Long before Cozy Classics found a home at Simply Read Books, our children were already in love with another series from the same publisher: the “Henry Books” written by Sara O’Leary and illustrated by Julie Morstad. The three titles in the series, When You Were Small, Where You Came From, and When I Was Small, have been described by Quill & Quire as “almost unbearably charming”. These are wonderful tales of whimsy in which indulgent parents spin tall tales about when Henry was small, where Henry came from, and when Henry’s mother was small. But don’t let us tell you about the books — see for yourself:
Sara’s lilting, dreamy prose is perfectly complimented by Julie’s alluring and unaffected illustrations. The books are also beautifully produced by Simply Read Books, with fabric spines and satiny pages. The last book in the series, When I Was Small, was released last week in the United States.
Though the “Henry Books” and Cozy Classics share the same publisher, this is not a “homer” recommendation! It is a recommendation based on one thing: the absolute delight our children get from reading (or being read) the series. And unlike many picture books, which tend to amuse children but annoy adults, the “Henry Books” appeal to grown-up sensibilities (and sentimentalities) as well. We love them. You should, too.
