Horrid Henry

he Horrid Henry series is for children, and each book contains four short stories with illustrations by Tony Ross. Horrid Henry is a little boy who is constantly getting into trouble, and can’t seem to get along with anyone around him. I got the chance to read four of Simon’s books, which equaled twenty-eight short stories about Henry attempting to get what he wants, often by throwing tantrums and exasperating his parents and friends. Sometimes, in an ironic twist of fate, Henry’s “horrid” behavior ends up getting him what he wants, but for the most part, at the end of each story he is taught a lesson which is meant to discourage him from behaving badly. Francesca Simon’s unique way of incorporating alliteration into each story makes it simple and easy for children to not only remember the names of the characters, but to picture them in their minds as they read about them. It is also a good way for children to learn descriptive words, as well as increase their vocabulary. These comical stories are a great way for teachers to not only entertain their students, but to show them that “horrid” behavior is not the way to go about getting what one wants. Horrid Henry’s younger brother, Perfect Peter, is always well behaved, and the fact that things continue to go right in his life is a constant source of frustration for Henry, i.e. another lesson in disguise.

Francesca Simon has created an obnoxious but lovable character in Henry, as the readers never know what sort of shenanigans he will get into next. He is put in situations that are easily to relate to, such as watching all his peers get money from the tooth fairy while his teeth refuse to fall out.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed being entertained by Henry’s horrid actions, I couldn’t help but think that while children would laugh at his high jinks, they would also be led to believe that such behavior is acceptable. The only discipline that Henry ever receives from his parents is a request to “stop being so horrid”, which is hardly a punishment for misbehaving. Certain stories even end with Henry getting away with being mischievous. For example, Henry ruins his cousin’s wedding by losing the two rings (simply because he didn’t want to be a ring bearer), in addition to getting mud all over his outfit and causing the groom to run into the wedding cake. That particular story ends with Henry’s parents wondering why there was no cake served at the reception. Hardly a lesson taught or learned, which doesn’t exactly discourage children from emulating Henry’s behavior. Each story ends somewhat abruptly, as the child is meant to gather “what goes around comes around”, that is, if Henry actually ends up unsuccessful in his ploys to pester others. I am well aware that these are just lighthearted children’s stories, but at the same time, young children are very impressionable, which is why I suppose Simon incorporated stories containing both types of endings; ones in which Henry is taught a lesson, and the others in which he receives no backlash or punishment for his actions.