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Henny
Henny is a chick who’s just a little different from everyone else in the barn—and who learns to embrace her special gift in this whimsical and charming picture book debut from Elizabeth Rose Stanton.Henny doesn’t look like any other chicken she knows. Instead of wings, she has arms! Sometimes Henny likes being different—she enjoys the way her arms flutter like ribbons when she runs—but other times…not so much. She just can’t do things the same way as the other chickens. But doing things the same as everyone else is overrated, as Henny comes to realize in this warmhearted story, sweetly told and illustrated with fresh, expressive artwork that celebrates the individual in everyone.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2014
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136 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
January 22, 2014
This is a book about being different and how there are pros and cons but once the difference becomes useful, the pros outnumber the cons probably 5 to 1 or something.
Not addressed with Henny-the-chicken's arms are her teeth. She brushes her teeth. I know there's a saying about hens' teeth, but I also know that chickens, with exception of the one tooth they use to break out of their eggs, a tooth that falls off their beaks within 48 hours, do not have teeth.
To be honest, this book borders on the creeptacular. A chicken with arms. It's sadly cute in the beginning, when poor Henny has to lug her long, skinny arms behind her while trudging along, last in line. But as she gets older and tries to blend in, the arms...they are so distracting. People arms on a little white hen.
Happily, she learns to use her arms for helpful endeavors and thinks of all the other possibilities, culminating in perhaps every chicken's fondest dream and it's all wonderful.
And yet, a chicken with skinny, pink arms, it's a bit offputting. It's one of those "You have a face only a mother could love" type things...only - about that: this type of story tends to make my two latent maternal instincts come forward and I wanted to care for and protect the strange armful chicken.
On a serious note: Yes, I understand that this is about teaching compassion for others as well as being positive in the face of adversity. I get the point and know I am being the horrible person this book is intended to not create. I know this. And if I saw a real chicken with arms, I would still probably stare. It would probably peck my eyes out for my unmannerly behavior and I would deserve it. That wouldn't stop me from trying to give it a good home were it about to be sent off to the chopping block. I know this, too.
Not addressed with Henny-the-chicken's arms are her teeth. She brushes her teeth. I know there's a saying about hens' teeth, but I also know that chickens, with exception of the one tooth they use to break out of their eggs, a tooth that falls off their beaks within 48 hours, do not have teeth.
To be honest, this book borders on the creeptacular. A chicken with arms. It's sadly cute in the beginning, when poor Henny has to lug her long, skinny arms behind her while trudging along, last in line. But as she gets older and tries to blend in, the arms...they are so distracting. People arms on a little white hen.
Happily, she learns to use her arms for helpful endeavors and thinks of all the other possibilities, culminating in perhaps every chicken's fondest dream and it's all wonderful.
And yet, a chicken with skinny, pink arms, it's a bit offputting. It's one of those "You have a face only a mother could love" type things...only - about that: this type of story tends to make my two latent maternal instincts come forward and I wanted to care for and protect the strange armful chicken.
On a serious note: Yes, I understand that this is about teaching compassion for others as well as being positive in the face of adversity. I get the point and know I am being the horrible person this book is intended to not create. I know this. And if I saw a real chicken with arms, I would still probably stare. It would probably peck my eyes out for my unmannerly behavior and I would deserve it. That wouldn't stop me from trying to give it a good home were it about to be sent off to the chopping block. I know this, too.
March 14, 2020
"Henny wasn't a typical chicken," begins this quirky picture-book from Elizabeth Rose Stanton, in which an unusual chicken learns to embrace her differences. No, Henny had arms rather than wings. She also had dreams, and plans. Although she soon learned that having arms had both its advantages and disadvantages, and although she both liked and disliked the fact that she was different from the other chickens, eventually she discovered that the good things that this unusual aspect of her body allowed her to do - helping Mr. Farmer with his tasks, for instance - far outweighed the bad things. In fact, Henny began to imagine all the wonderful activities her arms might make possible… even flying!
