Henry Works

D.B. Johnson's "Henry" series are stories based on Henry David Thoreau's writings. In the back of each book, is a short biography and the quote from "Walden" that inspired the children's book. "Henry Works" is on the 2005 "NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People" Book List. A must for every classroom. Can't wait for the next book.

Johnson captures the spirit of Thoreau and the transcendentalists on every page. It's inspiring to travel through a day with Henry, helping the creatures of the town in numerous small but important ways. The illustrations are brilliant as well. I have to say, as a fan, that I loved it more than my active, silly, slapstick-loving four-year-old daughter. She liked hunting for subtle aspects of the artwork, though ("Can you find the fox?"). And I have a feeling she'll grow into it. If not, it moves to my bookcase!

This is the fourth in D.B. Johnson's brilliant series that combines post-impressionist art and 19th century American transcendental philosophy. The idea itself is imaginative, and Johnson once again pursues it with humor, historical accuracy, and astonishing illustrations-among the best I have seen in books for kids. The protagonist is Henry Bear, a secure individualist (with a strong communal spirit) who emulates the teachings of his famous namesake--Henry David Thoreau. When he chances upon Henry digging up a comfrey root by the pond, his buddy Channing invites him to go fishing, but Henry demurs: "'Not today...I'm walking to work.' Henry puts the comfrey root in his hat and walks down the path." Henry, as we know from previous books, likes to take his time and soak up the nature he sees everywhere around him. He climbs a tall hill and observes the clouds' promise of rain, then waters some milkweed flowers, and picks up some pine. At Mrs. Hosmer's (who, once again, looks a lot like a bearish Whistler's mother) Henry leaves some pine by her window, and in town he gives the postmaster some comfrey for his sore foot. The postmaster asks him, "Since you're not working, can you take this letter to Emerson?" Henry keeps doing his favors, big and small, as he walks to Mr. Emerson's, Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne, and Mrs. Alcott's. (D. B. Johnson's literary allusions keep the book interesting for adults without interrupting the flow for kids). Henry keeps walking through the forest and the mill river, picking berries, helping neighbors, and insisting that he isn't working. SPOILER AHEAD: Finally, the puzzled Channing asked him what his work is. Like Thoreau, Henry is a writer, and, also like Thoreau his work begins when he recounts the day's events on paper: "'Today,' he writes, `I took a walk in the woods.'" A very good one-page biography of Thoreau closes the book. The excellent narrative is only part of the book's appeal. D. B. Johnson's ink and colored pencil illustrations play with perspective, showing multiple angles at the same time. His beautifully colored drawings have elements of cubism and the nature studies of Rousseau and Gauguin. One can also see hints of Cezanne and "folk artists" such as Grandma Moses. As with his story, however, his unique and technically sophisticated style doesn't interfere with understanding and enjoying the plot. If anything, the style is not as overtly cubist as in "Henry Hikes to Fitchburg," and he accompanies the stylized drawings with small, simple, black and white pictures of Henry. Though not as dazzling as `Fitchburg,' "Henry Works" can probably reach a younger age range. Another piece de resistance from Johnson; this is one of those great books that children and adults alike will treasure.

Although I have never been a fan of Henry Thoreau, I love all four of the Henry books that Johnson has written and illustrated. They are unlike any other kids' picture book that I have (and I have well over 1000). In my opinion, this is the best one of them all. He has a lovely map on the end papers, he brings Emerson and the Alcotts into the story, his townscape is enchanting, the colors once again provide the perfect feel to the illustrations. Johnson illustrative style is not like any other I have found. And I am so grateful. First, I don't think anyone could do it better. Second, I haven't gotten tired of it because no one else is doing it. Third, why hasn't this man won a Caldecott yet?

Henry the bear, the alter ego of Henry David Thoreau, goes on another walk. Like the other Henry books, this one uses collage-style illustrations, and pays great attention to detail. For example, the birds, animals, and fish are easily identifiable as a particular species (no generic birds here). After reading the book several times, I still find things in the illustrations that I had missed earlier. Like the other Henry books, there are a number of messages: respect for nature, being helpful to other people (and animals), not being distracted from your work, and the notion that getting out and being a part of your world can be your work. These messages are subtle, a nice contrast to many children's books. Better still, no cartoon character is involved, and there is no product placement. At the end of each of the Henry books is a brief biographical sketch of Henry David Thoreau. The true test is that my two-year old comes back to the Henry books, even after the novelty has worn off. I don't mind, because I enjoy reading them and looking at the pictures.