Industry Reviews for Henry Turnip
“Chloe Jasmine Harris’ charming story is about trying new experiences, managing shyness and finding friends who bring out the best in each another. Harris’ gentle words and illustrations portray relatable characters, readers can identify with either personality or somewhere in between and how they adapt to different situations. Henry Turnip is reassuringly upbeat, with an engaging mix of visual and textual techniques and messages of self-appreciation and open-mindedness. Children aged two and over will adore this playful, inclusive and valuable story.”
“I adore this book, Henry reminds me a little of myself and would be relatable to many readers. The traditional watercolour illustrations make my heart sing, they show Henry and other loveable characters amongst bright but soft, beautifully detailed scenes. The text and illustrations perfectly suit each other. Henry Turnip feels like a classic with a beautiful message about friendship, life and the wonder of the unknown. It would be great to share with shy individuals or in a group and could lead onto discussions about friendship, personalities, unknown experiences, comfort zones and more.”
“Highly recommended. The detailed watercolour illustrations are packed with interest and variety, sure to attract the reader as they follow Henry’s story of gaining a friend. In doing this, Henry’s life is enriched with other experiences: he is able to accommodate other people’s interests and behaviours, he can modify his own behaviour and accept that not everyone is the same. Henry’s life is enriched through friendship and even though he finds some things difficult, he is able to cope and adapt.”
“This is a picture book with a message of tolerance and inclusion. A small effort on the part of a kind person can make all the difference in someone’s life. The text is simple and brief, and leaves a lot of room for the illustrations, which fill the pages and are all colour and movement. Such bright and engaging illustrations cannot fail to appeal to young readers. This would be a good addition to lower primary, pre-school and public libraries.”
“This is a gorgeous story about friendship, coming out of your shell and staying true to yourself. It is a really sweet, relatable and comforting read and its beautifully illustrated. The colourful illustrations really pop and they’ve got major child appeal. I really love this picture picture book.”
“Chloe’s art is mesmerising. Grown-ups and little folks alike will spend hours pouring over the detailed, bright and engaging watercolour paintings on each page - full of diverse, fun and interesting characters. The gorgeous illustrations and the text work together perfectly. One of the things that I adore about this friendship story is that it doesn’t imply that introverted children need to become extroverts. It does, however, demonstrate what a beautiful friendship looks like and how it can be easier to be brave if you have someone at your side. This picture book is a beauty, with a classic feel and a universal appeal that is sure to become a household favourite.”
“This is just such a fantastic story – I truly loved it. It is well written and simple to follow, and although is on the exterior very sweet and adorable, is also quite moving and powerful. The story and the illustrations work really well together, and I felt so much for Henry and was genuinely so happy for his friendship with Reuben. It features a really important message that it is okay to be just who you are, but sometimes it is worth stepping out of your comfort zone. The illustrations are just absolutely brilliant. The bright retro colour scheme really grabs your attention straight away, and sets it apart from everything else on the market at the moment. Chloe Jasmine Harris has outdone herself with this book and I hope she will be bringing out more stories soon.”
“My students related to Henry in so many different ways. Some of them don’t like mess or noise, some don’t like change or love routine. And then there is Reuben. We all have a friend like Reuben who accepts us just the way we are! Henry Turnip is a delightful story with rich language, exquisite illustrations (so many animals from all over the world are featured) and the characters and their developing friendship is beautifully written.”
“This is a heartwarming and sweet tale about overcoming shyness and building friendships, and is a perfect book for little school starters! Chloe’s watercolour illustrations are just gorgeous and have a classic and timeless feel - bursting with beautiful bright colours and details, and depicting the sweetest little characters. The animals in Henry’s classroom are from all over the world, representing a diverse mix of ethnicities in a caring and inclusive classroom environment. The tale of Henry Turnip encourages little readers to make lasting friendships, overcome shyness, and to be brave enough to try new things. The story is full of kindness and happiness, and feels like a warm hug from a friend!”
“This was the sweetest story! Harris shows that it is okay to be a little bit shy, but that sometimes those who sit on the outside are actually waiting for someone to help them find a way in. Through the character of Reuben Moon, Harris shows younger readers what it is like to be a bridge and build connections to those who don’t know how to fit in. The power of being kind emanates through every single act of kindness in this story, showing that it is okay to be whatever you like, but that sometimes you might need a little help to fully embrace who you are.”
“Henry Turnip is, a young panda who looks for security and serenity in his life. He does not like the bustle of preschool with its constant noisiness, mess and ‘doing’. He does not join in! That is until Reuben Moon arrives. Reuben is a doer, a joiner, an adventurer, and he tucks Henry under his arm while engaging in the fun to be found in play… and in the act of sharing adventures through story. Reuben’s enthusiasm rubs off on Henry and the pair become close friends, each child learning from the other. Henry learns to stomp in puddles, Reuben delights in the amount of knowing that comes from reading. Together they enrich each other’s lives, making this gentle ode to friendship a delight to read.”