Something About Hensley's

Anyone who has ever shopped at a beloved small-town or local neighborhood store - the non-chain, independent kind, with owners who actually work on the premises, and who know their customers by name - will appreciate this picture-book tribute to one such store, and its role in the community. Hensley's - a Union City, Michigan store that always seemed to have everything - was owned by Old John Soncrant, a generous, kind-hearted man who, when he saw a single-parent family in trouble, decided to step in...

I enjoyed Something About Hensley's, which has that combination of warmhearted, salt-of-the-earth characters, appealing story, and basis in fact (like many of the author's books, it is based on real people) that I have come to expect from show more Patricia Polacco's work. That said, although I appreciated both the story and the illustrations, I don't think this will rank with my favorite Polacco books. Still, with 53 picture-books under her belt, it's hard to see how every one could be the best! show less

There is never a problem too large for Old John, the owner of the general store, Hensley’s. Regardless of how rare or unique, if a customer needs it, Hensley’s will have it. When a struggling single mother and her daughters move to town, they too experience the magic of Hensley’s. Although the book occasionally comes out of nowhere with odd events and difficult issues, such as a scarily severe asthma attack, the overall story is enjoyable. Through Old John, Patricia Polacco demonstrates the importance of giving and the happiness that can come from generosity. Polacco’s illustrations are exciting and colorful, with enough details to entice any reader. Something About Hensley’s would appeal to children 7 and under and is show more recommended for the children’s section of a public library. show less

Yet another treasure written and illustrated by this very talented author, reading her books is always a magical experience. Her offerings resonate hope and overall good feelings! Celebrating the down-home old-country store and the collective goodness of a small town, this book is very special.

In this story, Mr. Hensley's store is magical. People seem to find just what is needed at the exact time a request is made. A new family finds solace in Union City. A single woman with two children arrive, and while there is a lot of love, financially there is a great need.

One of the daughters, Molly has asthma. When Molly has a sudden attack while in Mr. Hensley's store, he knows that what is needed cannot be magically, tangibly immediately show more found.

Old John, the store manager, is in a quandary to solve this new, unexpected need. Suddenly, a doctor appears who can help acquire the medication required. Once again, Hensley's store becomes magical as Old John motions for Doctor Case to follow him where there is an antique fishing rod and reel. As a gift of thanksgiving, the doctor receives the fishing equipment.

When Molly and Kate's mother enters the store, she is grateful for the rescue of Old John and the doctor. Noticing hand-made pottery on the shelf, their mother confides in Old John that the father of the girls left them. She is a college student hoping to complete a teaching degree.

And, lo and behold, Old John took her to the basement where there is a tarp with a kiln under it. Molly's mother is a potter and when she is given the gift, tremendous relief is felt. Now, she can make pottery to sell in Mr. Hensley's store. The extra money will certainly come in handy especially since the rent was recently raised and there simply isn't enough money to cover the expenses.

Finishing her degree, she is able to purchase a house and stay in this lovely homey town.

Added to the plethora of good luck and kindness, the girls are given a ladder and directions to take it two blocks down the street. There they find a tiny kitten hanging from a tree. The ladder is used to rescue the baby kitten, now named "Mr. Hensley!"

And, when the family is saddened by the lack of a father, the townsfolk brought a sense of peace to a situation that felt overwhelming.

While some may find the story corny and trite, in reality, it is a tale of celebration as once again the author uses her true-to -life situations and weaves it into a wonderful book filled with hope and love.

Polacco helps celebrate the goodness in people and the beauty of caring when fulfilling much-needed assistance.

I highly recommend this author's lovely, special, good-feeling books! show less

I grew up in Union City, Michigan, where Hensley's Dime Store really existed until last year. Everybody in the little town of less than 2,000 residents knows John Soncrant. He was there when I was growing up, and looks just like Patricia Polacco's illustration. Just like in the book, about anything you wanted could be found there. I especially remember the candy counter! A fun book for me to read and to pass on to my grandchildren, but one any child will enjoy!

I really enjoyed this book. Children will appreciate the magical charm of Hensley's and it's elderly owner. The illustrations are very colorful and the story line is something many children can relate to.

Old John has a store, Hensley, and he always helps out Molly, Kate, and their mother. He helps them when the family experiences asthma attacks, broken lamps, doctor visits, and a garage sale. I loved how this reaches out to single parent families. Many children coming from a background like this can identify with the struggles. I also liked how Polacco used markers to illustrate the characters. They are so life-like. You can see the mother's worried look on her face, or the old man's wrinkles. This book really stresses the necessity to help others in need. This can be a great lesson for children to learn.

Something about Hensley's is that story that you start to read and you're not sure where it's going but then it ends up being one of those stories you never forget. It has something for everyone: funny, heart warming, serious and captivating. Great for lessons on culture, traditions or customs.