(1) 1-3 Henry series. Illustrated by Mika Song. In his second early-chapter-book outing (Henry, like Always, rev. 3/23), Henry -- a sensitive child who presents as being on the autism spectrum -- is ambivalent about a field trip to the natural history museum. "Henry was excited. Everyone in Classroom Ten would ride the bus to the museum. Henry was also worried. Everyone in Classroom Ten would ride the bus to the museum." Despite his concerns, Henry is looking forward to the dinosaur exhibit. When Samuel's dad (a field trip helper) asks Henry's group of three what they'd like to see, "'Dinosaurs!' said Henry. But he forgot to say it out loud." Each of his attempts to make his voice heard is inadvertently thwarted, and Henry patiently accompanies his group to the rock, bug, and mummy displays. Song's loosely rendered, limited-palette watercolor and ink illustrations telegraph emotion and deepen meaning for newly independent readers. When Henry eventually shouts "DINOSAURS!" the accompanying illustration makes clear his frustration, along with his classmates' bemused reactions. They finally find the dinosaur room (after getting a bit lost), and Henry's absolute joy is palpable. Bailey's relatable characters, familiar scenarios, and gentle humor make this a remarkably satisfying read...whether you embrace the new or not.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2024

(3) 4-6 Adventures of Henry Whiskers series. Illustrated by Daniel Duncan. Mouse Henry and his best friend, Jeremy, are caught by the cook and ejected from the castle. Armed with only a map belonging to his father, Henry has to navigate his way home to Queen Mary's dollhouse through the wilds of Windsor Great Park. Henry's exciting escapades continue in this fast-paced second series offering, with digital spot illustrations at the beginning of each chapter.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(3) K-3 Ready-to-Read: Henry and Mudge Books series. Illustrated by Carolyn Bracken. Henry and his dad always make a crazy lunch for Mom on Mother's Day. This year, they create a pineapple sofa, complete with a reclining fruit family. They plan, shop, and cook, all with trusty Mudge at their side, and the lunch is a hit. These funny meal plans, paired with lighthearted illustrations, are sure to capture readers' imaginations.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) K-3 Ready-to-Read: Henry and Mudge Books series. Illustrated by Sucie Stevenson. In three episodic vignettes, Henry and Mudge help make cookies (Henry makes a mess while Mudge licks it up), go caroling, and celebrate Christmas morning with a big family pancake breakfast, a walk in the snow, and opening presents. The warm text and the bustling illustrations capture the spirit and excitement of the holiday.

Reviewer: Mark Adam

(3) K-3 Henry and Mudge Books series. Illustrated by Sucie Stevenson. Annie loves Henry's dog, Mudge, and wishes she could have a pet, too. So Henry and his parents help her find the perfect pet, one that isn't scary (like a mouse), wet (like a turtle), or hard (like a crab), and doesn't fly (like a bird). Cheerily illustrated, this familiar tale holds no surprises, but fans of the series will appreciate how big, slobbery Mudge and small, fluffy Snowball the rabbit suit their owners' personalities.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli

(3) K-3 Henry and Mudge Books series. Illustrated by Sucie Stevenson. When Henry and his dog Mudge see a poster for a snowman-building contest, they race home to tell Henry's dad. They find him in the basement, painting a chair. For the contest, father and son construct a likeness of Henry's pop when he paints (including splotches of green paint everywhere) and win third place: "Most Original Snowman." Stevenson's upbeat illustrations add to Rylant's warm story about these familiar characters.

Reviewer: Mark Adam

(3) K-3 Henry and Mudge Books series. Although nervous about meeting a bear on the annual family camping trip, Henry enjoys a safe outing that includes hiking, "sappy love songs" sung around the campfire, star gazing, and snuggling with his dog Mudge. The quiet story successfully captures the camping experience, and the illustrations feature attractive compositions, particularly the landscapes and night scenes.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(3) K-3 Henry and Mudge Books series. Spy fans Henry and his dog Mudge buy a sleuthing kit, then snoop around town in search of adventure. What they find is a coded message that leads them to another spy enthusiast and his mutt. The appealing subject matter and familiar characters are enlivened, as always, by Stevenson's cheery illustrations.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.