A former architect, Elizabeth Rose Stanton made her children's book debut with Henny, which features an endearing galline heroine struggling to come to terms with who she is, and beautiful pencil and watercolor artwork that no doubt reflect its creator's skill in draftsmanship. I appreciate artists who aren't afraid of leaving large portions of a page white - sometimes less is more - and found Stanton's use of soft and subtle colors a pleasure. The scene in which a realistic hen is compared to Henny, early on in the book, demonstrates the artist's craft - both her realistic and more figurative chicken are very well done - as well as her sense of humor. Although not quite the equal of her subsequent Peddles , which I read at the same time, Henny is an appealing little picture-book, and an auspicious debut from this new children's author/artist.
A former architect, Elizabeth Rose Stanton made her children's book debut with Henny, which features an endearing galline heroine struggling to come to terms with who she is, and beautiful pencil and watercolor artwork that no doubt reflect its creator's skill in draftsmanship. I appreciate artists who aren't afraid of leaving large portions of a page white - sometimes less is more - and found Stanton's use of soft and subtle colors a pleasure. The scene in which a realistic hen is compared to Henny, early on in the book, demonstrates the artist's craft - both her realistic and more figurative chicken are very well done - as well as her sense of humor. Although not quite the equal of her subsequent Peddles , which I read at the same time, Henny is an appealing little picture-book, and an auspicious debut from this new children's author/artist.
March 18, 2014
In the spirit of Dumbo and the works of Todd Parr, along comes Henny, a chicken born with unusually long arms and hand-like wings!
A great “Okay to be Different” story without getting hokey about it.
While I often lament the minimalist movement in picture books these days, this book makes great use of minimalism in both words and illustrations. Zeroing in on our heroine and how she makes the most of her unique physique features!
The picture book answer to R.J. Palacio’s middle grade novel ”Wonder” with a fantastical fauna twist!
Elizabeth Rose Stanton: This is a debut to be proud of.
A great “Okay to be Different” story without getting hokey about it.
While I often lament the minimalist movement in picture books these days, this book makes great use of minimalism in both words and illustrations. Zeroing in on our heroine and how she makes the most of her unique physique features!
The picture book answer to R.J. Palacio’s middle grade novel ”Wonder” with a fantastical fauna twist!
Elizabeth Rose Stanton: This is a debut to be proud of.
January 3, 2014
I LOVE Henny! Henny is not a typical chicken - she was hatched with arms instead of wings! After much angst and ambivalence, she finally reconciles her differences and embraces her individuality and capabilities. Adorable illustrations. This one is a must-have for the classroom and will be a big hit among children.
March 25, 2014
Unexpected: a chicken with arms. The illustrations are delightful.
March 13, 2014
Henny is an adorable chicken with arms...so she's also different. She likes and dislikes her differences and finally embraces them. Great illustrations, too!
December 5, 2018
What a laugh out loud book! From the illustrations to the text, Henny is utterly unforgettable. The trials and tribulations that Henny goes through are both funny as well as saddening, and helps to round out the ideas of what it means to be different. Great for reading out loud, great for kids in kindergarten and up. Overall, it's a quirky book that makes for a cute storytime.
Review cross-listed here!
Review cross-listed here!
December 17, 2014
I really enjoyed meeting Henny and her creator, Elizabeth Rose Stanton, at Henny’s recent book birthday. I have found so much to appreciate about this quirky little book, and it goes deeper than I would have expected.
I’ve been thinking about Henny quite a lot lately, as I let the reactions of others sink in. In case you’ve never met her, Henny is a chicken born with… arms.
The unlikely always grabs me when it comes to picture books, but this particular difference has taught me some interesting lessons along the way. I very much appreciate what she’s brought me, this funny, upbeat little bird.
Henny - born different from her siblings, different from the flock, and much beloved by her mother. Henny learns, in the course of her story, that it’s both fun and frustrating to be different. But here is what I learned about myself, and others, in sharing Henny with my community.
When I told a grownup the premise of this book I was about to “meet” on the day of her launch party, that Henny was a chicken with arms, her first response was one of dismay. That seemed a little too strange to her. I felt almost defensive of Henny, and yet, in a way, I understood, somewhere deep within. It was weird.
Then I met Henny, and fell in love. I couldn’t wait to share with my students, and when I did, I learned something more. The very youngest of them embraced Henny with open (and giggling) hearts and arms. As the student groups got older, their initial reactions began to change.
