My Henry

by Judith Kerr

Married couples are used to little outings together. Henry's wife can see no reason why they should stop just because one of them has died. In fact she is apt to go a bit over the top, what with dinosaur rides and dolphin drawn water ski sessions. In the end none of it is quite as good as their past everyday life together.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2011

About the author

Judith Kerr was a German-born British writer and illustrator who has created both enduring picture books such as the Mog series and The Tiger Who Came To Tea and acclaimed novels for older children such as the autobiographical When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit which give a child's-eye view of the Second World War.

Kerr was born in Berlin but left Germany with her parents and her brother, Michael, in 1933, soon after the Nazis first came to power. They were forced to leave as her father, noted drama critic, journalist and screenwriter Alfred Kerr, had openly criticised the Nazis,who burned his books shortly after the family had fled Germany. They travelled first to Switzerland and then on into France, before finally settling in Britain, where Kerr has lived ever since. She subsequently became a naturalised British citizen.

Reviews

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Henry is a children's story which also has a serious theme. This is the fact that when a partner dies that person often becomes real again in the mind of the person left behind. This is based on Judith Kerr's own experience when her husband died.

[Francesca Pashby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely, apart from the angels everywhere.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

So beautiful.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Judith Kerr's books.

I fell in love with Mog when I was a child, and have fond memories of that book. The Great Granny Gang is hilarious!!

This book is wistful, thoughtful but still delightful. In the same style as her children's picture books....but not quite a childrens book due to the subject matter. Maybe a good one to share with slightly older children....possibly if they lose a grandparent....

The illustrations are beautiful, delightfully detailed....I loved it.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A widow imagines her late husband, the eponymous My Henry, johns her in extraordinary adventures like riding a dinosaur, and swimming with mermaids. A bittersweet reminiscing, but not necessarily for childrne, more for those who have loved and lost.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet tale for young and old. It's nice to hear of a couple who have a strong relationship.

[Sophie May]

Found this one very poignant and sad. Year 2 liked this story but some themes more suitable to KS2