Based on the life of Henry David Thoreau, this book chronicles a day of work in Henry's life. He "walks to work", meeting and helping many people along the way, before he settles in to work on his book. The Cubist-like illustrations tell us this is a person who sees the world a little differently than everyone else. ( )

Henry Works is about a bear who spends his whole day in nature walking to work. He does many good deeds for nature and his friends. Through out the whole book you wonder what Henry does for a living. At the end of the book he gets home to his house and sits down and starts writing about his day. The story is based on the life of Henry Thoreau.
http://www.dbjohnsonart.com/books.htm
There is a whole series about Henry that this author has written and done the art for.

Henry the bear wakes up and spends the day helping his friends whom he tells that he is on his way to work. At the end of the day he finally arrives back at home to begin his work - writing a book about his walk in the woods. This is the fourth in a series of Henry David Thoreau-inspired picture books by the author, an interesting idea which is executed fairly well. Though I doubt young children will understand the literary references the book makes, they will likely relate to the idea of being judged for playing around rather than doing "serious work." The plot line is a bit rambling which, while it suits the theme of Henry's explorations, may have a hard time holding the attention of some children. The illustrations are done in a cubism style which is unique, but still very appealing and accessible. Recommended for children preschool through third grade. Could also be interesting to older students learning about the real life Thoreau. ( )