Though Henny ultimately won them over with her personality and her perseverance, she was odd enough to make some of them uncomfortable initially. The reaction was obvious enough to capture my attention, and it got me thinking.
We do somehow learn to think that differences in others are “weird.” We seem to learn it early, according to my experience with this lovely little book. It’s not much of a leap to consider our attitudes toward the students among us with differences, now, is it?
But Henny herself is the key to understanding the importance of finding the best in ourselves. She understands how lucky she is to have the support of a loving parent. She knows the importance of being open-minded, of trying new things in spite of differences, and despite challenges. She knows it’s okay to worry and to work things out, to help and to be helped both. That is a real gift in a personality, don’t you think?
Henny. She is one of my new heroes, teaching me interesting lessons and reminding me how much each and every one of us matters, no matter what we’re given to work with.
You can help authors and booksellers by buying independent: http://www.indiebound.org/book/978144...
I’ve been thinking about Henny quite a lot lately, as I let the reactions of others sink in. In case you’ve never met her, Henny is a chicken born with… arms.
The unlikely always grabs me when it comes to picture books, but this particular difference has taught me some interesting lessons along the way. I very much appreciate what she’s brought me, this funny, upbeat little bird.
Henny - born different from her siblings, different from the flock, and much beloved by her mother. Henny learns, in the course of her story, that it’s both fun and frustrating to be different. But here is what I learned about myself, and others, in sharing Henny with my community.
When I told a grownup the premise of this book I was about to “meet” on the day of her launch party, that Henny was a chicken with arms, her first response was one of dismay. That seemed a little too strange to her. I felt almost defensive of Henny, and yet, in a way, I understood, somewhere deep within. It was weird.
Then I met Henny, and fell in love. I couldn’t wait to share with my students, and when I did, I learned something more. The very youngest of them embraced Henny with open (and giggling) hearts and arms. As the student groups got older, their initial reactions began to change.
Though Henny ultimately won them over with her personality and her perseverance, she was odd enough to make some of them uncomfortable initially. The reaction was obvious enough to capture my attention, and it got me thinking.
We do somehow learn to think that differences in others are “weird.” We seem to learn it early, according to my experience with this lovely little book. It’s not much of a leap to consider our attitudes toward the students among us with differences, now, is it?
But Henny herself is the key to understanding the importance of finding the best in ourselves. She understands how lucky she is to have the support of a loving parent. She knows the importance of being open-minded, of trying new things in spite of differences, and despite challenges. She knows it’s okay to worry and to work things out, to help and to be helped both. That is a real gift in a personality, don’t you think?
Henny. She is one of my new heroes, teaching me interesting lessons and reminding me how much each and every one of us matters, no matter what we’re given to work with.
You can help authors and booksellers by buying independent: http://www.indiebound.org/book/978144...
July 6, 2014
Henny by Elizabeth Rose Stanton is a beautifully illustrated story about a chicken with arms who must learn how to overcome being different. After reading this delightful story I could hear the music for the song, "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" (originally written for the film Monty Python's Life of Brian in 1979, but featured two times during the Broadway musical Spamalot, which is how I know the song) playing in my head. I think Henny does exactly what the song suggests. She realizes she is different, but she chooses to be happy and look at all of the various things she is capable of doing instead of the ways in which she is not like all of the other chickens. Henny is laughed at by the other animals on the farm. She begins to worry about how to live with arms instead of wings. While walking behind the farmer one day, an egg falls out of his basket. Henny is able to reach up and grab the egg and keep it from falling since she has arms. It is at this point Henny begins to realize all of the wonderful things she can do because of her arms. She can carry a purse, an umbrella, and maybe even fly (an airplane).
I believe Henny's message is a very important one for all of us ~ young, old, fat, thin, abled, or disabled. We need to make the most of the gifts we are given and be appreciative. Each day we see people and we make judgments about them based on appearance. We don't know the challenges they face, but we make assumptions about their abilities. We can feel sorry for ourselves or we can turn our situation around and choose to be positive, making the best of any situation put in front of us in life.
