SOMETHING ABOUT HENSLEY'S delivers the only children's book we've seen yet that features both a Potter and a Kiln!

This, plus the pet crow and eventually, a kitten, carries readers through the unusual offerings. ( )

Yet another treasure written and illustrated by this very talented author, reading her books is always a magical experience. Her offerings resonate hope and overall good feelings! Celebrating the down-home old-country store and the collective goodness of a small town, this book is very special.

In this story, Mr. Hensley's store is magical. People seem to find just what is needed at the exact time a request is made. A new family finds solace in Union City. A single woman with two children arrive, and while there is a lot of love, financially there is a great need.

One of the daughters, Molly has asthma. When Molly has a sudden attack while in Mr. Hensley's store, he knows that what is needed cannot be magically, tangibly immediately found.

Old John, the store manager, is in a quandary to solve this new, unexpected need. Suddenly, a doctor appears who can help acquire the medication required. Once again, Hensley's store becomes magical as Old John motions for Doctor Case to follow him where there is an antique fishing rod and reel. As a gift of thanksgiving, the doctor receives the fishing equipment.

When Molly and Kate's mother enters the store, she is grateful for the rescue of Old John and the doctor. Noticing hand-made pottery on the shelf, their mother confides in Old John that the father of the girls left them. She is a college student hoping to complete a teaching degree.

And, lo and behold, Old John took her to the basement where there is a tarp with a kiln under it. Molly's mother is a potter and when she is given the gift, tremendous relief is felt. Now, she can make pottery to sell in Mr. Hensley's store. The extra money will certainly come in handy especially since the rent was recently raised and there simply isn't enough money to cover the expenses.

Finishing her degree, she is able to purchase a house and stay in this lovely homey town.

Added to the plethora of good luck and kindness, the girls are given a ladder and directions to take it two blocks down the street. There they find a tiny kitten hanging from a tree. The ladder is used to rescue the baby kitten, now named "Mr. Hensley!"

And, when the family is saddened by the lack of a father, the townsfolk brought a sense of peace to a situation that felt overwhelming.

While some may find the story corny and trite, in reality, it is a tale of celebration as once again the author uses her true-to -life situations and weaves it into a wonderful book filled with hope and love.

Polacco helps celebrate the goodness in people and the beauty of caring when fulfilling much-needed assistance.

I highly recommend this author's lovely, special, good-feeling books! ( )

This is a good book for transitional readers to practice comprehension strategies regularly and bridge into a more fluent level. The bright colorful pictures that connect to the text supports both transitional readers - as they progress forward - and early readers - as they gain more confidence with their developing reading skills. This book does a wonderful job illustrating qualities people hope to embody. ( )

Something About Hensley’s is about a seemingly magical neighborhood store named Hensley’s. Hensley’s , owned by Old John, always has what you need from dishes, cleats, to unusual lamps. One day Old John meets Molly and Kate who just moved into the neighborhood with their mother. They are struggling so Old john helps them get back on their feet. This book can be used in a Social Studies classroom to introduce the topic of a community and how neighbors help each other. ( )

Something about Hensley's is that story that you start to read and you're not sure where it's going but then it ends up being one of those stories you never forget. It has something for everyone: funny, heart warming, serious and captivating. Great for lessons on culture, traditions or customs.