From School Library Journal
Grade 2–4—Horrid Henry is back in four stories to keep readers rolling with laughter. Irreverent and mischievous as ever, his antics get him through a Halloween with no trick-or-treating (somehow he manages to turn this punishment around to his benefit), a night with the world's worst babysitter, a stealthy encounter with a girls' Secret Club, and a dreaded christening. Henry makes no excuses for his naughty plots and plans; actually, he's quite proud of his evil cleverness. His little brother, Perfect Peter, provides a built-in enemy. Lively cartoon drawings add to the silly tone of the book. Horrid Henry's fans and newbies will surely want more from this troublemaker after reading this collection. A hilarious treat from Britain.—Amanda Moss Struckmeyer, Middleton Public Library, WI END
Review
"The stories were funny from an adult's point of view because they seem true. Each story is about something that could possibly happen. Parents of kids 5+ may recognize their own kids in the second story in Horrid Henry and the Scary Sitter" ― SMS Book Review
"Junior fiction that gets kids reading is so important. Horrid Henry has large font, lots of white space, and four short episodes that means young readers will feel comfortable straight away. A quick flick through Tony Ross's cartoon-like illustrations will have them grinning, and Simon's obvious understanding of what makes kids under 10, laugh will hook them for sure." ― The Book Chook
"This is such a fun one for this time of year! When Horrid Henry's brother Perfect Peter dresses up as a big, pink, bouncy bunny, just how is Henry going to be able to go trick-or-treating without massive embarrassment?! You will be amazed and how he solves this one!" ― Cafe of Dreams
"Following the success of this spring's initial Horrid Henry invasion (4 books, 16 stories of unrivaled mischief and bad behavior,) the elementary aged yobbo is back in Horrid Henry and the Scary Sitter and Horrid Henry's Underpants. Having already established that Horrid Henry is fairly irredeemable, author Francesca Simon and illustrator Tony Ross continue to play up Henry for all his comedic value. His parents continue to despair in the face of his behavior (although they get some sweet, if unintended, revenge in Horrid Henry Eats a Vegetable.) And little brother Perfect Peter is starting to develop as less perfect and more prim; he is not so perfect that he isn't above bickering with Horrid Henry and conniving to get his own way, as he does in Horrid Henry's Car Journey. But what readers want is Horrid Henry getting in and out of scrapes and providing a good laugh, and that is exactly what they get." ― Not Just For Kids
"Whether they're horrid (like Henry) or perfect (like Peter) or (more likely) something in between, young readers will be engrossed by these horrid adventures - and will probably see something of their own behavior between the pages too." ― Book Loons
"Horrid Henry and the Scary Sitter is here just in time for Halloween. As per usual, he is up to no good, providing mischievous ideas for young trick-or-treaters -- or showing kids how not to behave, if that's what you prefer. He has an encounter with a "Scary Sitter" who may prove to be a good match for Henry's awful ways, or not; a battle between boys and girls that almost has Henry and Peter working together as friends, but not quite; and goes on a long family car trip that is about as enjoyable as being stuck in an elevator for hours-on-end with the most annoying person you could imagine." ― The Children’s Book Review
"This was my first adventure into the world of Horrid Henry, and I have to say that I love his antics. Horrid Henry has a lovely way of getting into trouble and bring laughter to his readers. It seems that you never know what he will be getting into next." ― The Never-ending Shelf
"I’ve been hearing about how popular Henry is with young readers, and now that I’ve read a couple of titles myself I can see why. Henry is always getting into trouble, and he always learns something from his antics. It’s not always something positive, but he always learns something." ― Mother Daughter Book Club.com
"Without a doubt, these are some of the funniest kid stories I've ever read! Have you ever read "Dennis the Menace"? These books remind me irresistibly of those. Written in the same mischievous yet innocent, tongue-in-cheek manner, trouble finds Henry whether he's looking for it or not (and yes, he's often looking for it!). Amusing and appealing, they made me glad that my kids don't behave as horribly as that - yet! If you haven't picked up a Horrid Henry book yet, make it your goal this holiday season. More info on this series can be found at Sourcebooks." ― A Book Blogger’s Diary
"Horrid Henry lives up to his name – his behavior is atrocious! In Horrid Henry and the Scary Sitter, Henry is the star of 4 short, comical stories. Geared to reluctant readers, Horrid Henry will have you yelling, oh no, don't do it Henry over and over!" ― Blog
"My favorite story comes from Horrid Henry and the Scary Sitter. Tony Ross’s illustrations paint this teen-age babysitter as ghoulishly malicious. Henry describes her as "the biggest, meanest, nastiest-looking girl" he had ever seen: "Her arms were enormous. Her head was enormous. She looked like she ate elephants for breakfast." You’ll find yourself rooting for him in this one. Just when you think she’s beaten him, our intrepid horrid hero rebounds" ― Blog
"Like I noted before, my favorite quality of the series is that while he is a mean little boy, his pranks are harmless and actually pretty fun. Some of them are rooted in typical child behavior – not wanting to eat vegetables or trying to get out of writing thank you notes. Who among us can’t relate to those childhood woes? Exactly." ― Blog
"Family and friends are spotlighted in Horrid Henry and the Scary Sitter. Parents and children can relate to the short story about a car ride. I love Henry's use of creativity and problem solving to get him to the outcome he so desires. We see Henry setting a goal and working hard to get what he wants.
The Horrid Henry series is new to me. Reading and sharing these books have reminded me that easy readers have a place in my middle school classroom. Sharing with the students prompted journal writing, discussion, and laughter. Explaining that Horrid Henry is the #2 youth series in the UK after the Harry Potter books also got their attention. The Horrid Henry books can make an impression with all age groups." ― Blog
About the Author
Francesca Simon was born in the United States and attended both Yale and Oxford universities. A former journalist, she now writes full time. She lives in North London, England, with her husband, Martin, and her son, Josh
Tony Ross is a prolific illustrator of books for children, including Martyn Beardsley’s Sir Gadabout stories as well as his own. Tony has become one of the best known creators of original and traditional picture books, and his work has been sold all over the world.
