Henry Hyena, Why Won’t You Laugh?

Henry, a cute hyena with a crop of spiky hair, wonders what’s wrong when he lacks the urge to laugh alongside his fellow zoo hyenas: “He didn’t join in while they teased a few bears./ He chose not to help when they chased several hares.” When Henry seeks advice from Dr. Long, the giraffe explains that Henry has simply realized that “laughing at others is cruel.” Claude creates a lively zoo atmosphere, full of animals that strum guitars, vacuum, and play musical chairs. Yet the message about kindness lands heavily, and the idea that laughter needn’t be attached to meanness is glossed over. Ages 4–7. (July)