I look forward to sharing this wonderful story with my students during this next school year. I know they will come to love Henny as much as I love her. It will also be exciting to share my personal story of meeting Elizabeth. They are always amazed to learn about the authors and illustrators of books I share. Like me, my students believe authors and illustrators are rock stars.
I believe Henny's message is a very important one for all of us ~ young, old, fat, thin, abled, or disabled. We need to make the most of the gifts we are given and be appreciative. Each day we see people and we make judgments about them based on appearance. We don't know the challenges they face, but we make assumptions about their abilities. We can feel sorry for ourselves or we can turn our situation around and choose to be positive, making the best of any situation put in front of us in life.
I look forward to sharing this wonderful story with my students during this next school year. I know they will come to love Henny as much as I love her. It will also be exciting to share my personal story of meeting Elizabeth. They are always amazed to learn about the authors and illustrators of books I share. Like me, my students believe authors and illustrators are rock stars.
January 29, 2014
Henny was born just a little different than all of the other chickens. She was born with arms instead of wings! Henny liked her arms sometimes like when they flapped when she ran. Other times, she didn’t like her arms. Sometimes she liked being different and other times it made her feel sad and lonely. Henny had to worry about different things than other chickens like gloves or mittens. She tried to fit in with the other chickens, but she was always different no matter what she did. Then one day, she caught a falling egg and started to see how many ways she could use her arms and hands.
Stanton has captured exactly what it feels like to be distinctly different from others and the transformation that can occur when you realize the good parts of being unique. The text of the book is simple. She uses humor throughout the book to make sure the spirit stays light, even during Henny’s darker moments of doubt.
The watercolor illustrations are also quite funny. I particularly love the image of Henny running with her arms flapping behind her and that being one of Henny’s favorite things about her arms. By the end of the book, you are almost surprised to see other chickens with wings since the arms suit Henny perfectly.
A great pick to start discussions about being different, the light touch here keeps the subject approachable. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Stanton has captured exactly what it feels like to be distinctly different from others and the transformation that can occur when you realize the good parts of being unique. The text of the book is simple. She uses humor throughout the book to make sure the spirit stays light, even during Henny’s darker moments of doubt.
The watercolor illustrations are also quite funny. I particularly love the image of Henny running with her arms flapping behind her and that being one of Henny’s favorite things about her arms. By the end of the book, you are almost surprised to see other chickens with wings since the arms suit Henny perfectly.
A great pick to start discussions about being different, the light touch here keeps the subject approachable. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
October 20, 2014
At the story's outset we learn that Henny is not a typical chicken because she was born with arms. At first this appears to have its drawbacks, because arms on a chicken are mainly depicted as a useless function. And they immediately force Henny to be classified as "different." And Henny certainly doesn't like being forced into that category, so she does what anyone in that position would do: she tries to fit in. Through the course of the story, however, Henny's arms begin to take on new meaning, as purpose is finally seen in them. Before long she can gather her own eggs, she can literally lend the farmer a hand, and she can even eat bugs like a civilized chicken! In the end, children will learn that being "different" has it perks, but each of us will have to find the beauty and purpose in our uniqueness.
Deceptively simple pencil and watercolors provide the imagery for Henny's fictional world, and, coupled with the words, it works very well here. The author, Elizabeth Rose Stanton, illustrated her own story, so she was entirely familiar with the characters and settings, therefore her vision could be easily realized. It all results in a wonderful little tale.
Deceptively simple pencil and watercolors provide the imagery for Henny's fictional world, and, coupled with the words, it works very well here. The author, Elizabeth Rose Stanton, illustrated her own story, so she was entirely familiar with the characters and settings, therefore her vision could be easily realized. It all results in a wonderful little tale.
February 19, 2015
A chicken with arms instead of wings can literally reach out and grab you, and that is exactly what Elizabeth Rose Stanton’s picture book Henny does. The charming hook, a chicken with arms, is enhanced with Stanton’s humor and lovable illustrations.
Henny loves being different and hates being different. She worries about gloves or mittens, tennis elbow and deodorant. Henny is cute and silly, but her universal struggle to both fit in and accept her individuality holds a depth of meaning that will tug at your heart. When Henny discovers the wonderful possibilities her arms provide, you will cheer.
