Dear Mr. Henshaw

Written by author Beverly Cleary and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky Dear Mr. Henshaw is a Newberry Medal winner as well as an ALA Notable Children’s book. A book about a boy named Leigh Botts that writes fan letters to an author named Mr. Henshaw. They exchange letters throughout his younger years, but Leigh is not always the most courteous fan. Leigh likes Mr. Henshaw’s book Ways to Amuse a Dog and as Leigh grows up, he continues correspondence with the author as well as reading more of the author’s books. Leigh lives in a trailer park and his parents are divorced so the author gives Leigh advice on how to write. He must answer ten questions from the author, but Leigh is reluctant until his mother forces him to answer the questions. The questions give more insight into the boy’s life and the pain of the separation of his parents. His relationship with his mom and dad is strained, but he eventually learns to deal with things. Cleary writes the book in the form of letters and reading them makes the reader more involved with the story. The drawing are pencil drawings, with no color, but the illustrations and story are powerful enough to present a deep appreciation and understanding.

Cleary, B. (2009). Dear Mr. Henshaw. (P. Zelinsky, Illust.) HarperCollins.