Old Henry: A Witty Tale About Different Neighbors Learning to Get Along for Kids

by Joan W. Blos, Stephen Gammell (Illustrator)

The neighbors aren't too happy about Henry and his beat-up old house. Why doesn't he clean it up, and weed his garden and sweep his walk? Henry's got better things to do. Tired of being bothered, he finally gets fed up and moves away. The funny thing is, nobody's really happy when he does--not the neighbors, and not Henry. Here is a wise and witty tale about different kinds of people learning to get along.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Realistic Fiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1987

About the author

Joan Winsor Blos was an American writer, teacher and advocate for children's literacy. Her 1979 historical novel A Gathering of Days won the U.S. National Book Award in the category of Children's Books and the Newbery Medal for the year's most distinguished contribution to American children's literature. She lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Reviews

[Todd LaMontagne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis: Old Henry, written by Joan Blos and illustrated by Stephen Gammell, is a children's picture book about an old man who is derelict with regard to his duties as a homeowner. Most of the text rhymes and tells the story of Henry's complacency and contentedness in living in a home that is in need of many home improvements. The neighbors are decidedly fixed against Henry and want him to get busy on the necessary improvements so that their neighborhood is equally improved. In spite of fines, offers of help, and the general disapprobation of his neighbors, Henry refuses to budge on the issue. The situation becomes so bad that Henry finally decides to pack up and leaves a note on the door saying he is going to "Dakota." In a short while, the neighbors realize that the empty house, still in disrepair, is worse when no one is living there. They miss Henry and his colorful personality. On the same token, Henry, in spite of their regular nagging begins to miss his home and his neighbors. In a letter to the mayor, Henry proposes a compromise in hopes of returning.
Themes/Curriculum Connections: Neighbors, citizenship, cooperation, being an individual.
Age/Grade Recommendation: Elementary

[Dustin Dye · Rating 2 out of 5]

Old Henry ultimately emphasizes the need to compromise, and I liked the imaginative illustrations. However, I found the attitude expressed in this book dim. Henry's house is a blight on the neighborhood, bringing down the property values of neighboring homes, he refuses to do the least maintenance so he can pursue his introverted hobbies, he lazy and he's rude to his neighbors, who have every right to complain. He budges a little in the end, agreeing to do the bare minimum of upkeep if it will keep people off his back. The book implies his uptight neighbors need to come around and accept him, and their expectations for him to conform are unreasonable. Just, no. This book just appeared in my house without me knowing its provenance. It will be going to the used book store.

[Heidi Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephen Gammell’s illustrations are just delightful in this heartwarming story about a man named Old Henry whose neighbors just don’t understand him. Why doesn’t he fix up his place? Or at least mow his lawn? But when he moves away, they realize they miss him and his different ways.

[Polly · Rating 4 out of 5]

different kinds of people learning to get along

[Elizabeth Hassinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thinking that I could pair this with Each Kindness.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Old Henry” lives in an old house that needs some fixing up. His neighbors wait and wait for him to do something, but he never does. Henry is happy with the way his house is, with the wild and overgrown gardens. The entire neighborhood tried kindly hinting to him that he should clean his house. One neighbor even bakes him a pie! Henry gets bugged by his neighbors and moves away, but no one is thrilled with his move.
This book was definitely a cliffhanger because there was no closure to the ending. I was rather disappointed in the ending, which is why I only gave the book three stars. It was rather confusing to me. The moral to this story is about not judging someone for their differences and teachers the readers that being different is not a bad thing. The colored pencil drawings in the book were very enjoyable and full of expression that went perfectly along with the text.

[midnightfaerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. My 5 yr old and I were really rather confused upon finishing this book. Where was the ending? It just kind of ended without any resolution. Was there stuff we were supposed to be guessing? Were we supposed to give it our own ending? If so, why read a book? I can make up a better story in my head. In its defense, it teaches about being kind instead of crabby to get what you want, so it's a good educational lesson, and the illustrations are fantastic. Beautiful and haunting, I loved looking at these pics. It should get a Caldecott award. It was just the story that was a tad lacking. Too big a concept for my preschoolers.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old Henry moves into a dilapidated house, and the neighbors are anxious to see when he will start fixing things up. He never does. He's happy and content with his books (yay!) and wild overgrown flower beds. But the neighbors continue to be unhappy with the appearance of his place, and eventually he leaves...fed up with their pressure disguised as neighborly kindness. But leaving isn't the solution either party anticipated.

Colored pencil illustrations full of expression support this story in rhyme perfectly.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book that can be read over and over again by children and adults. The story has a great moral about not judging someone for their differences. The message of the book teaches readers that it is okay to be different. This book can be used to compare and contrast, create discussions on what makes you different and it is a great resource that can be uses for a lesson plans about local communities.

[Alana Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting story about a man who moves into an old beat down house. The neighbors expect him to clean up, but he never does. The neighbors become frustrated and try everything, even baking pies in order to get him to clean his house. Despite their constant dispute, they become attached to each other. I would recommend this story when talking about community.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a passage or two in this book that I loved loved loved. Those parts eloquently represented the importance of being who you are and not necessarily taking on other people's expectations. Yet they also point out the value of being in community and the gifts that can come from one's neighbors. I suspect the fourth graders I read it to would have afforded it three stars.

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read-aloud to the 1st/2nds today. A nice message and an up-in-the-air ending, it would be a great springboard for the kids to write a sequel or even just an ending and they get to decide whether Henry comes back or not, and how things go if he does. The message is loud and clear, (but hinted at subtly) that we don't all need to conform to fit into a community.

[Karina Espinales · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a very interesting story line. Old Henry takes care of his home by his own way; however, his neighbors would like for him to clean it up a little more. I used this book for a group of second graders to figure out the author's purpose, which was persuade.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read about learning to like people despite their differences! I love it when picture books do this with quirky differences--not the ones that usually bother children, but bigger, broader concerns.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

With money enough to pay the rent,
his books, birds, and cooking pots,
he was content ...

Henry is interested and involved in life. He always has a smile on his face. A likable guy, but he doesn't fit the neighborhood norm. Is he in the wrong? The neighbors?

[jenna Hudrlik · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really liked this book but i just felt like there was something missing to the story - so i couldnt give it 5 stars though i wanted to

[Kj · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all the pencil drawings are exquisite. The book is just as much for adults as it is for children. A wonderful tool for us vs. them discussion and acceptance issues. Beautiful book.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry is great I do not want to clean either and I would love to not worry about what others think of me. illustrations.

[Julie G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is quite funny, and the illustrations are outstanding. Something about Stephen Gammell's style makes you want to pull up a chair and have a cup of coffee with him.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book but the ending confused me. I need a bit more closure.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great fit for a discussion about rules, laws, and personal responsibility. I especially like the ending, which leaves readers with lots of possibilities.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book's message about accepting others for who they are!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

CURRICULUM: RR/Classics

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story with wonderful illustrations.

[Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story with beautiful illustrations.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this so much. I may look for a copy.