Henry's Bright Idea

by Lauren Bradshaw, Wednesday Kirwan (Illustrator)

Overview

Deep in the shade of a walnut grove stands a tall tree house. A delightful group of friends gathers here. They call themselves the Walnut Animal Society. Their mission is to create and to always remain curious. Henry the Fox is a knowledgeable fellow, known for his unique inventions. Margaux the Kitty's many books are filled with stories and poems she's written. Ruthie the Deer loves to dance like the butterflies that flutter outside. The collection of ropes and fishing poles belongs to adventurous Chester the Raccoon. Magnolia the Bunny makes maps of the places she's explored beyond the walnut grove. And Eleanor the Bear gathers flowers and plants to make tea for her friends. Henry is a founding member of the Walnut Animal Society, an inventor and a tinkerer. Today Henry is not inventing or tinkering. Henry has lost his idea. Follow Henry and his friend Eleanor as they search for Henry's lost idea and discover much more in this charming picture book, the first in a series of titles, reminiscent of such classics as Winnie the Pooh, and illustrated in a rich, vintage palette.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781937359942
Publisher:	Cameron Kids
Publication date:	08/30/2016
Series:	Walnut Animal Society Series
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	696,539
Product dimensions:	8.20(w) x 10.20(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	2 - 6 Years

About the Author

Lauren Bradshaw is a designer of handmade dolls called Walnut Animal Society. Henry’s Bright Idea is the first in a series of Walnut Animal Society books for children. She lives in Los Angeles, California.

Wednesday Kirwan is a children’s book illustrator, whose books include Nobody Notices Minerva and Yeti, Turn Out the Light. She lives in Oakland, California.

Editorial Reviews

08/15/2016
This first book in newcomer Bradshaw's Walnut Animal Society series, about a group of friends dedicated to curiosity and creation, sputters a bit as a fox named Henry, the group's inventor, forgets an idea and spends all day looking for it. Henry is seen searching for his lost idea under his worktable when fellow club member Eleanor the Bear appears with tea: "I am sure that when you find it, it will be wonderful!" she exclaims. After a day of exploring, the idea reappears at nightfall when the fireflies come out, but readers never find out what it is. Eleanor functions only as Henry's sidekick, offering encouragement and providing food. Kirwan's (Baby Loves to Party!) club, with its easy chairs and chandelier, is as tastefully fitted out as a British gentleman's lounge, and the rest of the scenery is equally charming. The animal characters, though superficially different, all have the same tiny eyes and white muzzles, giving them a sort of family resemblance. Fans of cheerful animal fantasy will gravitate toward this. Ages 2–6. (Aug.)

Publishers Weekly

"This book is delightful, simple, sweet, and unpretentious. The text has a slow easy feel to it with a plot that is sweet . . . The Walnut Animal Society is definitely a fun addition to add to your library." – Clarissa Schweider, Book Nerd Mommy

From the Publisher

11/01/2016
PreS-Gr 2-A group of elegant, nattily dressed animals reside in a tall tree house and call themselves the Walnut Animal Society. Their mission "is to create and always remain curious." The friends include Magnolia the Bunny, who makes maps of all the different places she's discovered. Chester the Raccoon adventurously collects ropes and fishing poles, and Eleanor the Bear likes to collect flowers and brew tea for her friends. The main character, Henry the Fox, is well-known for his distinctive ingenuity. One day, he proclaims that he has lost an idea and has no clue where to find it. With the help of Eleanor the Bear, the two venture out for a walk in the walnut grove. Readers can grasp the importance of clearing one's mind with relaxation activities, such as taking a walk and talking with a friend. Exploring an array of nature's objects, Henry concludes that he still hasn't found what he was looking for. As the sun begins to set, tiny adorable lightning bugs encircle Henry—helping him discover his "bright" idea. Although the story ends rather abruptly (the final page shows Henry back in his room, where "he [gets] right to work") without a look into Henry's idea. Children in a classroom or storytime can take turns coming up with their own theories about Henry's idea. Kids who like to play with Calico Critters might enjoy the warm, furry animals that Kirwan has drawn. VERDICT A great precursor story to read to children before engaging in a project or for elementary school library literature collections on maker spaces.-Krista Welz, North Bergen High School, NJ

School Library Journal