Henry and the Something New: Book 2

by Jenn Bailey, Mika Song (Illustrator)

Overview

“Relatable characters, familiar scenarios, and gentle humor make this a remarkably satisfying read.” —Horn Book Magazine, Starred Review 

The second book in the acclaimed series is now in paperback! From the creators of the Schneider Award-winning books A Friend for Henry and Henry, Like Always, this delightful beginning chapter book about embracing new experiences stars a sweet and sensitive child on the autism spectrum.

 

It’s Field Trip Day! Henry's class is excited to visit the museum, but Henry is not so sure. The museum means maybe seeing dinosaurs, Henry's favorite. But it also means a lot of things that are new: a noisy school bus ride, a building full of echoes and hallways, and plenty of chances to get lost! Will he find something that makes all of this new worth the trip? Come along with Henry in this funny, bighearted tale about trying new things, exploring new places, and finding the courage to make yourself heard.

JUST RIGHT FOR BEGINNING READERS: With short chapters and simple text, this book is perfect for newly independent readers who are just moving on to longer books.

FIRST FIELD TRIP: This story will encourage and reassure any child beginning school or preparing to embark on their first field trip as Henry navigates the excitement (and potential anxiety) that comes with doing new things for the first time.

GREAT BACK-TO-SCHOOL READ: Perfect for any reader starting a new school year, the Henry series explores common school experiences in a gentle, funny, and encouraging way. 

DIVERSE STORIES: Centering neurodivergent kids is vital to expanding diverse representation across books for all ages. The Henry series provides a mirror and a window for kids on the autism spectrum and their friends to see themselves in the stories they read.

AN AWARD-WINNING TEAM: Jenn Bailey and Mika Song received a Schneider Family Book Honor Award for their picture book A Friend for Henry. See how the story continues in this classic-feeling early reader series based on the same character!

Author: Kansas City, Missouri
Illustrator: New York City, NY

Perfect for:

• Newly independent readers
• Parents of kids on the spectrum
• Librarians, teachers, and booksellers looking for a children’s book that offers a window into the experience of autism
• Kids with varying levels of social anxiety
• Gift givers looking for a sweet and relatable book about trying new things

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781797236117
Publisher:	Chronicle Books
Publication date:	08/05/2025
Series:	Henry Series
Pages:	56
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.23(d)
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

About the Author

Jenn Bailey is an author, editor, blue-ribbon pie baker, and eager traveler. She received her MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Born and raised in Rhode Island, she now calls Leawood, Kansas, home. Although her kids insisted on growing up, she and her husband, Kevin, still share their space with numerous cats and dogs.
 
Mika Song grew up in Manila, Philippines, and Honolulu, Hawaii. She moved to New York City to attend Pratt Institute and worked in animation before making children's books. She lives in New York City with her husband and daughter.

Editorial Reviews

Relatable characters, familiar scenarios, and gentle humor make this a remarkably satisfying read.” — Horn Book Magazine, Starred Review

“This quiet but perceptive tale follows young Henry as he discovers the world at his own pace and reacts in his own, charming way… A simple but engaging slice-of-life story.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Teachers and fellow students model patience and tolerance in this gentle story of courage for readers.” — The Wall Street Journal 

From the Publisher

2023-12-16
Henry is excited—and a bit worried—about Classroom Ten’s trip to the museum.

Henry, a young boy coded as neurodivergent, has never been to the museum, but it has dinosaurs, which he loves. His teacher gives the class three rules. First, stay with their adult field trip helper. Second, return to the bus by three o’clock. Third— But just as she’s telling them the third rule, the bus pulls up, and Henry doesn’t hear what she says. At the museum, Henry’s assigned parent helper asks his group of three students what they want to see. One student says “moon rocks,” so it’s off to the Rock Room. The other student says “bugs,” so that’s their next stop. Henry wants to say “dinosaurs,” but the word keeps getting stuck in his throat. Finally, Henry shouts his request. The group searches but instead finds a bone room with a friendly scientist, who, after letting them take part in a mini-dig, leads them to the huge dinosaur room. Back on the bus, Henry’s friend asks if he followed the third rule and found something new; after some thought, Henry realizes that he has. This quiet but perceptive tale follows young Henry as he discovers the world at his own pace and reacts in his own, charming way (in the dinosaur room, Henry wraps his arms around himself so all the “happy” doesn’t “slip away”). Interspersed throughout are graceful watercolor-and-ink illustrations, mostly black and white, with pops of green. Henry is cued Asian; his class is diverse.

A simple but engaging slice-of-life story. (Early chapter book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews