Walking with Henry: Based on the Life and Works of Henry David Thoreau [Hardcover]

Thomas Locker (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

In a series of richly painted landscapes, Walking with Henry offers readers of all ages a glimpse into the grandeur of nature through Thoreau’s eyes, showing how one can discover, when walking in the natural world, Truth, Beauty, and Goodness. Henry David Thoreau was a serious field biologist who studied nature and all its intricacies, and who showed us that nature was something more than facts to be assembled, arranged, and measured. He was also a poet, and in his hands, closely observed facts blossomed into wonder-filled metaphors of lasting value.

Footstep by footstep, we follow Thoreau on his solitary journey through wilderness, gaining insight into his quiet and reflective world. With this wondrous introduction to the poet–philosopher, Walking with Henry helps readers understand Thoreau’s belief that wilderness can be found in every blade of grass, every tree, and every aspect of the natural world. Wildness wasn’t a resource for Thoreau; it was the ultimate source of creativity, essential for survival in an ever-evolving, fast-paced world.

Walking with Henry carries a healing message for our time by sharing a love of the wild so natural to the young. Selections of Thoreau’s writing will inspire teachers and parents to a renewed appreciation of the importance of Thoreau’s thoughts in today’s world.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Gr. 2-4. In this fictionalized picture book for older children, Henry David Thoreau hikes off into the wilderness with his walking stick and explains his philosophy of living in harmony with nature. The text, based on Thoreau's writings (which are excerpted but not sourced in an appended section), is concise and descriptive and in keeping with the ideas Thoreau expressed. As usual, Locker's luminescent landscapes are of museum quality; his attention to the details of Massachusetts's flora and fauna as well as his skillful use of lighting are particularly notable. This will be a nice complement to several other recent titles about Thoreau, especially D. B. Johnson's Henry Hikes to Fitchburg (2000) and Henry Builds a Cabin [BKL Mr 15 02] and Julie Dunlap's Louisa May and Mr. Thoreau's Flute [BKL S 1 02]. It may also be useful as an introduction to outdoor educational experiences. Only one small quibble: Thoreau's trek obviously takes several days since he spends nights in a tent, yet he is never shown carrying anything larger than a small daypack. Would that we could all travel so lightly! Kay Weisman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

An imaginary journey into the wilderness with Thoreau and his walking stick, accompanied by beautiful color reproductions of landscapes. -- The Indianapolis Star

Locker's art and narrative rises to admirable heights as well, complementing the accompanying artwork's grace and splendor inch for inch. -- thebooxreview.com

Walking With Henry is a highly recommended and heartwarming tribute suitable for young readers of all ages. -- Children’s Bookwatch

Walking With Henry is a soothing pictorial walk into the wilderness with naturalist and philosopher Henry David Thoreau. -- Bonnie Langston, Daily Freeman, Kingston, NY

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Fulcrum Publishing (July 22, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555913555
• ISBN-13: 978-1555913557
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 11.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #234,407 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #66 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > Literary
  • #69 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Literary Criticism & Collections

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A warm and resplendently beautiful picture book, September 5, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Walking with Henry: Based on the Life and Works of Henry David Thoreau (Hardcover)

Written and illustrated by Thomas Locker, Walking With Henry is a warm and resplendently beautiful picture book based on the life and works of Henry David Thoreau. Majestic painted landscapes showcase simple descriptions drawn from and inspired by the man who loved to walk in the wilderness. Walking With Henry is a highly recommended and heartwarming tribute suitable for young readers of all ages, and aptly serve to introduce the life and work of America's most famous and enduringly popular naturalists.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An in depth persspective on the time line of ecology., April 16, 2003

By 

Jay Gillespie (Oro Valley, AZ United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Walking with Henry: Based on the Life and Works of Henry David Thoreau (Hardcover)

As Tom was forming the images for this book he fell extremely ill. While in a deep and long coma he met Henry and based upon that meeting several of the images in this book were changed. These beautiful images of the Hudson River and in particular Storm King Mountain will haunt and excite you as you consider how this area was formed and has survived man's interference. The essence of this area will be finally synthesized in his next book, The Story of a River. When completed this will give you a private insight into time and ecology not found anywhere else.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect gift, February 20, 2011

By 

A. Griffith "hummingmom" (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Walking with Henry: Based on the Life and Works of Henry David Thoreau (Hardcover)

I wanted to give each child a book for Christmas, and even though my third is 16, he was thrilled to get this beautiful book. He had recently done a portrait of Henry David Thoreau, after a literature assignment he enjoyed, and this book was so timely. The pictures are lovely, and though it is a children's book, anyone with an appreciation of thoreau will enjoy it!