Henry's Show and Tell

Henry

by Nancy Carlson

Terrified of show-and-tell, Henry, an extremely shy kindergartner, finds a way to overcome his fear of public speaking with the help of a creative and compassionate teacher.

Genres: School, Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

First published July 22, 2004

Reviews

[Bianca Orellana]

Cute ending!

[Nichole]

Henry is nervous of talking in front of the class. He brings his pets to show and tell, they get loose and it makes him less nervous.

[Shari (Shira)]

Charming show and tell story! Too bad show and tell is becoming extinct.

[Pinky]

Wallace helps Henry break out of his shell for show and tell.

[James]

A cute story!

[Sarah Sammis]

Nancy Carlson began her "Nancy's Neighborhood" series of books back in 1982 when she transitioned from being an illustrator to an author & illustrator. She started with Harriet and Walt and moved onto to other characters. Loudmouth George and Henry the Mouse seem to be her most popular characters from the sheer number of titles featuring them.

Henry's Show and Tell is one of her most recent books, published this decade and there's a big change in Carlson's illustration style between the Harriet books (from the 1980s) and the Henry books (from the 2000s). They are more colorful but more loosely drawn. My daughter's biggest concern with the book is in spotting Harriet the dog. It took us a little bit to find her because she like all the other characters has changed.

Henry is in kindergarten and he needs to do a show and tell. Unfortunately he's got stage fright. Finally the teacher finds the right pep talk to give him and he comes to school ready to present his pet to the class. There's just one problem, the pet escapes.

In the case of Henry's Show and Tell the escape of the spider is pretty much the end of the book. There's a quick follow up gag to close out the book. The spider though plays a much larger and funnier roll when the show and tell scene is reprised in Henry's 100 Days of Kindergarten.

The Henry books still aren't as fun as the Harriet books (but Harriet and I are naturally biased) but are much better than the Loud Mouth George books in terms of plot and humor.

[Lizzette Armendariz]

This is a very cute picture book. I would say that it is a book that could help young children who are shy and have a hard time doing show and tell so that they can see that everything would turn out just fine. It had humor in it which is good because we all know humor lighten up the mood. It sends a positive message the illustration where very bright. There is nothing really fancy about the book it is simple but can be helpful tool for a teacher who wants to start show and tell in his or her class.

[Helen Kumpel]

Who this book would be for: K-3
Reflection:
Henry was a super shy student who liked everything about school, except "Show and Tell". Henry would feel all shaky and sick. His teacher told him to find something he really liked and wanted to share with the class. She also suggested he practice at home before school.
I thought this book was cute. Perfect for Kindergarten when introducing "Show and Tell" and for shy students.

[Japonika Finch]

Henry's Show and Tell is a book that I would read in the beginning of the school year to ease the tension of the students. I know that there are tons of students everywherer that can relate to Henry. Henry is a very shy kid who is never able to particpate in show and tell because he gets really shy and nervous. This book maybe able to help some students get over their shyness and nervousness early in the year.

[Jackie]

Henry's Show and Tell talks about how being nervous is ok when 'show and tell' time comes. It just helps to have a subject you really like, friends who appreciate you, and a supportive teacher who gently nudges you in the right direction.

Used for "Show & Tell" Storytime-October, 2010.

[April]

I used this book as part of my Lizard storyhour program. The kids enjoyed it. I would use it again.

[Colette]

Oh man, I used to be so scared to do show and tell!

[Rebecca Dean]

I will use this book to demonstrate to the class how to get in front of everyone and talk. This could be used, not just for show and tell, but for any presentation.

[Ruby]

"I liked when Henry got sick again."

[Good Gu]

There is no show and tell in my school. I admire Henry.

[Sierra Watts]

This is a good book to help children that are afraid to speak in front of groups.

[Bridget]

Have the audio version

[Kristen Dutkiewicz]

A cute short story to help young children embrace the idea of "Show and Tell."