Writing
At fewer than 300 words, Stanton shows a mastery of the tight picture book technique. Henny grabs with you a charming hook, holds you with humor and offer readers a universally relatable theme. Stanton uses her illustrations to provide characterization and together with her text they add a wonderful lyrical cadence to the story. Stanton finishes her tale with the perfect aha full circle ending and in the process allows the reader to sigh in delight.
Henny loves being different and hates being different. She worries about gloves or mittens, tennis elbow and deodorant. Henny is cute and silly, but her universal struggle to both fit in and accept her individuality holds a depth of meaning that will tug at your heart. When Henny discovers the wonderful possibilities her arms provide, you will cheer.
Writing
At fewer than 300 words, Stanton shows a mastery of the tight picture book technique. Henny grabs with you a charming hook, holds you with humor and offer readers a universally relatable theme. Stanton uses her illustrations to provide characterization and together with her text they add a wonderful lyrical cadence to the story. Stanton finishes her tale with the perfect aha full circle ending and in the process allows the reader to sigh in delight.
April 26, 2014
Age: Preschool-Kindergarten
Animals: Chicken
This book starts out with an anatomical rendering of two chickens: a typical chicken and Henny. There is one difference: the typical chicken has wings and Henny has arms. Stanton goes on to show how much Henny loves her uniqueness, and how others teasing make her dislike it. Eventually, Henny comes to realize all the things she can do with her arms such as helping the farmer out, pointing, making a point,and maybe, just maybe, she could fly.
This book will certainly provide younger children with a way of looking at differences and unique traits each other has.
Animals: Chicken
This book starts out with an anatomical rendering of two chickens: a typical chicken and Henny. There is one difference: the typical chicken has wings and Henny has arms. Stanton goes on to show how much Henny loves her uniqueness, and how others teasing make her dislike it. Eventually, Henny comes to realize all the things she can do with her arms such as helping the farmer out, pointing, making a point,and maybe, just maybe, she could fly.
This book will certainly provide younger children with a way of looking at differences and unique traits each other has.
July 30, 2014
Henny is hatched and soon learns she is very different. Possessing arms instead of wings, she drags on behind the others. Naturally, she is a target of bullying and derision.
Realizing she must accept who she is, she chooses to find benefits of arms. She can wear a sweater; she can catch a ball; she can carry a purse; and, she can fly a plane way in the sky above the ground where others are tethered by their tiny wings.
This is a wonderful book for children, and adults who feel different and who struggle to accept the beauty of their situation.
Realizing she must accept who she is, she chooses to find benefits of arms. She can wear a sweater; she can catch a ball; she can carry a purse; and, she can fly a plane way in the sky above the ground where others are tethered by their tiny wings.
This is a wonderful book for children, and adults who feel different and who struggle to accept the beauty of their situation.
September 20, 2014
This is a hilarious picture book about being unique! Henny isn’t sure what to do with her arms – she liked them, yet she didn’t like them. They made her different (good), and they made her different (bad). This is a wonderful story about finding yourself. Henny doesn’t know what to do with her arms and the results are awesome! Ms. Stanton has created a wonderful story about a unique chicken with a wonderful meaning – be yourself.
*NOTE* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
*NOTE* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
September 18, 2015
I'm disturbed. I'm seriously disturbed.
DO NOT GIVE CHICKENS ARMS.
JUST.
DON'T.
I know there's all kinds of points about this book about wanting to fit in, being different, taking joy in being different, blah blah blah.
BUT DO NOT GIVE CHICKENS ARMS.
** side note: My children discovered this book, and were fighting over who would read it first. They kept saying things like "That's SO WRONG" or "That's just WEIRD" but they all read it. So...bonus star, going up from one to two, for engaging the readers. Which I guess is the point? **
DO NOT GIVE CHICKENS ARMS.
JUST.
DON'T.
I know there's all kinds of points about this book about wanting to fit in, being different, taking joy in being different, blah blah blah.
BUT DO NOT GIVE CHICKENS ARMS.
