Introducing: Henry Hodges Needs a Friend

Mar 10, 2015 | Writing

Know what I’m going to miss most when my kids are all grown up?

The little things.

Back when my boys were a bit younger, I loved reading to them before bedtime.

We would surround ourselves with pillows and I’d let them turn the pages as I read. My favorite books were always the funny ones. Anything that could get my kids laughing, I was all in!

Special little moments like these are what I’m really going to miss…

Now, Austin, Adam, and I laugh about other things. More grown up things, you could say. Witty jokes, funny situations, and, of course, the occasional YouTube video.

But I do remember how fun it was to hear them cackling at a silly picture in a great children’s book.

Henry Hodges Needs a Friend will capture that exact same experience for you and your family!

Here’s a quick synopsis of the story:

On a quiet street in a quiet town, a lonely little boy named Henry Hodges finds companionship in the most unlikely of places. After searching high and low for a new best friend, a pup named “Hap” transforms his boring, quiet neighborhood into a world bursting with possibilities!

My personal favorite part of the book? An off-the-wall brainstorming session by young Henry in an attempt to find the perfect pet. The illustrator Colleen Madden did a fantastic job making the pictures hilarious.

Let’s just say, a goat with ten legs and a goldfish with antlers both make an appearance…on the same page!

The book carries a special message for any child who feels lonely: A new best friend could be right around the corner. And Henry Hodges Needs a Friend is a reminder that friendship can come in many forms—including the family dog.

If you want your own copy to share with your kids, just click the link below:

Click here to grab your copy of Henry Hodges Needs a Friend.

You’ll also be able to find it in all the major retailers.

If you absolutely love reading to your children or grandchildren, I hope you’ll check this book out. I have a strong feeling you’re going to smile…a lot!

Here’s a sneak peek of the book (I read part of the story aloud in this video):

Comments? Questions? Talk to me!

Explore

  • A Thanksgiving State of Mind
    A Thanksgiving State of Mind

    Plus, enjoy a special Thanksgiving story from his out-of-print book, Return to Sawyerton Springs.

    Read More »
  • The Precious Present with Steve Jacobson
    The Precious Present with Steve Jacobson

    Tune in to hear Jake discuss his unusual commitment to serving others and how that stemmed from growing up with sports and playing college basketball for Wisconsin. You’ll hear about “the precious present” mindset coach Bo Ryan taught and how it continues to impact his life. Andy and Jake also…

    Read More »
  • Have You Been Socially Adjusted? Would You Like To Be?
    Have You Been Socially Adjusted? Would You Like To Be?

    We’ve never been more connected—yet many people feel more isolated than ever. As technology reshapes how we think, interact, and spend our time, a quiet shift is beginning to take place. More and more people are stepping back, searching for something deeper than constant connection—and rediscovering what it truly means…

    Read More »
  • The Bullet Garden with Stephen Hunter
    The Bullet Garden with Stephen Hunter

    Tune in to hear Stephen introduce readers to his latest novel, The Bullet Garden — the prequel to his Bob Lee Swagger and Earl Swagger novels. Hear he and Andy discuss the brilliant way he weaves not only world history, but the history of his own characters, into what Andy…

    Read More »
  • Comparing Yourself with Others
    Comparing Yourself with Others

    On this week’s episode, Andy talks about discipline in reverse and how he reads to uncover odd historical facts. This week’s question comes from someone who has mentally sabotaged their career and personal life by constantly comparing themselves with other people. Be sure to listen for Andy’s take on how…

    Read More »

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This