BookBrief
Horrid Henry And The Abominable Snowman cover
Archivist's Choice

Horrid Henry And The Abominable Snowman

Francesca Simon (2007)

Genre

Children's

Reading Time

80 min

Key Themes

See below

Track Your Reading

Sign in to track this book

Horrid Henry battles a 'snow-beast' in his garden, endures a miserable rainy day, ruins Moody Margaret's makeover, and causes trouble during an author's visit, all while remaining true to himself.

Synopsis

Horrid Henry, a naughty boy, goes through four adventures. In 'Horrid Henry and the Abominable Snowman', he enters a contest to draw a mythical creature, predictably causing trouble with his unique idea. 'Horrid Henry's Rainy Day' finds him bored indoors, leading to various plans to entertain himself and annoy others. 'Moody Margaret's Makeover' focuses on his rival, Margaret, as she tries to change her look, which Henry tries to ruin. Finally, in 'Horrid Henry's Author Visit', Henry prepares for and then disrupts a school visit by a famous author, ending in a messy book signing, all while trying to outsmart his parents and teachers.
Reading time
80 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Fast
Mood
Humorous, Mischievous, Light-hearted
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy humorous, light-hearted stories about a naughty child and his escapades.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer serious, educational, or quiet children's literature.

Plot Summary

The Abominable Snowman Contest

Horrid Henry's class must build the best snowman to win a prize. Henry, as usual, does not want to put in the effort himself and plans to ruin everyone else's creations. He tries to kick over Peter's snowman, but Peter's is too solid. Henry then tries to melt Margaret's snowman with hot water, but she catches him and gets even. Finally, Henry decides to build his 'abominable snowman' by covering his little brother, Perfect Peter, in snow, hoping it will be so monstrous it will win. However, Peter sneezes, revealing himself and ruining Henry's plan, leading to Henry getting covered in snow and losing the contest.

Rainy Day Boredom

A heavy rainstorm traps Horrid Henry and his family indoors. Bored, Henry constantly complains and seeks entertainment, annoying his parents and Perfect Peter. He tries to play his music loudly, watches too much television, and generally makes trouble. His parents suggest activities like reading or board games, but Henry rejects them all. Eventually, Henry decides to play 'Monster' and scares Peter, causing screams and chaos. His parents, at their wit's end, send him to his room, where he eventually finds a way to entertain himself by making a mess.

Moody Margaret's Makeover

Moody Margaret, usually against popular trends, decides to get a 'makeover' after a new, trendy girl named Tiffany joins her class. Margaret wants to impress Tiffany and be part of her 'in-crowd.' She changes her clothes, tries to act cool, and even tries to be nice to Henry, which is unusual. Henry, however, finds her attempts at being trendy silly and constantly mocks her. During a game of 'truth or dare' at a party, Henry dares Margaret to do something embarrassing related to her new look, which ultimately backfires and shows her attempts at transformation, much to her embarrassment and Tiffany's amusement.

Author Visit Announcement

Miss Battle-Axe tells Henry's class that a famous author, Simon Says, will visit their school. The children must read one of his books and prepare questions. Perfect Peter is excited and reads the book carefully, preparing good questions. Henry, of course, has no interest in reading the book and plans to avoid any part of it. He tries to convince Peter to do his work for him and complains about the upcoming visit, seeing it as a boring chore rather than an exciting event. He plans ways to either get out of it or cause trouble during the visit.

Henry's Research, Sort Of

Before the author visit, Horrid Henry still refuses to read Simon Says's book. Instead, he tries to get basic information from Peter and other classmates to pretend he has read it. He picks up on random plot points and character names, planning to use them in a 'clever' question. He also tries to find fault with the book, hoping to disrupt the visit. Peter, meanwhile, is carefully preparing, marking passages and practicing his questions, unaware of Henry's plans to turn the author visit into his own show.

The Author Arrives

The day of the author visit arrives. Simon Says, an enthusiastic author, is introduced to the assembled children. Perfect Peter is eager, sitting front and center, ready to ask his prepared questions. Horrid Henry, however, is slumped in his seat, looking for chances to cause trouble. He eyes the author suspiciously, already planning to make the event as disruptive as possible. The author begins by talking about his books and the joys of reading, but Henry is already bored and wanting to make his presence known.

