Henry Hodges Needs a Friend by Andy Andrews & illustrated by Colleen Madden

About the book: From the author ofThe Kid Who Changed the World, this hilarious rhyming story, complete with charming art, offers comfort to children who often feel left out or are in need of a good friend.

At some point, almost every child struggles with feeling like they don't fit in or are left out just like Henry Hodges. Henry is a lonely little boy on a lonely little street who longs for a friend. One day, his mother and father take him to a pet rescue shelter and his lonely world is changed! Told in a playful rhyme with adorable illustrations, this book will be a favorite among children and parents who love dogs and, ultimately, will comfort and encourage children who struggle with feeling accepted and finding friends.

Review: I think the illustrations of Henry Hodges Needs a Friend a "spot on" bringing vivid coloring, whimsical expressions, and child-friendly creatures to enhance the story. Written in rhyme, Henry's search for a special friend explores Henry's imagination of just what a "One-of-a-kind" friend (think pet) would be like.

A figure-skating hippo

Would really be nice.

But he'd eat way too much

And break through the ice.

Henry and his parents go to a shelter and find a cute dog to be Henry's friend. The end of the book reveals that a one-of-a-kind friend is "YOU" and that is what your friends need. The book teaches that each friend is unique and you need to be a friend to someone.

I enjoyed this children's book think that families that enjoy pets would find it a treat to read.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by the BookLook Blogging program on behalf of the publisher Tommy Nelson a Division of Thomas Nelson Publishers.