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Horrid Henry Early Reader #3

Horrid Henry's Birthday Party: Book 2

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Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey.Horrid Henry creates havoc at his birthday party.

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

23 people are currently reading
235 people want to read

About the author

Francesca Simon

386 books205 followers
Francesca Simon grew up in California and attended both Yale and Oxford Universities, where she specialised in Medieval Studies. How this prepared her to write children’s books she cannot imagine, but it did give her a thorough grounding in alliteration.

She then threw away a lucrative career as a medievalist and worked as a freelance journalist, writing for the Sunday Times, Guardian, Mail on Sunday, Telegraph, and Vogue (US). After her son Joshua was born in 1989, she started writing children’s books full time. One of the UK’s best-selling children’s writers, Francesca has published over 50 books, including the immensely popular HORRID HENRY series, which has now sold over twelve million copies.

Francesca won the Children’s Book of the Year in 2008 at the British Book Awards for Horrid Henry and the Abominable Snowman. HORRID HENRY is published in 24 countries and is also an animated CITV series. She lives in London with her husband, son, and Tibetan Spaniel, Shanti.

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5 stars
168 (43%)
4 stars
93 (24%)
3 stars
77 (20%)
2 stars
25 (6%)
1 star
19 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for °•.Melina°•..
414 reviews655 followers
Read
March 17, 2024
دارم کتابای بچگیمو وارد میکنم در حقشون نامردی نشه🥺😂
3 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2019
On this book it was Henry's birthday and his parents hated this February because it's his birthday read on to see what happens
Profile Image for Eleanor Abbott.
48 reviews8 followers
October 8, 2018
I have loved the Horrid Henry books since I was a child so re-reading this was thoroughly enjoyable. Children love naughtiness so this book series is perfect for those that are beginning chapter books and are excited by mischievous characters. I believe this book can be recommended to boys or girls. One thing I have heard many people say is that they encourage bad behaviour among children as they see HH doing rude things and will think it's acceptable. Interestingly I read an interview with Simon who states that Henry is spontaneous yes, but always listens to his parents who are always in charge. So when suggesting or using this I think it's best to highlight Henry as an entertaining character, while reminding children of how they should and shouldn't act.
Profile Image for Shahrina.
12 reviews
May 5, 2012
A popular read among young readers, especially as there is now a cartoon series on TV.

In this story, Henry is excited as it is nearly his birthday and he wants to have a party. His parents however, are apprehensive due to all the disasters that have happened during Henry's previous birthday parties. When Henry asks his parents if he could have his party at Lazer Zap - an indoor play activity area, Henry's parents are reluctant as they feel the game is a little violent and would also be expensive. However, they agree as they realise it means that they do not have to worry about cleaning up the mess after the party. Later when Lazer Zap call however, Henry's parents are informed that Henry has been banned due to his horrid behaviour on a previous visit. Henry's parents then give him a typical birthday party which is not to Henry's liking. He adds his own personal touch by soaking everyone with his new super soaker - resulting in everyone saying "HENRY! YOU HORRID BOY!"

An amusing read which children engage with as they can understand Henry's perspective. The book has lots of colourful pictures for children to enjoy. A great book for confident readers in year 2.
Profile Image for Anu.
348 reviews16 followers
February 17, 2019
Loved reading the book with my daughter. she loves the character horrid henry caught up in mischiefs.
Profile Image for Stephen.
150 reviews
May 28, 2021
Definitely don’t want to be Henry’s teacher.
Profile Image for Samaneh Masoudii.
290 reviews
January 17, 2026
این اثر ارزش چند بار خواندن را دارد، نویسنده توانسته ارتباط خوبی با خواننده برقرار کند، محتوای کتاب الهام‌بخش و تأثیرگذار است.
Profile Image for Niyousha.
290 reviews
January 17, 2026
این کتاب بسیار روان و خوش‌خوان بود، داستان کتاب جذاب و قابل دنبال‌کردن است، ساختار کلی کتاب منسجم و حرفه‌ای است، کتاب دید تازه‌ای به مخاطب می‌دهد، لحن کتاب صمیمی و گیراست.
Profile Image for Caitlin Kendal.
21 reviews
January 7, 2024
I read this in 25 minutes, at night. It was not the best horrid henry book. It is an easy book to read. The book didn't fully engage me and i find the storyline is abit rushed. I would recommend this book to people who struggle to read big books. These types of books are very good to read if you struggle.
12 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2016
Horrid Henry’s Birthday Party is an early reader’s book which has been divided into easily digestible chapters and is part of the Horrid Henry early reader’s collection. This book in particular, Horrid Henry’s Birthday Party entwines when the main character, Henry cannot wait for his birthday party. He’s feeling incredibly excited about it and cannot wait for his friends to arrive. However, his mother and father are feeling a little apprehensive about it as previous parties have not necessarily ran as smoothly as planned. However, this year Henry’s parents have a cunning plan but to their dismay so does Henry. Perhaps he’s not planning to enjoy eating lots of delicious party food and join in with the party games! This terribly funny story will leave everyone laughing with delight!

