Horrid Henry and the Football Fiend

Reach for this book when your child is feeling the weight of the 'good child' versus 'bad child' labels or is struggling with intense sibling rivalry. Horrid Henry and the Football Fiend offers a cathartic release for kids who feel misunderstood by authority or overshadowed by a seemingly perfect sibling. Through Henry's over-the-top antics and his constant battles with his brother, Perfect Peter, the stories provide a safe space to explore feelings of jealousy, unfairness, and anger. While Henry's behavior is definitely 'horrid,' the humor allows children to laugh at their own frustrations from a distance. It is ideal for ages 5 to 9, especially as a high-interest bridge for reluctant readers. Parents might choose this not for a moral lesson, but to normalize the messy emotions of childhood and to show that it is okay to feel grumpy or competitive sometimes.