Thursday, April 9, 2009

Horrid Henry by Francesa Simon - a new Chapter Book Series Sensation!

What's the newest Chapter Book Sensation sweeping the US?! It's - HORRID HENRY!

Remember those long ago days when Dennis the Menace was the rebellion of childhood and youth? Well, there's a new mischief maker in town, by the name of Horrid Henry, and let me tell you, it takes a lot to out - mischief this kid! If he is not trying to outsmart the tooth fairy, he is causing havoc during his dance show recital (which he clearly hates and will do anything to get out of to take karate class instead).

With each book containing 4 stories, there is sure to be something to entertain any child - and sit their tickle bones to giggling. With delightful names such as Perfect Peter, Moody Margaret, Pimply Paul, Prissy Polly, Lazy Linda and Stuck - Up Steve, just to name a few, the Horrid Henry books use a very appealing and fun play on words to entice children to read - not to mention enable them to live out that "naughty" side that they cannot bring forth in real life.

This being said, parents who dislike any kind of negative media/literature, may have a problem with the Horrid Henry books. Horrid Henry is quite naughty and there are negative comments throughout the books, such as Henry's parents always telling him that he is indeed horrid. However, if taken lightly and in the fun that they are meant to be, this is a great series that will encourage children to read. I, myself, read them to my 6 year old daughter and we both enjoyed them, as well as enjoyed talking about the not so good things that Henry did and why they were not so good.

The Horrid Henry chapter books aim for the age range of 7 - 10, which I think is perfect. Children a bit older may find themselves reading and laughing right along with Henry's antics as well. As mentioned, the stories use a great use on word play, as well as silliness and fun pencil drawings throughout, to help along in the visual stimulation, as well as bringing imagination to life. These books enable children to have fun (perhaps thinking they are even getting away with something, by reading about such a "horrid" child), learn and grow in their love for reading. Parents and children, alike, are sure to giggle, shake there heads and enjoy the ironic twists at the end of each story.

The first 4 books in this sensational new series (please take note, they do not have to be read in any particular order) are:




Horrid Henry (978-1-4022-1775-3; Ages 7-10; April 1, 2009; $4.99 U.S./ $5.99 CAN; Trade PB; Juvenile Fiction/Chapter Book) - Henry is dragged to dancing class against his will; vies with Moody Margaret to make the yuckiest Glop; goes camping; and tries to be good like Perfect Peter —but not for long.

Horrid Henry, containing the following 4 stories:
1) Horrid Henry's Perfect Day (this was my favorite)
2) Horrid Henry's Dance Class
3) Horrid Henry and Moody Margaret
4) Horrid Henry's Holiday



Horrid Henry’s Stinkbomb (978-1-4022-1779-1; Ages 7-10; April 1, 2009; $4.99 U.S./ $5.99 CAN; Trade PB; Juvenile Fiction/Chapter Book) - Horrid Henry uses a stinkbomb as a toxic weapon in his war with Moody Margaret; uses all his tricks to win the school reading competition; goes on a sleepover; and has the joy of seeing his teacher in hot water with the principal.

Horrid Henry's Stinkbomb, containing the following 4 stories:
1) Horrid Henry Reads a Book
2) Horrid Henry's Stinkbomb
3) Horrid Henry's School Project
4) Horrid Henry's Sleepover




Horrid Henry Tricks the Tooth Fairy (978-1-4022-2275-7; Ages 7-10; April 1, 2009; $4.99 U.S./ $5.99 CAN; Trade PB; Juvenile Fiction/Chapter Book) - Horrid Henry tries to trick the Tooth Fairy into giving him more money; sends Moody Margaret packing; causes his teachers to run screaming from school; and single-handedly wrecks a wedding.

Horrid Henry Tricks the Tooth Fairy, containing the following 4 stories:
1) Horrid Henry Tricks the Tooth Fairy (my daughter's favorite)
2) Horrid Henry's Wedding
3) Moody Margaret Moves In
4) Horrid Henry's New Teacher



Horrid Henry and the Mega-Mean Time Machine (978-1-4022-1780-7; Ages 7-10; April 1, 2009; $4.99 U.S./ $5.99 CAN; Trade PB; Juvenile Fiction/Chapter Book) - Horrid Henry reluctantly joins his family for a hike in the yucky countryside; builds a time machine and convinces Perfect Peter that boys wear dresses and lipstick in the future; Perfect Peter has his revenge on Henry; and Henry's aunt takes the family out for dinner at a fancy restaurant.

Horrid Henry and the Mega-Mean Time Machine, containing the following 4 stories:
1) Horrid Henry's Hike
2) Horrid Henry and the Mega-Mean Time Machine
3) Perfect Peter's Revenge
4) Horrid Henry Dines at Restaurant Le Posh

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(CLICK HERE) to read Horrid Henry Tricks the Tooth Fairy

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Overview about the Horrid Henry Books that have traveled from the UK, to invade the US with it's hilarity!

Horrid Henry lives in a normal house, in a normal town with his parents (Mom and Dad) and his little brother Perfect Peter. Peter is perfect. He eats his veggies, cleans his plate, loves reading, hates TV, loves tattle-telling on his brother, and pretty much anything else that a perfect child would do. Horrid Henry, on the other hand, loves any and every opportunity to create mischief for anyone who might cross his path. This series chronicles the adventures of Horrid Henry, his little brother Perfect Peter, his neighbor Moody Margaret, his school pals Rude Ralph, Lazy Linda, Aerobic Al, Brainy Brian, their teacher Miss Battle-Axe and a host of other comic foils for this young terror.

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About the Author, Francesca Simon:

Francesca Simon is one of the world’s best-loved children’s authors. She is the only American to have ever won the Galaxy Book Award, and her creation, Horrid Henry, is the #1 bestselling chapter book series in the UK—with a hit TV show and over fifteen million copies sold! Each book contains four easy-to-read stories and hilarious illustrations by the one and only Tony Ross, so even the most reluctant of readers won’t be able to resist Henry’s amazing talent for trouble!
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About the Illustrator, Tony Ross:

Tony Ross trained at the Liverpool School of Art and has illustrated books for many authors, including Roald Dahl, Paula Danziger and Michael Palin. Tony also writes and illustrates his own books.

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To read more about these great books, see what others are saying and receive a FREE Horrid Henry Chapter book (while supplies last), click here:

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