Young readers of all ages and their grownups are invited to the Raven Book Store this weekend for story time and crafts with the author of “Henry, Like Always.”
The beginning chapter book geared toward kids ages 6 to 9 is based on the picture book “A Friend for Henry.”
The books feature main character Henry, who likes his classroom — and how it’s always the same. So when his class starts planning a parade, that’s a little scary for him.
“Henry is on the autism spectrum and he’s anxious about how loud the parade will be, and he doesn’t like that the week’s schedule will be different than he’s used to,” according to a news release about the event. “With the help of his friends and the young readers of the Raven Book Store, the parade might turn out to be pretty fun after all!”
Author Jenn Bailey, who lives in Leawood with her family and many cats and dogs, will lead the event.
Bailey will show those in attendance how to make tambourines out of paper plates — to be followed by a grand parade through the store.
“‘Henry, Like Always: Book 1’ is as sweet as it is important,” Jack Hawthorn, Raven bookseller, events manager and co-owner, said in the release. “It’s a beautiful, healing thing to see a neurodivergent child, or anyone who struggles with being different, find their own way within the literal and metaphorical parade of sparkling, buzzing, and floating.”
The event is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, March 25 at the Raven Book Store, 809 Massachusetts St. More information about the event is available on the Raven’s website.
Families can reach out to event organizers at raven@ravenbookstore.com with any questions about ability accommodations, according to the release.
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