Henry Says Good-Bye: When You Are Sad

What struck me about this book was the depth of background. The loss focuses around a pet insect that showed illness, then passed away while pet owner Henry was at school. I was actually surprised that the bug died! The story didn’t end there, though. It continued to show how Henry dealt with the friend’s passing by withdrawing from his family and friends. It even showed him lashing out a bit. Finally, Henry’s father has a heart-to-heart with him about his own grief. It’s a touching story that kids will relate to. I especially liked that Henry prayed that he’d see the hurt in others. This was a wise-beyond-his-years prayer, and was a gentle way to show character growth and maturity. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions shared are mine.

Henry Says Good-bye is a heartfelt story that deals with the raw emotions of losing a pet ladybug written by Edward T. Welch. Like the other books in this series, this focuses on an animal character: a hedgehog. Readers are immediately drawn into Henry’s story as he shares about how sad he is about his pet ladybug dying. Luckily, his parents and good friends support him and remind him that he isn’t alone. They, too, miss his ladybug. The main focal lesson found in the book is God cares about our sadness and is so close to us that he can count our tears. God is close to the brokenhearted. Isn’t that such a cool lesson to use to teach children? This would be an excellent book for a parent, counselor, or teacher to use in the classroom. The back of the book has talking points that you can use with your child or class. My favorite part is the Back Pocket Bible Verses found at the back of the book. These are a great way to encourage kids to memorize the Scriptures and to look back on when they are sad. Oh, and even though the story is about a pet dying, this can easily be used with a child who has lost a best friend, a family member passing, a lost friendship, a favorite blanket or toy gets lost, etc. Basically, anything that makes a child sad, this book can be used. Highly recommended! Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a beautifully illustrated book filled with critters and lovely scenes. The illustrations are perfect for the story told where Henry the Hedgehog (home is in a hedge) loses his pet ladybug. He is first sad and then angry at this loss of his beloved pet. His father consoles him and leads him in understanding loss and how "God is close to those with a broken heart." A lovely story and will help children who have lost pets or loved ones understand. It will also help those who have not experienced loss understand help those who have.

Henry Says Good-Bye is a great children's book in New Growth Press’s “Good News for Little Hearts” series. This book is edited by Edward Welch and illustrated by Joe Hox. The story was created by Jocelyn Flenders. This story is about Henry the Hedgehog. Henry has a ladybug for a friend, and eventually the ladybug dies, leaving Henry very sad. This book is about dealing with loss and sadness. This book (and all of those in the series) is based on the model of biblical counseling utilized by the Christian Counseling Education Foundation (CCEF). It is centered upon Christ and His Word, and this children’s story is a fine example of it. Parents and children will certainly benefit from this book as it teaches how the Lord Jesus provides help and hope in the midst of sadness and loss. The illustrations by Hox are phenomenal. The story is wonderful and a great tool for parents in teaching their little ones how to deal with loss. As with all of the books in this series, there are wonderful tools found in the back of the book. First, there is a section for parents called “Helping Your Child with Sadness.” This is such a wonderful tool for parents in teaching their children about this topic of sadness. Very practical! Second, there are back pocket Bible verses that are meant to be carried around by the children in order to remind them of God’s promises to us. This is such an excellent addition to the book! I highly recommend this book to every parent for every child. There is no doubt that both parents and children will benefit greatly from this story and the tools that are included in the book. Buy this book and disciple your children! Disclaimer: My thanks to New Growth Press for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Another beautifully illustrated book (Illustrated by Joe Hox), "Henry Says Good-Bye", by Joselyn Flenders and Edward T. Welch, discusses a tough subject, loss of a loved one. Henry Hedgehog's pet ladybug dies and Henry feels all alone. Everything reminds him of his pet, and he starts taking it out on those around him. Henry learns that he can find comfort in those around him and remembering the good times he had with his pet. Also included is a section on how to help your child with sadness as well as tear-out Bible memory verses.  "Henry Says Good-Bye" is also a part of the "Good News for Little Hearts" series. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from New Growth Press through Audra Jennings PR. I was not required to write a 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.”

This is one of the many books in the Good News for Little Hearts series. The books are intended for ages 3-8. All the books are Biblical Worldview and teach kids about Biblical principles. This is a full colored illustrated book. The illustrations are adorable and will capture the heart an imagination of children. This story focuses on losing someone special through death. This is such a hard concept for kids to grasp and understand. Saying good-bye to someone who you care about is difficult. After that special person is gone you have to continue to move forward with your life. This is a beautiful book for dealing with the lost of a pet or a special person. Henry loses his dear pet Lila, a ladybug. He feels alone and lost without her. His family tells him that it’s okay to be sad and cry. They tell him to share his feelings with God. I love that the book has pages filled with scriptures cards in the back and some tips for sharing with your kids. A heartfelt story. I received a free copy of this product

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.