Henry’s Hand

Frankenstein-monster lookalike Henry, a greenish “bits-and-pieces kind of guy,” literally puts himself together every morning. Henry always makes sure his feet and eyes are attached, and he gives his favorite part, his right hand, unprecedented freedom. Independent of Henry, the dexterous Hand gallops around on its fingers and works around the house. Finally, weary of Henry’s chores, Hand stows away on a city-bound turnip truck and, to the shock and delight of 1930s-style newsies, heroically saves a distracted commuter from a traffic accident. Instantly rich and popular, “Hand didn’t have to lift a finger” any longer. Meanwhile, Henry pines for his missing part. MacDonald (Boys of Steel) exhibits his customary affection for WWII-era comics, picturing roadster-driving men in fedoras and a glowing, golden, modernist city. Forlorn Henry nods to early creature features, while Hand recalls The Addams Family’s unattached Thing. All the pieces are in place, as it were, and MacDonald sets them in motion in a melodramatic plot that wraps up with a reunion worthy of applause—with both hands. Ages 4–8. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (Oct.)