A CHILDREN'S BOOK SERIES · AGES 5–11

Big feelings,
gentle stories,
brave little hearts.

Join Henry the Hedgehog and his woodland friends…

Every feeling is welcome in Henry's world. These warm, honest stories help children aged 5–11 understand their emotions, build resilience, and know they are never alone.

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Sometimes a story is more than a story.
Sometimes it’s the beginning of a conversation…
Henry the Hedgehog
Big feelings. Gentle stories. Brave little hearts.
Henry tucked up in bed under his patchwork quilt
A note from Henry’s world

Every child deserves to feel seen

Henry's Heartwise Adventures began as imaginary stories shared between a parent and child — created in everyday moments to explore big feelings, answer difficult questions, and make sense of the world.

Sometimes a story is more than a story. Sometimes it is the beginning of a conversation, a moment of comfort, or a reminder that we never have to carry our feelings alone.

"If a child closes one of these books feeling a little calmer, a little braver, or a little more understood — then Henry has done exactly what he set out to do." — Mike Howells, author
What Henry explores

A story for every feeling

From anxiety and grief to friendship, honesty, and neurodiversity — Henry's Heartwise Adventures meets children exactly where they are, giving every big feeling a name and a story.

Written for Key Stage 1 and 2, each book opens the door to conversations that matter, with Henry and his woodland friends showing children they are never alone.

Understanding emotionsAnxiety & calm Stranger dangerTrust & boundaries Bullying & self-worthNeurodiversity Grief & lossCourage New situationsHonesty Active listeningNaming feelings
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Henry blowing a dandelion clock in the meadow
Henry’s mantra
I can be kind,
I can be brave,
I can be me —
each and every day.

Henry's gentle mantra runs through every story — a reminder for children that they are enough, exactly as they are.

Henry with feelings leaves drifting around him
Henry with his Big Feelings app
Available now

Henry's Big Feelings App is here

"In… out… slow and steady, like ripples on a pond." — Owl

A gentle parent-accessed companion to the books, guided by Henry and his woodland friends, supporting emotional check-ins and evidence-based nervous system regulation for ages 5–11.

Emotion check-in prompts with Henry
Owl's breathing and grounding exercises
Reflection tools for parents and carers
5–8 calming regulation activities

£16.99 · instant access, one-time purchase

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Meet the author

Mike Howells

With a career spanning many years as a Paramedic and Regional Safeguarding and Wellbeing Lead for the South West, Mike has dedicated his professional life to supporting the health, safety, and wellbeing of others.

Henry the Hedgehog was born from witnessing first-hand the importance of early emotional support and the lasting impact that kindness and trusted relationships have on children and families.

What began as imaginary stories shared with his son grew into a wider mission: creating resources that help children feel seen, heard, and understood.

Get in touch
Owl and Henry

Support & further help

Henry's stories can open a conversation — these UK organisations can help you carry it further

Young Minds

Free, confidential advice for parents worried about a child's mental health or emotional wellbeing.

0808 802 5544 · youngminds.org.uk

NSPCC & Childline

Support for any adult concerned about a child, and a free helpline for children themselves.

0808 800 5000 · nspcc.org.uk

Winston's Wish

Free bereavement support for grieving children, young people, and the adults supporting them.

08088 020 021 · winstonswish.org

NHS — Every Mind Matters

NHS guidance for supporting children's mental health, plus how to find local CAMHS services.

nhs.uk/every-mind-matters

In an emergency or urgent crisis

Call 999 if a child is in immediate danger. Call 111 for urgent medical advice that isn't life-threatening. These resources above are for guidance and support — not for emergencies.

Loved by families

Trusted by parents, carers & educators
★★★★★

"Henry has given us a way to talk about feelings that once felt difficult to explain. These gentle stories have brought comfort, confidence, and meaningful conversations into our home."

— Parent

★★★★★

"A beautiful collection of stories that helps children understand their emotions while reminding them they are never alone. Henry has become a treasured part of our bedtime routine."

— Parent

★★★★★

"Warm, reassuring, and full of heart. Henry's adventures help children navigate big feelings with kindness, courage, and hope. Every family should have these on their bookshelf."

— Parent

★★★★★

"Such a lovely, calm and fun way to help young children understand and recognise big feelings that can often be a challenge. Great for them, but also parents!"

— Mollie and Archie

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