** side note: My children discovered this book, and were fighting over who would read it first. They kept saying things like "That's SO WRONG" or "That's just WEIRD" but they all read it. So...bonus star, going up from one to two, for engaging the readers. Which I guess is the point? **
August 27, 2015
A fun and sweetly humorous book about belonging and loving who you are, as you are. The illustrations are soft and simple, allowing the reader to focus on Henny and what she is going through ans how she feels. There are no bad guys in this quest to fit in, rather Stanton focuses on validating feelings - the positive as well as the negative self-talk. Great for showing kids (and grown ups) that our differences can make us feel like an odd man out, but, importantly, they can make us feel special and unique in the best of ways.
March 20, 2014
Cute and funny story about a chicken who is born with ungainly human arms. It explores feeling out of place and "different," and it lightly brushes over bullying/teasing. Of course, Henny figures out that the thing that makes her so different lets her do many things chickens can't, which makes her happy! Despite the weirdness of a chicken having human arms, the story is predictable. But the illustrations and concepts are so amusing that it doesn't really matter.
May 14, 2014
Soft pencil and watercolor illustrations suit the light and sweet story, with regular pops of color in the chicken's combs and the bright yellow of chicks. Generous white space and uncluttered pages let the illustrations and text shine. The humor also matches - never over the top, there's the inherent humor of a chicken with arms, and a few small textual jokes, like "She could point. She could make a point."
But really, a chicken with arms. Enough said.
But really, a chicken with arms. Enough said.
July 25, 2014
Love Henny's arms flapping in the wind like ribbons. The pictures are hilarious. So it is good that the author tempered the actual story. Henny is different from the other chickens,(spoiler alert...she has arms...), but she learns to use her arms in many different ways that not only make her useful but special. So many ways to go with this little gem. I followed it in storytime with 'My Thumbs are Starting to Wiggle'. Fun fun.
August 20, 2014
If you were Henny, a chicken born with arms, what would you do? How would you feel? This book explores what it feels like to be different and ultimately encourages each one of us to make the most of the body/talents we've been given. None of us can choose how we look nor do we sign up for our strengths or weaknesses. So what will we do? Be like Henny and accept yourself. Explore what you can do and don't forget to dream!
September 27, 2014
Through a fluke, Henny the chicken was born with arms. It's tough to be different, to never quite fit in, but it also has its perks. Unlike her brothers and sisters, Henny can point. She can hail a taxi cab. She can even help out around the farm. All in all, being unique might not be so bad. Henny is an entertaining, affirming story. The understated illustrations are hilarious and complement the text well.
February 1, 2014
I actually laughed out loud when I read this book--the second page, when Henny is shown as a baby chick with extra long arms, absolutely got me. I had to show it off! This is a silly story that is all about what it means to be different and that being different is ok (and should be celebrated) even if it isn't always easy. Great for ECE level readers and read aloud.
June 12, 2014
Henny is a chicken with arms. Sometimes she likes being different. Sometimes she doesn't. Sometimes she worries about things like tennis elbow and hangnails, but then she discovers all of the amazing things she can do with her arms. A slightly odd, yet pretty adorable book about embracing differences.
January 29, 2014
Henny is an adorable chicken who is born with arms. At first she is bothered because she is different but she eventually embraces the fact that she is different. Henny is well written and beautifully illustrated and would be a welcome addition to any child's library.
February 15, 2014
A chicken with arms. What an amusing idea! This book is so adorable. I'm trying to figure out a way to weave it into a creative thinking lesson with first grade (as they are the only ones with which I currently share those lessons).
April 15, 2014
This is a fabulous, whimsical, funny book about a chicken that has arms and some of the issues and problems this situation presents. It is a wonderful, thoughtful and amusing book for children as well as adults and it is brilliantly illustrated. Bound to be a children's classic!
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September 9, 2013Chicken books tend to be funny. However, I don't fully get this one. Henny has arms rather than wings. The illustrations are cute in this one, but I don't get the story.
February 4, 2014
I premiered Henny's book trailer: http://mrschureads.blogspot.com/2014/...
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May 11, 2017Fantastic debut of a unique chicken armed with extraordinary talent!
- Monty K.
- Monty K.
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