Henry Says Good-Bye: When You Are Sad

This is an excellent children's book, It processes grief in a child-appropriate way, but it has also helped myself as an adult process grief and sadness. Excellent writing and pictures keep young children entertained. Provides a biblical solution to loss.

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.

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.

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