Andrew Henry's Meadow

Written and illustrated by Doris Burn

An inventive boy runs away, inspiring others to join him, but loneliness soon follows.

3.3/7 Bookroo expert·4.7/5 Goodreads · 984 ratings

48 pages· 1,598 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud

$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon.

Bookroo's summary

Andrew Henry, feeling unappreciated by his family, runs away to a meadow where he builds unique homes for neighborhood kids who feel the same. As their families search for them, the children discover that independence can be lonely. Will they find a way to balance their need for recognition with the warmth of family? This timeless tale explores the desire to be valued and the importance of belonging.

From the publisher

A classic reissued for a new generation

Andrew Henry has two younger brothers, who are always together, and two older sisters, who are always together. But Andrew Henry is in the middle–and he’s always with himself. He doesn’t mind this very much, because he’s an inventor. But when Andrew Henry’s family doesn’t appreciate him or his inventions, he decides it’s time to run away. Many children in the neighborhood feel the same way and follow him to his meadow, where he builds each of his friends a unique house of their very own. But in town the families miss their children and do everything they can to find them. And the kids realize that it feels a little lonely out in the meadow without their parents.

Just as relevant today as it was in 1967, this is a heart-warming story about children who want to feel special and appreciated for who they are. With a new jacket and expanded trim size, Andrew Henry is ready to enchant the next generation of kids.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 48
Words: 1,598
Reading age: 6–9
Audience: Picture
Lexile: ~619L

Themes & topics

Books about inventions Books about loneliness Books about siblings Books about belonging Books about family

What readers & critics say

Reviews

3.3

out of 7

3.3

“Andrew Henry's Meadow is a bit of an old-fashioned book about a little boy who runs away from home to build his creations in peace. His friends find him, but parents in the village notice the kids are missing. After four terrifying days of searching, they finally find the kids, all safe and sound enjoying the homes Andrew made for them. The message seems to be that we should appreciate others' talents or something like that. It strives to be a Tom Sawyer-esque story--child runs away but eventually saves the day--but it falls flat.”

Lemony Snickers

Trusted reviewer

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