HENRY WONDERED: A Story About Jealousy, Serendipity, And . . . Flamenco! (Henry and Friends)

Review
★★★★★ "A delightful tale following a little quail in New Mexico as he grapples with jealousy and accepting himself. . . . Social-emotional themes in children's fiction are crucial ways to teach valuable life lessons. But this book also had a strong element of science and had an educational twist there too. . . . A must have for classroom science libraries, social-emotional bookshelves and families." --D. Kasper for Reedsy Discovery
★★★★★ "The details in every picture will make young readers want to read this charming story over and over again. Henry Wondered, by Hazel Pacheco, takes a slice of life we call awkward adolescence, mixes it up with some crazy and mixed-up birds, and provides a great story filled with hilarity. Highly recommended." -B. Arrington for Readers' Favorite
★★★★★ ". . .Henry Wondered, has everything necessary for a children's picture book classic: captivating and believable characterization; subtle, effective use of literary device (including a child favorite, onomatopoeia!); a highly interesting plot with lasting life lessons; and vibrant watercolor illustrations that capture the eye and imagination while perfectly complimenting the text. . . . Henry Wondered is the first in a promising series entitled, Henry and Friends. I, for one, am looking forward to Book 2!" --smonzingo for LitPick
WARNING: This picture book may introduce new and interesting vocabulary words.
From the author of That's How it Was: Operation Finders Keepers, comes Hazel Pacheco's book one in the Henry and Friends series—Henry Wondered.
Somewhere in the bosque, in the open spaces near the Rio Grande, lives a covey of quail . . . In this episode, Henry wonders about many things. In particular, how to impress his first crush! When a handsome roo enters the picture, all seems doomed. Will Federico, a stranger and self-proclaimed talented flamingo dancer, foil Henry's plan to impress Gloria? Follow Henry as he discovers the wonder of serendipity.
Beautifully illustrated, Henry Wondered presents an educational, yet humorous tale that celebrates wonder and delivers a subtle faith inspired message that encourages overcoming insecurity.
This read-aloud, read-to-your-child, book is sure to capture the hearts and attention of children ages 4+ and might even capture the notice of some adult kids as well. Henry Wondered can be enjoyed by nature lovers and those especially interested in learning about the New Mexico Gambel's Quail.
As a bonus, this picture book features a short glossary.
Book two, Federico Exaggerated, is available now! Stay tuned for book three, Gloria Smiled, coming summer of 2023!
From the Author
My inspiration for Henry Wondered is the desert quail who live in my native Land of Enchantment. I became acquainted with them during my many walks along the arroyos. You may also like to know that when I was a little girl, I confused flamenco with flamingo and wondered why the dancers did not stand on one foot and wear pink.
Instagram @pajarito.chronicles