The collection of books in this series are designed as a stepping stone in which children develop and extend their reading comprehension, understanding and ability. Early Readers are introduced to children after picture books as they are displayed in a chapter formation but still contain some illustrations. The illustrations are designed to help young children maintain their engagement when reading these books. Using early reader books can help to encourage children to read for pleasure due to these colorful and fun illustrations.

I think that these books are great stories for Key Stage One children to read when they are moving forward in their reading ability. I therefore feel that the books within the Horrid Henry’s Series are suitable for children aged from five to seven. During my school based training placement this particular collection of early reading books were displayed in the classroom book corner. The children were therefore able to access and read such literature on an independent basis. I observed some of the children reading the books and found that some of the children would be looking at the pictures and understanding some of the story while for other learners it really provided them with a clear insight into early chapter books. I also found that during story time activities on the carpet I was able to read these books to the children. They thoroughly enjoyed this and remained on task due to the illustrations still being apparent throughout the story. I observed that this really helped children with additional needs, such as those with English as an additional language (EAL). The illustrations enabled these learners in particular to understand the context and plot of the story. I also found that the use of my voice was important for EAL learners but also for the remainder of the class. Putting on voices for the different characters and using intonation patterns was an additional strategy that encouraged all the learners to remain engaged and on task.

As stated above this book is a great story to use during a story time activity either at the end of the day or before lunchtime. I found that sharing a story with a class of children is a great behaviour management strategy to use to calm the children down. This was particularly apart before a transition took place. It’s also a good activity which enables relationships and rapport to build between a teacher and a class of children.

I think it’s a very fun, engaging and mischievous book to be shared with young children as a stepping stone to explore the earlier stages of chapter books.
Profile Image for Ali B.
1 review
September 5, 2013
Horrid Henry is at it again, only this time it’s his birthday. Henry is anxiously awaiting his birthday and is diligently planning what the venue should be, who to invite and what presents he must have. On the other hand, Henry’s parents are also planning where the party should be but fear the consequences of Henry’s expected misbehaviour. Henry plans to invite nobody but forgets that no guests means no presents, so he quickly changes his mind and invites all of his classmates. Henry also opts to host his party at the local Lazer Zap, his mum and dad try dispute this decision by authoritatively saying “It’s too expensive” and “Too violent”. Henry’s parents quickly come to regret this decision by remembering previous birthdays and accept Henry’s plans.

The story then proceeds to Henry’s birthday where his guests start to arrive and each one of them gives Henry a gift to which he ungratefully receives, opens, protests and gets scolded by his mum for his lack of manners. Henry’s parents then proceed to feebly entertain the children at the party with an array of games such as ‘pass the parcel’ and ‘musical statues’, the children then become quite disgruntled and upset triggering to comments such as “that’s a terrible prize”.
The climax of the book takes place when all the children are having their tea and Henry sees an opportunity to wreak havoc upon the disappointing party and ultimately ruin the fun by unleashing the latest addition to his arsenal: the Super Soaker 2000 water blaster.

The underlying themes of this book appeal to the younger reader, between 7-9 years of age being the target audience. The simplistic style of this book makes this an easy read and poses little challenge for advanced readers. The book is pleasantly illustrated which complements the plot with colourful and comedic images. The humour of the book is appealing to the target age range described above.

This book would be best suited for independent reading within the classroom and is best kept on the bookshelf because it does not inspire any creative thinking. The plot is very predictable as well as bland. The typical male problem-child is a primary focus within the story and the reader can expect to see what is coming, whatever their age; therefore this story does not require any imagination to crack its plot due to lack of creative stimuli. Also, the fact that Henry is the antagonist of this story enables him to escape any situation without any repercussions. Children may identify to mischievous Henry and the withdrawal of punishment because his parent’s words appear as empty threats. This could potentially encourage and reinforce negative or mischievous behaviour at home or within a classroom setting.
Profile Image for Mattie.
454 reviews54 followers
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January 21, 2020
This early reader edition of Horrid Henry sees Henry trying to have the best birthday party ever! The book is easy to read with lots of illustrations, short chapters and large text. However, the language used is still rather advanced, so I would recommend that adults read this alongside children.

The story is funny and engaging, featuring the cast of Horrid Henry characters that children love. The Horrid Henry books always focus on real-life issues that young readers will relate to, with just enough Horrid Henry mischief to amuse even the most reluctant of readers.

Ideal for: children aged 5-7 years old, including boys or reluctant readers.
Profile Image for Daniel.
6 reviews
May 25, 2013
Do you want to know how this book was??????


This book is about Henry and he is thinking what his party is going to be. He wants to go to a place that he has been to before but he can't.I like this book because of the end.It is really funny. This is an easy read and has simple vocabulary.


This book is for 4-7 year old's


I think this book is really good

Profile Image for Wilde Sky.
Author 16 books40 followers
September 16, 2013
A brat prepares for his birthday party.

The thoughts / actions of an awful child are shown in this book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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