Henry, Like Always

Written by Jenn Bailey and illustrated Mika Song (Chronicle Books)

Age 6-9

Henry is neuro-divergent and the thought of changing the school timetable for a big, noisy parade, causes him anxiety until he comes up with a plan to find his own way!

Henry likes Classroom Ten. He likes how it is always the same. But this week, Henry’s class will have a parade, and a parade means having Share Time on the wrong day. A parade means playing instruments that are too loud. A parade means this week is not like always.

Join Henry as he navigates the ups and downs of marker missiles, stomach volcanoes, and days that feel a little too orange. From the creators of the award winning picture book A Friend for Henry, this warmly funny book starring a child on the autism spectrum is a reassuring read for school-bound kids of all stripes. Based on the award-winning picture book, A Friend for Henry!, there are two more books in the series.

Early chapter book

The short chapters and simple text, make this perfect for newly independent readers who are just moving into longer books.  I love the illustrations too, which are mainly in pen and blue watercolour, adding to the calm and expressive mood of the book.  The humour is gentle too and the predictable and lilting rhythm of the text acts as an antidote to the rising anxiety Henry is feeling as he faces Parade day.

Topical themes

This is an important book. It plays a role in both representing neurodivergent children and educating other children and adults as to what the world looks like for them. It allows diversity and empathy.  The Henry series provides a mirror and a window for kids on the autism spectrum and their friends to see themselves in the stories they read.  School themes such as starting new classes or new work, which can be intimidating for everyone, are also broached.  It’s a great springboard book for showing children that they can always make a plan and a friend.

In addition to being an excellent resource for teachers, kids, and parents of kids on the spectrum, it’s also a reassuring read for children with varying levels of social anxiety and noise and crowd sensitivity. 

Meet the Author

Jenn Bailey is an author, editor, blue-ribbon pie baker, and eager traveler. She received her MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Born and raised in Rhode Island, she now calls Leawood, Kansas, home. Although her kids insisted on growing up, she and her husband, Kevin, still share their space with numerous cats and dogs. She is a great believer in ‘mirrors, windows and sliding doors’ books. 

Books are mirrors when readers see their own lives reflected in the pages. Books are windows when they allow readers a view of lives and stories that are different from their own. Books become sliding glass doors when readers feel transported into the world of the story and when they feel empathy for the characters. Read more about her books here. 

Buy the book here.