Henry's 'Insightful' Question

During the question and answer session, Perfect Peter asks an intelligent question about character motivation, earning praise. When it is Horrid Henry's turn, he stands up and, instead of asking a real question, tries to trick Simon Says. He invents a scenario where a character supposedly does something illogical, hoping to expose a flaw in the author's writing. Simon Says, however, is calm and explains the character's reasoning, turning Henry's attempt at sabotage into an unintentional compliment. Henry is frustrated, realizing his plan has failed.

Chaos Ensues

Not stopped by his failed 'clever' question, Horrid Henry keeps causing trouble during Simon Says's visit. He makes rude noises, tries to trip Peter, and makes sarcastic comments. Miss Battle-Axe gives him several warnings. When the author tries to encourage the children to write their own stories, Henry loudly says writing is boring. He then spills a drink, creating a messy distraction, and tries to prank another student, leading to a small fight. The author remains polite but visibly confused by Henry's actions, while Miss Battle-Axe's patience wears thin.

The Book Signing Disaster

After the Q&A, Simon Says begins signing books. Perfect Peter eagerly gets his book signed, happy to meet a real author. Horrid Henry, still looking for trouble, decides to 'help' by handing out pens. However, he deliberately gives the author a pen that is nearly out of ink, then one that leaks, and finally, one that draws on everything but the paper. This causes a small panic and a lot of mess. Ultimately, Henry gets himself covered in ink and is sent out of the room in disgrace, ending the author's visit in chaos and leaving a lasting, though negative, impression on Simon Says.

The Aftermath

Following his expulsion from the author visit, Horrid Henry is sent home and grounded. His parents are frustrated by his behavior, and Perfect Peter is relieved that the visit is over, despite Henry's disruptions. Henry, however, shows no regret. He complains about the unfairness of being punished and still believes the author visit was boring. He immediately starts planning his next mischief, showing he has not changed. The incident reinforces his reputation as the most horrid boy in school, much to the despair of those around him, but entirely to his own satisfaction.

Principal Figures

Horrid Henry

The Protagonist

Henry remains consistently horrid throughout the stories, finding new ways to cause trouble without significant personal growth or change in his core personality.

Perfect Peter

The Supporting

Peter consistently maintains his 'perfect' demeanor, serving as a foil to Henry's antics without undergoing significant personal transformation.

Moody Margaret

The Supporting

Margaret temporarily tries to change her image but ultimately reverts to her strong-willed, 'moody' self, reinforcing her established character.

Mum

The Supporting

Mum's character remains consistent as the exasperated but loving parent, perpetually trying to manage Henry's antics.

Dad

The Supporting

Dad's character remains consistent as a parent trying to enforce rules and cope with Henry's behavior.

Miss Battle-Axe

The Supporting

Miss Battle-Axe consistently serves as the strict authority figure in Henry's school life, never wavering in her efforts to control him.

Simon Says

The Supporting

Simon Says maintains his professional and pleasant demeanor throughout the visit, despite Henry's best efforts to derail it.

Tiffany

The Mentioned

Tiffany's role is primarily catalytic, influencing Margaret's actions without significant development of her own.

Themes & Insights

Rebellion vs. Conformity

This theme is a core part of the Horrid Henry series. Henry shows pure rebellion, always defying rules, expectations, and authority figures. He refuses to follow social norms, whether it is building a typical snowman, reading a school book, or being polite to guests. Perfect Peter, on the other hand, represents conformity, always trying to meet expectations. Moody Margaret's brief attempt at a 'makeover' to fit in with Tiffany also explores this, showing the pressure to conform, which she struggles with. Henry's 'horridness' celebrates not conforming, even if it leads to bad results.

“Henry wasn't going to read any boring book. He was going to watch TV.”

— Narrator

The Nature of Mischief

The stories consistently explore different aspects of mischief. For Henry, mischief is not just about having fun; it is a way of life, a way to control things, avoid responsibility, and entertain himself. His mischief ranges from small sabotage in the snowman contest to big plans to disrupt the author visit. The book highlights the creative, though destructive, energy behind Henry's actions. It also contrasts his chaotic mischief with Moody Margaret's more planned attempts at being 'cool' or competitive, showing different levels and reasons for mischievous behavior.

“Henry knew just what to do. He'd make the most abominable snowman ever.”

— Narrator

Sibling Rivalry

The dynamic between Horrid Henry and Perfect Peter is a classic portrayal of sibling rivalry. Henry's constant bothering of Peter, and Peter's equally constant reporting of Henry's misdeeds, forms a core funny and narrative thread. Henry resents Peter's perfection and uses him as a target for his pranks, while Peter often causes Henry's punishments. This rivalry is clear in every story, from Henry covering Peter in snow to Henry trying to get Peter to do his homework. It is a relatable and often humorous depiction of the complex relationship between siblings.

