helper by Kristen Haynes and Illustrated by Anna Thompson

This is a delightful Christmas book any child would enjoy.
Hendrix the dog is sad because he feels he does not have a job for the holidays. Everyone around him has one including his brother Rocket the dog.
This is a story of family and including everyone in the holidays. It is about finding what you are good at and not reading things into things other people do. Sometimes it just takes patience to see where you fit in.
The illustrations are cute and sure to entertain any child.
I recommend this book for the holiday book collection at home and library story time.

[Stephanie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son is autistic and mentally four - as I have often said - and I am always on the lookout for books that will keep his attention, and he will actually understand what I read.

Bonus if we have dogs and my son's favorite time of year - Christmas.

Rocket is one of the puppies in the book and he feels useless - he wants to help but hasn't found what he is good at -his doggy friend Hendrix helps him not feel depressed telling him he hasn't found it yet.

In the end Rocket finds his special Christmas task -

I think for the age group this would be appropriate.

Illustrations were wonderful!

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new book in the Hendrix and Rocket series. But like other books you don’t see much of Rocket. It’s the holidays and Hendrix wants to help. But no one needs their help. This leaves Hendrix feeling a little bit down. They just need some job to do to get into the spirit of the holidays like everybody else. And it turns out they’re the perfect present protector. I do like these books but so think they’re a little long, but the illustrations are fun and the heart is there.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was a fun book to read!

The story was well written and it was easy to read and understand.

The illustrations in the book were great, they were nice, bright and colourful and they brought the story to life too.

I can't wait to read this book again next Christmas.

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

[Lolisa Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hendrix and Rocket Holiday Helper is another grand adventure with our favorite Weimaraner duo. Hendrix cannot find a holiday job, and he feels left out with all the decorating and cooking commotion. Will he find a way to help? You will be surprised to see the job he gets! Enjoy!

[Pat Danna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful Christmas story! Hendrix is disappointed that he doesn't have a role to play in the holiday festivities. No matter how much he wants to help, he's turned down for every job..decorating, baking, etc. But in the end, be surprised at his very important Christmas task!

[Nitoy Gonzales · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a nice story but should have been shorter. Nothing much in the story itself. Another thing is the artwork is a bit flat. Also why are the dogs look they haven't had a bath for weeks?

[Zelie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the story and also the way it describe the dogs behavior, the interaction, and also how it has a great illustration.

[Sarah * Between the Lines Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another adorable Hendrix and Rocket book.
Festive and heartwarming tale.
Thank you Kristin for sending me this book for review. My kids loved it too!

[Little Batties · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristin Haynes has done it again with her newest Hendrix and Rocket story for the holiday season.

Hendrix, our main character in this season, is at it again with “Holiday Helper.” We see him and Rocket, working with their humans, as they get ready for the holiday season. Although, it seems for Hendrix, he doesn’t feel like he knows what his job is, when everyone else seems to have their own, and he’s working on figuring out what his job is in this story.

It is a sweet, fun reminder of the togetherness of the holidays, and how our pets are part of the family too. This is something I imagine students and teachers will enjoy reading, as it has exciting moments that keep you guessing on whether or not Hendrix is going to find his place for Christmas. I enjoyed how thought out this story was, and how welcoming it felt to get a glimpse into her family during the holidays.

If you like dogs, togetherness, and holiday spirit, then this story might just be for you.

Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for giving me an advance copy of this book to review in exchange for an honest review.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art is absolutely charming, and the friendship between the two dogs is very sweet. I liked the story of a pup trying to find his way to help at Christmas—but based on the cover, I expected a bit more pre-holiday chaos.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kristin Haynes, and BooksGoSocial for this free, advance copy in exchange for an honest review.