Doris Burn (1923–2011)

Andrew Henry has two younger brothers, who are always together, and two older sisters, who are always together. But Andrew 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'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 show more 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. show less

Andrew Henry, a middle child, kept himself busy by inventing things; much to the displeasure of his family. They didn't appreciate any of the Rube Goldberg type creations that he would build in the house. After having his creativity stifled so many times, he decided to run away and build himself a home in a nearby meadow where he could invent anything he pleased without getting yelled at by his parents and siblings. Soon after he built his house, other misunderstood children came to the show more meadow needing a place to "be themselves." Henry built each child a dwelling that suited their eccentricities.

The story did end with a happy ending. The children went back home with their families who realized a new appreciation for their children's hobbies.

Andrew Henry's Meadow was one of my all-time favorite books as a child. The pen and ink sketches were so detailed I would get lost in them. I would study the machines that Henry made, following the ropes and pulleys with my finger, imagining the gears turning, and the belts pulling. I imagined making machines like that myself; my mom had a treadle sewing machine, just like the one Henry's mom had. And the houses he built for the children! What kid wouldn't want to live in a tree, on a river, in a castle, or underground? I wondered what kind of house Henry would have built me - if only I could find his meadow. Sigh.

I love this book! As an adult, I still enjoy reading it and studying the illustrations. show less

This is a beautifully illustrated, beautifully written, story full of nostalgia. As someone who owns a home by the lake in a warm climate area.....I totally relate to the " Summerfolk" sentiment. I really enjoy this one.

Maybe you won't think it a five star book, but I'm utterly enchanted. And it doesn't feel dated at all, at least in the newer Philomel edition, except for maybe how the females wore skirts or dresses, even the young girls at play. I've read a lot of older illustrated books, and I promise you, this is special.