What do you think?
Rate this book
The Great Henry Hopendower
For fans of Grandpa Green , a young boy remembers his much-loved grandpa in this touching story about family, memory and everyday magic.
Henry wakes up one bright morning ready to take on the day and find magic! After all, he is the Great Henry Hopendower—an aspiring young magician who learned everything he knows from the very best, his grandpa. Henry has so many favorite memories of his grandfather, including his house with its wobbly cuckoo clock and his famous leaning tower of pancakes that tipped but never toppled. And then there was the day his grandpa gave him a red checkered suit and shared the secret to being a magic is everywhere, you just have to see it . So with Grandpa’s words as his guide, Henry sets off to do the truly impossible.
This heartwarming story is a celebration of the magic that surrounds us all and the people we love most.
Henry wakes up one bright morning ready to take on the day and find magic! After all, he is the Great Henry Hopendower—an aspiring young magician who learned everything he knows from the very best, his grandpa. Henry has so many favorite memories of his grandfather, including his house with its wobbly cuckoo clock and his famous leaning tower of pancakes that tipped but never toppled. And then there was the day his grandpa gave him a red checkered suit and shared the secret to being a magic is everywhere, you just have to see it . So with Grandpa’s words as his guide, Henry sets off to do the truly impossible.
This heartwarming story is a celebration of the magic that surrounds us all and the people we love most.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published June 6, 2017
1 person is currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Justin Roberts
4 books3 followersGrammy-nominated Justin Roberts is an all-star of the family music scene. Hailed by the New York Times as “the Judy Blume of kiddie rock,” he logs thousands of miles on the road each year, dishing out unexpectedly intelligent and fun rocking music for kids and their parents. Justin lives in Illinois. Visit Justin at www.justinrobertsmusic.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 23, 2020
An aspiring magician with an eye for the wonder around him, young Henry Hopendower wakes one sunny day, takes his brown suitcase full of magic tricks, and heads out to set up a show for his stuffed animals. In the process he recalls his beloved grandfather, who taught him everything he knows about magic, and about keeping an eye out for it everywhere he goes...
Although it only addresses the subject obliquely, it is clear from the narrative of The Great Henry Hopendower that this is a story of loss. Clearly Henry's grandfather has passed away, making his devotion to magic, and determination to find it in the world around him, all rather poignant. I liked the idea, implicit in the story, that we can find solace after the death of a loved one by devoting ourselves to an activity that we shared with them. The artwork here, created by Deborah Hocking using watercolor, graphite, colored pencil and Photoshop, was absolutely lovely. I particularly liked the scene in which Henry and his grandfather sit together in the grandfather's library. This is only her second book, so I will definitely keep an eye out for more of her work. Recommended to all young would-be magicians, and to anyone looking for picture-books addressing loss, grief and (hopefully) recovery.
Although it only addresses the subject obliquely, it is clear from the narrative of The Great Henry Hopendower that this is a story of loss. Clearly Henry's grandfather has passed away, making his devotion to magic, and determination to find it in the world around him, all rather poignant. I liked the idea, implicit in the story, that we can find solace after the death of a loved one by devoting ourselves to an activity that we shared with them. The artwork here, created by Deborah Hocking using watercolor, graphite, colored pencil and Photoshop, was absolutely lovely. I particularly liked the scene in which Henry and his grandfather sit together in the grandfather's library. This is only her second book, so I will definitely keep an eye out for more of her work. Recommended to all young would-be magicians, and to anyone looking for picture-books addressing loss, grief and (hopefully) recovery.
December 5, 2017
Roberts, Justin The Great Henry Hopendower, PICTURE BOOK. Putnam (Penguin), 2017. $17.
Henry loves his grandfather, who teaches him there is magic all around us. When he grandfather is no longer around (as shown by an illustration of grandpas empty house), Henry must learn to find the magic on his own. He gathers up all his magic gear into his grandfathers suitcase and puts on a magic show for his stuffed animals and animal friends. When he reaches into his top hat, its empty and Henry must find the magic all around and within himself.
This is a very gentle story about grief and moving on with a message of magic in the everyday. It’s a sweet and subtly sad story. Its told in an out of order way, skipping back in time to memories of the past, which I think will be very confusing for young readers. I wonder about students understanding the message of the ending, how the leaves falling can be magic but his hat was empty, or worrying if there was a missing rabbit.
EL(K-3) –OPTIONAL. Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
Henry loves his grandfather, who teaches him there is magic all around us. When he grandfather is no longer around (as shown by an illustration of grandpas empty house), Henry must learn to find the magic on his own. He gathers up all his magic gear into his grandfathers suitcase and puts on a magic show for his stuffed animals and animal friends. When he reaches into his top hat, its empty and Henry must find the magic all around and within himself.
This is a very gentle story about grief and moving on with a message of magic in the everyday. It’s a sweet and subtly sad story. Its told in an out of order way, skipping back in time to memories of the past, which I think will be very confusing for young readers. I wonder about students understanding the message of the ending, how the leaves falling can be magic but his hat was empty, or worrying if there was a missing rabbit.
EL(K-3) –OPTIONAL. Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
October 14, 2018
This book, like 24 others, is a potential Show Me Nominee for the 2018-19 school year. What fun it has been to read all 25 books and help choose the ten nominees that most Missouri school children will read with their librarian next year.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the magic, the sweet illustrations, the memories of a grandpa now gone. I am curious to find out how much my students will like it. I'm not sure they will.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the magic, the sweet illustrations, the memories of a grandpa now gone. I am curious to find out how much my students will like it. I'm not sure they will.
July 17, 2017
Grandparents give us so many different gifts, and The Great Henry shows us how important these gifts are.
Most of the text is spaced against white background around the watercolor & colored pencil illustrations. Some are double page spreads, some are single, and some are a series of small frames.
Good for introducing flashback to readers!
Most of the text is spaced against white background around the watercolor & colored pencil illustrations. Some are double page spreads, some are single, and some are a series of small frames.
Good for introducing flashback to readers!
May 19, 2017
A touching, reassuring story of an aspiring young magician is inspired by the memories of his late grandfather.
June 26, 2017
A young boy plays magician as a way to stay close to his grandfather, who has passed away.
November 8, 2017
Prefect book to help explain a loss of a family member.
December 14, 2017
I thought it was cute!
December 25, 2017
Interesting that this picture book about magic showed up just when I reading Neal Patrick Harris' book, also about magic. This is OK, but I like The Smallest Girl... much better.
December 31, 2017
Bittersweet tale of a little boy carrying on magic in memory of his grandpa.
October 28, 2023
Very sweet
March 23, 2023
Henry keeps magic in his heart and hands just like Grandpa did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
June 28, 2017A debut illustrator who is sure to find her place in picture books.
Want to read
August 31, 20182019-2020 Show Me Preliminary Nominee
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews