Andrew Henry's Meadow

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 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.

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 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 show more 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

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.

An old childhood favorite, and it lives up to the passing of years! I love the idea behind this, what kid hasn't wanted to sneak off and create their own little city? I love how each house fits the oocupant, and the illustrations are simple and yet also complicated! I love it.

"Andrew Henry's Meadow" was in my childhood book collection. At that time I enjoyed it, but was also somewhat disappointed that it didn't accurately reflect what a child could build. As I got older, I appreciated the book for its imagination.
I'm glad the book has been republished, however my childhood version was a larger format that better conveyed the awesome illustrations.

Growing up, when Mom said it was time for bed and asked my brother and I what we wanted her to read, we each were allowed to pick out a book. Andrew Henry's Meadow was always a favorite choice of mine. When I had children of my own, I shared my own beloved copy of AHM.

My daughter and I were looking through the books we purchased tonight for my grandson and we began to talk about books that were her favorite when she was a young child. Andrew Henry's Meadow was one she loved as much as I did. Many years have passed since my days of reading/enjoying Andrew Henry's Meadow. I had forgotten about the wonderful illustrations and the amazing inventions that I had so loved as a little girl and in turn, read to my own.

Love that book and now I show more am on a mission to locate a NEW COPY for my grandson. Share it with your children. They WILL love it, too. show less

Andrew Henry's Meadow is the story of a young boy who creates entertaining inventions from household things. However, his inventions frustrate his family members to no end! Feeling as though no one wants him, Andrew sneaks away to a nearby meadow where he can invent all he wants. Before long, Andrew has company as other misunderstood children join him in the meadow. Pick up this book to discover a heart felt storyline, beautiful illustrations, and a happy ending for all.

This book is one of my all time favorites. It is a must read for any child or adult who has ever felt misunderstood. The illustrations are detailed and capture your imagination. I am so glad it is in print again so I can buy a copy for my own kids some day.

Review by show more Susan DeBruin
Rock. River. Run. show less