Written by Cathy Newbanks-Hawks
Illustrated by Susannah Wagner-Merritt
Separated from his parents, Henry is discovered by two children who once lived in the foster care system. By taking Henry in, the family discovers how important it is to take time to listen to the similarities and differences of each and every member of a family. Later, when Henry and his aunt and uncle are reunited, Henry learns that he can happily belong to more than one family!
Kinship care is a federally supported child-welfare initiative in which children come to live with their extended families. Henry and the Magical Words was inspired by one such child. In her words, she wanted to “belong somewhere—anywhere.” Moved by that conversation, and by Margery Williams’ classic story, The Velveteen Rabbit, Cate Newbanks-Hawks offers a story that is sure to touch the hearts of anyone who has ever longed to belong. Profits from sales of this book will be donated in support of young people with lived experience in foster care.
$15.95 – $26.95
Cathy Newbanks-Hawks has worked as a public administrator in child welfare in Illinois, Virginia, and Florida. She spent seventeen years developing and running a statewide family support organization in Virginia and served on the board of the National Foster Parent Association. Cathy remains engaged in the national child welfare conversations.
Format: Paperback, Hardcover
Pages: 36
ISBN Paperback: 978-1-962416-00-9
ISBN Hardcover: 978-1-958754-99-3
Release date: September 10, 2024
“Henry’s story is sure to charm every child and be beloved by every family hoping to build a sense of belonging for their children. A must read for foster, adoptive, and kinship families everywhere.”
—Arnie Eby, Executive Director, National Foster Parent Association
“This adorable work from a champion for foster families will win a place in your heart.”
—Anne Holton, Professor of Public Policy and Education; Senior Fellow, EdPolicyForward; former First Lady of Virginia
“In Henry and the Magical Words, author Cate Hawks captures Henry’s struggle with identity and his yearning to belong. Cate and Susannah have skillfully created an illustrated children’s book that is a poignant exploration of the profound impact that a loving and accepting family can have on a child’s journey towards self-discovery and connection.”
—Stephen W. Porges, PhD, co-author of Our Polyvagal World: How Safety and Trauma Change Us
