A review by thedoozyreader
Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary

hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

This short novel came as a breath of fresh air amidst dense academic pieces. Clearly aimed at children, the language is simple yet evocative. I fell in love with the character of Leigh Botts, a ten year old boy, whose letters to his favorite author Boyd Henshaw makes for a larger portion of the book. The plot also unfolds through his diary entries. Owing to the the format, along with a sense of intimacy, I could also see Botts' brute honesty. 
In the guise of a story of the "mediumest boy in class", Beverly Cleary manages to bring in themes of a broken family, poverty, abandonment, and loneliness. Botts' Mom Bonnie, with her strength and empathy, is my favorite character. Paul O. Zelinsky's ink illustrations only add to the charm of the book.
I wish I can go to the grove with Leigh to watch the Monarch butterflies nestle into the trees before they finally migrate to the north.

ps: Thanks to Pappoos for this suggestion. 



Expand filter menu Content Warnings