Henry Hikes to Fitchburg (A Henry Book)

I've loved the writings of Henry David Thoreau since I was in my late teens, so I was very excited to read about Henry Hikes to Fitchburg when it was published in 2000. I bought the book immediately and read it as soon as it arrived. Not only was I not disappointed, I felt as if I had been given a chance to re-experience parts of Walden in a new way. D.B. Johnson takes a one-paragraph passage from Walden and extrapolates it into a beautifully illustrated story that brings to life Thoreau's point -- the journey is its own reward. In this picture book Henry and his friend are both bears, dressed in 1840s New England clothing. The illustrations tell the story of the tedium of working for wages versus the enjoyment of nature. I especially like the illustration which shows Henry crossing the Sudbury River. Highly Recommended.

I find this book to have a good solid moral foundation and a decent flow to the overall story. The illustration in this book is top-notch and love looking at it. My son loves it as well. I wasn't sure if the story would be boring to him, but it is not. He asks me to read this to him for bedtime. Whether you read Henry David Thoreau back in the day, or not, it is still a good book and I would recommend it to a friend.

Don Johnson's clever book contrasting Henry's smell-the-roses approach to life with his friend's more conventional idea about the value of efficiency would make a good addition to any child or school's library. Based on a quote by Henry David Thoreau, the book is a welcome antidote to the plethora of books aimed at the aspiring "Tiger Mom" market. The illustrations in the author's distinctive cubistic style lend an almost otherworldly and inviting element to the story. My wish for every child of high-pressure, well-meaning helicopter parents is that they have a relative or friend who will read "Henry Hikes to Fitchburg" to them at an early and impressionable age.

Thank heavens for amazon.com. I was reading a book jacket and found a reference to Henry Hikes to Fitchburg by D.B.Johnson. I am familiar with the town and had to have the book. I was very disappointed to learn the local bookstore did not have a copy in stock. I immediately went to amazon.com and ordered the book. I was thrilled when I received the book less than a week later! It's a great story based on a passage from Henry Thoreau's Walden.

With a wonderful art style, this book presents an excellent story that my kids love to this day, and can be read and reread with the same enjoyment each time. It’s a great gift for new parents, and I highly recommend it.

I used this book for the children's message during a church service on Living Deliberately based on Thoreau's Walden. It was well received by young and old alike. The illustrations are charming.

I'm simple-minded and easily addled, so Henry's simple approach to getting to Fitchburg reminds me that it's not all bad to leave some of the technical complexities to solve themselves, and to travel light, examining the rewarding beauties and curiosities of nature along the way, instead of speeding headlong to a prosaic goal, where we'll likely spend at least 10% of our time waiting for something or someone.

1. It's a work of Henry David Thoreau for kids!2. The pictures are great.3. Historical figures from the era are mentioned throughout.4. Accurate geography mentioned.5. It's a fun game. Find the similarity in the pictures of Henry and his friend.6. A few sentences per page, at most. Keeps your attention.This is my favorite children's book.

これもまた学校の本をなくしてしまい購入。アマゾンにあって良かった。

I'm 79 years old. I bought this book for myself and solely for the quality of the illustrations as I'd seen them on my laptop. I have also been to Concord, Massachusetts, and I've sat by the grave of Henry David Rousseau, whose works I have in my library. However, when I'd come to the end of this tale I found myself doubting the moral it was supposed to impart and instead felt greater admiration and respect for Henry's friend, who had done good deeds for others and had been fairly rewarded for his honest labour. He had 'earned' (in both senses) his trip to Fitchburg. This is a moral worth imparting. Henry, on the other hand, has indulged only himself and has simply followed his personal bliss. On not a single page has he done anything useful to other folk or other creatures. I have to say I that would feel more worthy if I was Henry's friend than if I were Henry. However, it's still a great 5 star book with two morals. Take your pick.

A lovely way to introduce children to the wisdom of Thoreau's Walden. Encourages the reader to stop and smell the roses in an age where everything else seems designed to go, go, go!

Beautiful book!