Henry's Night

by Linda Michelin and D B Johnson

Published 1 April 2009
When Henry cannot sleep, he takes the night jar and tries to capture the song of the night bird.

Henry Builds a Cabin

by D B Johnson

Published 26 February 2002
Henry the bear builds a cabin with help from his friends. A thoughtful meditation on what a home can be, inspired by the life of Henry David Thoreau.

"Johnson's singular illustrations of the changing seasons exhibit the planed surfaces of cubist paintings. Each scene sparkles as if viewed through multifaceted glass." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

Inspired by the life of Henry David Thoreau and illustrated with nature-filled paintings by author and artist D. B. Johnson, Henry Builds a Cabin is a thoughtful exploration of what really makes a home.

When Henry decides to build a cabin in the woods, he gets help and a lot of advice from his friends. But Henry has his own ideas about what makes a perfect home: for him, the forest is a bigger home than any house could ever be.


Henry Works

by D B Johnson

Published 30 August 2004
Henry's friends learn that you can work hard and love what you do in this installment of the New York Times best-selling series inspired by the life of Henry David Thoreau.

"With a quiet humor and attention to natural settings, Johnson respectfully conveys Thoreau's philosophy of simplicity." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

Does it still count as hard work if you are also having fun?

Without Henry the bear, inspired by Henry David Thoreau, wildflowers would go unwatered, rivers would have no crossing stones, and storms would come without warning. His friends try to convince him that he's not "doing anything," but Henry finds his work more rewarding than getting paid. Henry Works flows through morning's mist to evening's glow, when Henry's most important work is revealed!

A celebration of nature and hard work that comes in many shapes and sizes.


Henry Climbs a Mountain

by D B Johnson

Published 22 September 2003
Henry refuses to pay taxes while the state allows slavery in this addition to the New York Times best-selling picture book series. A reflection on civil disobedience and how it can inspire freedom for all, based on the life of Henry David Thoreau.

"The simple, direct telling is very satisfying, and the stylized illustrations, in colored pencils and paint, look fresh and inviting." --Booklist, starred review

How can you have an adventure when you aren't free to roam?

Henry the bear, modeled on the real Henry David Thoreau, wants to climb a mountain, but the tax collector puts him in jail. Henry refuses to pay to a state that allows slavery. But being locked up doesn't stop Henry: he imagines splashing in rivers, swinging from trees, and meeting a stranger who is an escaped slave pursuing freedom.

A little civil disobedience can go a long way toward inspiring freedom for all.


Henry Hikes to Fitchburg

by D B Johnson

Published 3 March 2000