Henry

Rating:
Summary: James Herriot meets Ernest Hemingway--with pictures, too!
Review: Cooper isn't afraid to tell a sad story here--and the story wouldn't be sad if he hadn't first given us a something vivid and real and joyful to care about: a boy and his dog. True companionship runs through this book. The writing's spare but the feeling isn't. And the pictures are beautiful. A good gift for anyone who likes dogs or is thinking of getting a pet for their child.

Rating:
Summary: Delightful
Review: Cooper's style comes though again in this delightful narrative. His stories are true...and truly spoken in a plain yet poetic voice. As I read about Henry I was touched by this story of the life of a beloved pet--a story which in turn easily tells the story as well of a reflective young boy who grows up alongside his dog, and who must come to terms with changes in his life and his dog's life. The watercolor illustrations reflect the peaceful, rural environment in gorgeous color, and these illustrations themselves inhabit a peaceful setting--it's a beautifully designed book.

Rating:
Summary: A must for animal lovers young and old.
Review: For anyone who has shared a bond with a pet, "Henry" is for you. It brought back memories of all the creatures I grew up with. I thought the illustrations were wonderful. Once again, Cooper has brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face.

Rating:
Summary: Delightful
Review: I bought this book to read to my daughter. What I didn't know when I bought it was that the subject matter of the book would be so compelling for me too. The book is a touching account of the feelings a boy has for his dog, and of the many entertaining experiences they have together (I did a lot of the same things with my rabbit). I was quite moved by the storyline, which was as good as the illustrations, which were themselves beautifully done. What I liked particularly about the book was that it deviated from the saccharine-sweet storyline of many a childrens book to describe the connection people can feel to their pets, and the emotional pain they inevitably feel upon losing them. While I thought the book's message was real, and sad (sad for me; my daughter didn't seem to mind it), I felt on balance that it offered the kind of message I want my daughter to hear: Life is often difficult, but that's what makes it worthwhile. I whole-heartedly recommend this book for adults and children alike.