Henry Says Good-Bye: When You Are Sad

Henry Says Good-Bye addresses the sad situation of losing one’s beloved pet. As the story progresses, Henry goes through different emotional states and his father helps him process the grief. He learns to remember, to talk about his feelings, and to find comfort in his Heavenly Father who is presented as close to the brokenhearted and sensitive to one’s pain. The illustrations in Henry Says Good-Bye are beautiful and the narrative held both of my daughters’ attention. They liked finding characters from other books in the Good News for Little Hearts series. My oldest daughter said her favorite part when Henry was recalling the time that Lila (his pet ladybug) escaped from his backpack during math. It’s a sweet taste of humor within the story of Henry’s sadness and it stood out to my daughter. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

I liked this one! I think losing a pet can be really tough for a kid and this one did a good job of explaining it and not making it a sad book overall but helps them process through something that is sad. I would definitely recommend this one!!

We all have times in our lives that we lose a loved one, including pets, this is a great Christian children’s book to share. Remembering happy times, also sharing with others our grief, and ending with helpful scripture, a book to share with our little ones. I am thankful that this resource is available and this one is beautifully presented with illustrations that draw the child’s eyes, and a message that is aimed at three to eight year olds. I also loved that there are pocket bible verses to cut out at the back of the book. A book that can be gifted at the right time to that special child in your life! I received this book through Read With Audra, and was not required to give a positive review.

One of the most difficult challenges in life is saying good-bye to a friend. When Henry’s ladybug dies, he’s sad and angry to the point he becomes blind to the feelings of those around him. With help from his dad and some celebration of ladybug from his friends, Henry learns it’s ok to be sad but it’s also helpful to share his feelings. Inviting illustrations, scripture, and a parents’ guide that is useful to keep the conversation open about emotions enhance the value of the Good News for Little Hearts series books. Disclosure statement: I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Hedgehog Henry’s precious ladybug pet Lila has died and he is struggling without her, and he feels alone without her. After a hard day at school, Papa tells him that God knows about his sorrows and that he counts his tears (Psalm 56:8). Together the decide to invite Henry’s friends over to remember Lila. After they all spend some time together sharing stories, Papa talks to them all about the day when they will go to heaven to be with Jesus and there will be no more tears. It’s a genuine and honest book acknowledging the pain of grief, that people stand by us in our sorrows, and that God knows and cares about them. It would be suitable for any little one faces the sadness of losing a pet or maybe even a loved person in their life. A great feature of these books is the strong parental figures. They guide their children in the truth, acknowledge their own faults and listen well. They bring their children back to God’s word as they guide and instruct, and are corrected by it themselves. Aimed at children aged 5-10, the story creation is attributed to Jocelyn Flenders, with Edward T. Welch named as editor. Joe Hox had created engaging illustrations bringing the various animals to life. Each book contains extra notes and biblical guidance for parents and there are tear out bible verses for kids to keep in their pocket to remember God’s truths.

I was drawn to this one immediately because of the hedgehog character. Henry’s problem is that he has a pet ladybug … who eventually dies. All these books, and particularly this one, are written so well. I was in tears when Henry lost his ladybug. It’s a very appropriate book for any child who has lost a pet, or a loved one.

This is one of the BEST books. It deals with grief and how feelings are real and how many times we can be mean when they are grieving. Henry's pet ladybug dies while he is at school one day and he's so sad and grieving, that even at times he takes it out on his friends. But then his parents help him to address his sadness and to grieve. They have a memorial service for Lila and all of Henry's friends come to say their good-byes he starts to not be so sad because he realizes his friends loved Lila the Ladybug too. Parents, this book is good to just have. Keep it on the bookshelf because death and loss are inevitable and as parents, we have to help our children through the losses that are sure to come. Even if the good-bye isn't due to death but perhaps moving and having to leave behind friends and family, a loss is still loss and our children need our help navigating the waters. {I received this book from the publisher, New Growth Press, in exchange for my honest review.}