A Friend for Henry - by Jenn Bailey (Hardcover)

About the Book

Henry would like to find a friend at school, but for a boy on the autism spectrum, making friends can be difficult, as his efforts are sometimes misinterpreted, or things just go wrong--but Henry keeps trying, and in the end he finds a friend he can play with.

Book Synopsis

A 2020 Schneider Family Honor Book

A heartwarming picture book that explores the experience of autism and the power of friendship.

In Classroom Six, second left down the hall, Henry has been on the lookout for a friend. A friend who shares. A friend who listens. Maybe even a friend who likes things to stay the same and all in order, as Henry does. But on a day full of too close and too loud, when nothing seems to go right, will Henry ever find a friend--or will a friend find him? With insight and warmth, this heartfelt story from the perspective of a boy on the autism spectrum celebrates the everyday magic of friendship.

BACK TO SCHOOL: Familiar school scenarios--from new schedules to making new friends--are portrayed with humor and understanding in this sweet picture book that will appeal to and reassure any child starting or continuing in school.

DIVERSE STORIES: Representing neurodivergent kids is a vital aspect of expanding diverse representation across books for all ages. A Friend for Henry provides a mirror and a window for kids on the autism spectrum and their friends to see themselves in the stories they read.

AN AWARD-WINNING TEAM AND A BELOVED CHARACTER: Jenn Bailey and Mika Song were awarded a Schneider Family Honor Award for A Friend for Henry. Now, fans of this award-winning picture book can grow along with Henry! Henry's story continues in Henry, Like Always, the first book in an early reader series based on the same character.

Perfect for:

• Preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school classrooms
• Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder
• Librarians, teachers, and booksellers looking for children's picture books that celebrate diversity and inclusion
• A reassuring read for kids with varying levels of social anxiety
• Gift-givers looking for a sweet and relatable book about making friends

Review Quotes

"A simple, upbeat story that might inspire readers to seek out friendship." --School Library Journal

"As diagnosed children on the autistic spectrum increase, so does the need for informative and positive presentations such as this." --Booklist

"This is a picture book that gently and deftly captures what it's like for an autistic child to make friends in a new classroom. It's a book that listens to them." - Kirkus Reviews

"Whether on the spectrum or not, friends don't have to share everything, just enough, and this book sweetly provides." --Kirkus Reviews

"With sensitivity and thoughtfulness, Bailey explores Henry's literal-minded, analytical personality... her portrayal of what autism might feel like from the inside rings true." --Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Jenn Bailey is an author, editor, documentarian, blue-ribbon pie baker, and eager traveler. She lives in Kansas City, Missouri. This is her first picture book.

Mika Song is a children's writer and illustrator. She grew up in Manila, Philippines, and Honolulu, Hawaii, before moving to New York, where she worked as an animator prior to making children's books. She lives in New York City.