For fans of Grandpa Green, a young boy remembers his much-loved grandpa in this touching story about family, memory and everyday magic. Henry wakes up one bright morning ready to take on the day and find magic! After all, he is the Great Henry Hopendower—an aspiring young magician who learned everything he knows from the very best, his grandpa. Henry has so many favorite memories of his grandfather, including his house with its wobbly cuckoo clock and his famous leaning tower of pancakes that tipped but never toppled. And then there was the day his grandpa gave him a red checkered suit and shared the secret to being a magician: magic is everywhere, you just have to see it. So with Grandpa’s words as his guide, Henry sets off to do the truly impossible. This heartwarming story is a celebration of the magic that surrounds us all and the people we love most.

What Kind of Book is The Great Henry Hopendower

Topics

grandpa family history coping with death magic social themes feelings and emotions family multigenerational imagination and play magic tricks

Genres

fiction

Reviews

Marmee

5.00

A little bit of magic. A little bit of imagination. A lot of a grandparent's love and influence. A little bit of loss. This story about Henry's journey to find the magic his grandfather taught him about deals with the very tough subject of loss (as felt by both a little boy and his mom) in a way that's age-appropriate, approachable, comforting and joyful!

Book Lists That Include This Book

Books about grandpa

Books about family history

Books about coping with death

The Creatives Behind the Book

Author

Justin Roberts

Justin Roberts is a Grammy-nominated all-star of the family music scene and the author of The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade. Hailed by the New York Times as “the Judy Blume of kiddie rock,” he logs thousands of miles on the road each year, dishing out unexpectedly intelligent and fun rocking music for kids and their parents. Justin lives in Chicago.

Illustrator

Deborah Hocking

Deborah Hocking is an illustrator who lives in Portland, Oregon. For six years, she worked as a cook and gardener at a château in France, but now she has the incredible privilege of spending her days drawing for children, chasing magic. She is the illustrator of the nonfiction picture book Build, Beaver, Build! Life at the Longest Beaver Dam. The Great Henry Hopendower is her second picture book.