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
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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.}
