Henry Says Good-Bye helps children learn how grief and sadness are our natural response to losing something or someone important to us.
Henry the hedgehog loves his pet ladybug. She keeps him company and entertains him, his family, and his friends with her flying tricks. But one day, he has to say good-bye to his ladybug. Henry and his whole family are sad, but they learn to go to Jesus with their sadness and ask him to comfort them.
Edited by Edward T. Welch, Henry Says Good-Bye offers concrete, grace-based help for dealing with loss and is part of the Good News for Little Hearts series, which brings gospel wisdom and biblical counsel to families. Based on CCEF’s model of hope and help, each story focuses on an animal family’s real-life issues, encouraging young readers toward a growing relationship with Jesus during challenging circumstances.
"These books are a uniquely different genre from classic children's bedtime reading. They are counseling books to help children. They provide a creative avenue for children to consider how their faith is intimately relevant to their struggles. This is what makes this series of books so significant."
David Powlison, (1949–2019) was Executive Director of CCEF and editor of the Good News for Little Hearts series
"When our children were little, we read to them constantly—and had these books been available, they would have been among the favorites. With the simplicity and engaging charm of the Peter Rabbit stories, yet with the quiet grace of Christian insight, these stories stamp themselves on young minds. Text and pictures support each other tellingly. These books are destined to become favorites for young families."
D. A. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical School, Deerfield, IL; cofounder of The Gospel Coalition
"I love these books. My daughter Kim who struggles with a disability loves these books. She giggles all the way through them—catching all the subtle humor. I read them to my grandkids. We especially love the drawings. I buy copies for all my grandchildren. What more can I say? They are fun!"
Paul E. Miller, Director of seeJesus; author of A Praying Life and J-Curve: Dying and Rising with Jesus in Everyday Life
"So many Christian parents are looking for engaging, age-appropriate ways to help their young children learn what the Bible teaches about everyday struggles and challenging situations. This new book series edited by David Powlison and Ed Welch fits the bill! In the Good News for Little Hearts series, kids will be enthralled by relatable characters, charming illustrations, and gospel-centered lessons. These volumes would make a valuable addition to any family's library."
Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family
"For years I wished there were resources that would help equip children to face the many trials and temptations that come in this life rather than waiting till they are neck-deep in the mire before throwing them the lifeline of biblical truth. The Good News for Little Hearts series is an answer to my longing. These books communicate life-changing biblical truths through beautiful illustrations and stories that connect with young hearts in meaningful ways."
Curtis Solomon, Executive Director, Biblical Counseling Coalition
"Wow, what a series! Within these books you meet wonderfully relatable characters with feelings and experiences readily identifiable to children of all ages, clever and creative illustrations, excellent questions that will spark meaningful conversations with your child or grandchild, and simple scriptural connections that are easily understood. Can't wait to recommend them to our kids and read them to our grandkids!"
Dave Harvey, President of Great Commission Collective; founder of RevDaveHarvey.com; author of When Sinners Say I Do and I Still Do: Growing Closer and Stronger Through Life's Defining Moment
"Kids experience sadness, and often, adults don't know how to help kids with their grief. Henry Says Good-bye will be a great help to parents and their kids! It teaches children to grieve, but even better, it helps them know God's comfort and the hope of a tearless heaven."
Deepak Reju, Author of Preparing for Fatherhood and On Guard
I really enjoyed the narrative of this book. It encompasses the 5 parts of a narrative; the characters, the setting, the plot, the conflict, and the resolution. Such a cute book. Great pictures and such a good storyline. The story can speak to adults just as much as it can to kids. When I read this story, my Grandma & Grandpa had just passed away. This story spoke to me, even as an adult.
Loving this series! I wish we had this particular book last year when my 8 year old was wrestling through the death of her dog (after months in quarantine). Beautiful reminders of God’s promises in the midst of our pain, and even a purpose for our pain. Every kids who experiences loss (that’s all of them) needs to read this book!
Loving this series! I wish we had this particular book last year when my 8 year old was wrestling through the death of her dog (after months in quarantine). Beautiful reminders of God’s promises in the midst of our pain, and even a purpose for our pain. Every kids who experiences loss (that’s all of them) needs to read this book!
Grief and sadness are not often subjects tackled in children’s books, but the Good News for Little Hearts series again addresses real-life emotions and situations in a Biblical and understandable way. Our children need to know it’s okay to grieve and feel sad, but there is also comfort and hope in Jesus. This beautifully illustrated picture book does just that. I highly recommend this book for your family! Find all my reviews at GoodBookMom.com.
Another excellent, excellent book for teaching children about the reality of dealing with loss and how to work through those times of loss and great sadness. The graphics are phenomenal and the message is perfect for children. Highly recommend this book and others in this series.
Another excellent, excellent book for teaching children about the reality of dealing with loss and how to work through those times of loss and great sadness. The graphics are phenomenal and the message is perfect for children. Highly recommend this book and others in this series.
Henry Says Goodbye is fitting and faithful counsel for children when they feel sadness, particularly over the loss of someone or something. The animal characters in the story make the story fitting and engaging for the children the book is aimed to reach. The Back Pocket Bible Verse cut-outs move kids beyond the page to apply the truths learned from the story into their own life. Parents are also helped with a section in the back titled “Helping Your Child with Sadness”. Whether you are a parent, guardian, or youth leader, if you want to help younger elementary children learn how to handle sadness and loss in a way that deals with feelings and offers wise counsel, then make the move and buy Henry Says Goodbye.
Henry Says Goodbye is fitting and faithful counsel for children when they feel sadness, particularly over the loss of someone or something. The animal characters in the story make the story fitting and engaging for the children the book is aimed to reach. The Back Pocket Bible Verse cut-outs move kids beyond the page to apply the truths learned from the story into their own life. Parents are also helped with a section in the back titled “Helping Your Child with Sadness”. Whether you are a parent, guardian, or youth leader, if you want to help younger elementary children learn how to handle sadness and loss in a way that deals with feelings and offers wise counsel, then make the move and buy Henry Says Goodbye.
Henry Says Goodbye is fitting and faithful counsel for children when they feel sadness, particularly over the loss of someone or something. The animal characters in the story make the story fitting and engaging for the children the book is aimed to reach. The Back Pocket Bible Verse cut-outs move kids beyond the page to apply the truths learned from the story into their own life. Parents are also helped with a section in the back titled “Helping Your Child with Sadness”. Whether you are a parent, guardian, or youth leader, if you want to help younger elementary children learn how to handle sadness and loss in a way that deals with feelings and offers wise counsel, then make the move and buy Henry Says Goodbye.
Henry is a little porcupine who has had to learn a very hard lesson. His pet ladybug has died. Loss, all loss, is hard for anyone, but I think especially for children who don't quite understand. His father really helps Henry through this, not by trite answers or shoving away the pain, but actually a productive way. By reminding us who we are and remembering who we have lost and thinking of others. The author does well with showing the early stages of grief. My son and I really felt for Henry and I think it is good for children to learn these lessons, if only through a book. Because unfortunately, life and death happens. I enjoy these Good News for Little Hearts a great deal. Their stories with lessons are always spot on and the illustrations fun and whimsical. I received a copy of this novel form the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
