Customer Reviews

The Trouble with Henry: A Tale of Walden Pond

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Not only does this book get repeat requests from the children in my family, it is a pleasure to the adult eye and ear: the detailed illustrations are captivating, and the elegant, original language is a delight to read aloud. The story--yes, it's a story, not a Thoreau biography for the kiddies--presents themes of industrialization and environmental stewardship in a way that engages rather than lectures. In sum, a lovely book that is sure to be a favorite with parents and other adult readers, as well as the picture-book set.

This is a beautifully illustrated and clever fictionalized account of Henry David Thoreau as a man who turns out not to be so foolish as his townsfolk think. His neighbors in Concord think he's crazy for not wanting what they want: more money, more property, more industry, more things. Their incredulity is heightened when he decides to live out by himself in a small cabin on the banks of Walden Pond. As told in this story, the townspeople and especially the mayor are threatened by this challenge to their lifestyle and decide to try and kick him out by enlisting a toothpick manufacturer to come in and cut down the trees in Walden woods. He changes their mind by telling his story -- or, as the authors suggest: by bringing his townspeople out of their cloistered lives and into the woods for an afternoon.

Of course this isn't exactly what happened -- there were some industries in the area but logging had been taking place in the Walden woods for a long time before Thoreau got there, and while some of the townsfolk thought Thoreau was crazy, none of them were threatened by his lifestyle and none tried to threaten him. Still, the essence of the story rings true, and the authors use of poetic license serves to indicate how much of a contrast there was between Thoreau's convictions and lifestyle and those of most around him. A very nice story, that would serve as an excellent brief introduction to the life of Thoreau for newcomers of all ages.

One minor caveat on the otherwise excellent illustrations: Thoreau is here depicted as tall and lanky, something like Lincoln, when in fact by all accounts he was short and lean but built.

What a refreshing story! My daughter and I loved it. From the beginning to the end, children (and adults alike) will be caught up in the wonderful imagery created and clever "sounding" words chosen by its author. By celebrating the spirit of the individual and appreciating the simplicity and beauty of nature, children are introduced to Thoreau in a delightful and marvelously illustrated way. The Trouble with Henry is bound to be a favorite, especially among younger readers.

"The Trouble with Henry" provides children with an accessible classic story expressing the trials and tribulations of individuality and fostering sensitivity to the environment.

Not only are the illustrations beautiful, the story is also beautiful. A gentle lesson on loving and respecting nature, and the power of what one person can do. A wonderful, relaxing read for both adults and children.

As the mother of an inquisitive small child, I love books based in history (fiction or nonfiction) that have a clear moral lesson. The Trouble With Henry provides both, in an interesting and captivating story with purpose. My daughter was enthralled-she wants to read it over & over. Delightful-I highly recommend it!

I looked all over for a kids book about Henry Thoreau to use with my 3rd and 4th graders. They really enjoyed this story! I highly recommend it.

Wonderful book, my adult friends loved it as much as the children. Thoreau was cool 150 years ago and knew then what ignorant people like GW Bush will never know. This book should be read by everyone!!!

Henry was "a crazy little rooster," according to the people of Concord. He didn't seem to like progress as they defined it. He'd rather live by himself in the woods by the pond. Well, they'd just put an end to that! What if his precious woods were gone? Henry figures out their plan and outfoxes the townspeople in his own way. This story is fun to read; Schindler's illustrations are quirky and intricate and set the scenes perfectly. This contemporary interpretation of Thoreauvian and environmental principles is not based on an actual incident. In fact, the outcome might have played out differently if something like this had really happened in the 1840s. But this picture book still makes a worthwhile point, showing kids the power one individual can have on a community.

Awful in every way, a truly shameful book.
Why is it necessary to take an inspiring and original story and turn it into an ideologically driven, formulaic tract?
Mean spirited, didactic and simplistic, all while being inaccurate and incomplete.
New England villages don't have blowhard mayors, THAT'S THE WHOLE POINT of them!
Henry enjoyed wide support from his friends and neighbors, and as the 'authors' are forced to admit, no scenarios in the book actually occurred.
I doubt that many of his relatives treated him like the ridiculous 20th century caricatures concocted by these untalented hacks.
How could something this vile and inaccurate ever have reached bookstore shelves?

The weakest of D.B. Johnson's many great "Henry" efforts easily surpass this steaming pile.

What next ladies, Gandhi having a bad time at a Chuck E Cheese birthday party?