Henny, by Elizabeth Rose Stanton: Henny was born looking a little different. Instead of wings, she was born with arms! Henny can climb trees, or let her arms hang “behind her like ribbons” as she runs. But, having arms also brings new worries to a chicken’s life. What to wear? How to write? Hangnails? Being different also is hard for Henny because it’s hard for a chicken with arms to fit in with the other chickens. Ultimately, Henny discovers joy in being different and finds her all the wonderful things she is able to do because she has arms instead of wings.
This is a sweet story about finding happiness with yourself. The illustrations are simple and understated, fitting in with this beautifully simple and understated story. Stanton understands that less is more, and simplicity, especially in the case of Henny, can becharming and delightful. Children will love meeting Henny and discovering how special Henny is, arms and all!
Overall Assessment: I don’t the illustrations will translate well for storytime, but this is a perfect book to share one-on-one.
Ages: 4-8
Backbends and Bookends 