From: steven engelfried <stevene>
Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 11:59:11 -0700

Several have mentioned lukewarm opinions of "Dear Mr. Henshaw," but I think it's a very powerful and unique book that speaks to young readers with insight and humor. The letter/diary format, which can be a mere gimmick in some books, flows completely naturally in Leigh's story. He's looking for guidance and wisdom his father can't give him, and in the end, Mr. Henshaw doesn't either. He has to discover it on his own, through his writing. Leigh's problems run deeper than the ones faced by Henry and Ramona; he can't solve them by writing a letter that gets read on the Sheriff Bud show as Henry does. I don't mean the problems Ramona and Henry face aren't significant, but they do seem to be able to get through them mostly through the force of their irrepressible personalities. Most of Leigh's problems aren't so straightforward (though I'm sure Henry would have greatly respected his lunch box alarm solution). Leigh is more reflective than Henry and Ramona, who live so much in the moment. Henry might think a butterfly grove is great, but he wouldn't stop to really think about it, much less write his impressions down as Leigh does. Mr Henshaw isn't as
"fun" as Cleary's other books (though it is often funny), but she was clearly trying to do something different. Kids who expect another Ramona may be disappointed, but I think many Cleary fans appreciate getting to know a different kind of character in a more tenuous family situation.

- Steven Engelfried, Children's Librarian
  Deschutes Public Library System, Bend Branch
  601 NW Wall Street Bend, OR 97701
  ph: 541a7p72 fax: 541a7p73
  e-mail: stevene at dpls.lib.or.us
Received on Mon 14 Aug 2000 01:59:11 PM CDT