“'You're so horrid, Henry,' wailed Peter.”

— Perfect Peter

The Frustration of Authority

Parents (Mum and Dad) and teachers (Miss Battle-Axe) consistently face the challenge of managing Horrid Henry's behavior. Their attempts to discipline him, encourage good behavior, or simply keep order are almost always met with resistance, defiance, or outright sabotage. The book humorously shows the tiredness and frustration of these authority figures. The author visit story, in particular, shows the immense patience needed to deal with a child like Henry, as Simon Says stays calm despite Henry's best efforts to ruin the event. This theme resonates with anyone who has dealt with a difficult or rebellious child.

“'Henry!' shrieked Mum. 'Go to your room! Now!'”

— Mum

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

Foil Character

Perfect Peter serves as a direct contrast to Horrid Henry.

Perfect Peter acts as a foil to Horrid Henry, highlighting Henry's 'horrid' qualities through his own 'perfect' behavior. Peter's obedience, studiousness, and politeness make Henry's mischievousness, laziness, and rudeness stand out even more. This contrast generates much of the humor and conflict in the stories. For example, Peter's diligent preparation for the author visit emphasizes Henry's complete disregard for it, making Henry's eventual downfall more pronounced. The foil relationship is central to defining both characters and driving the narrative.

Situational Irony

Henry's plans often backfire, leading to unexpected and humorous outcomes.

Situational irony is a frequent device used to create comedic effect. Horrid Henry's elaborate schemes to avoid work or cause trouble often result in him being the one who suffers the most or ends up in a worse position than if he had simply followed the rules. For instance, his attempt to build the 'abominable snowman' with Peter leads to him being covered in snow, and his 'clever' question to the author ends up making the author look even more insightful. This consistent pattern of Henry's plans backfiring provides a satisfying resolution for the reader and reinforces the idea that mischief doesn't always pay off.

Exaggeration/Hyperbole

Characters' traits and reactions are often overstated for comedic effect.

The book uses exaggeration to amplify the personalities and situations, making them more humorous and memorable. Henry's 'horridness' is hyperbolized to an extreme degree, as are Peter's 'perfection' and Miss Battle-Axe's strictness. The descriptions of the rainy day or the chaos Henry creates are often overstated, enhancing the comedic tone. For example, Henry's parents are perpetually 'at their wit's end,' and the author visit becomes a 'disaster' thanks to Henry's antics. This device ensures the stories are entertaining and larger-than-life for the young target audience.

Critical analysis

Notable Quotes

“Horrid Henry was horrid. Everyone knew it. Everyone said it.”

— Opening lines, establishing Henry's character.

“He loved being horrid. It was his favourite thing.”

— Henry's self-perception and enjoyment of his nature.

“Perfect Peter was perfect. He always did what he was told.”

— Introducing Henry's younger brother, Peter, as a contrast.

“Henry hated snow. It was cold and wet and horrid.”

— Henry's initial reaction to the idea of snow and winter.

“But the Abominable Snowman was even more horrid than Henry.”

— Henry's realization that there might be something worse than him.

“Henry liked making people scream.”

— Henry's general mischievous nature and source of amusement.

“He liked scaring people even more.”

— Further elaboration on Henry's enjoyment of causing fright.

“The Abominable Snowman was going to get him. He just knew it.”

— Henry's growing paranoia about the Snowman.

“Henry decided to be extra horrid.”

— Henry's strategy to deter the Snowman by being even worse.

“He put a slug in Peter's bed.”

— An example of Henry's 'extra horrid' behaviour.

“Henry screamed. It was a very loud scream.”

— Henry's reaction when he genuinely gets scared.

“It wasn't the Abominable Snowman at all. It was just Dad.”

— The resolution of Henry's fear, revealing the true identity.

“Horrid Henry loved being horrid. But sometimes, even Horrid Henry got scared.”

— A concluding thought on Henry's character, showing a rare vulnerability.

“And Peter was still perfect.”

— A final nod to Peter's unchanging character.

Quiz

Test Your Knowledge

Ready to see how well you understood this book? Take our interactive quiz with 10 questions.

10
Questions
~5
Minutes
?
Best Score

Key Questions (FAQ)

Horrid Henry is tasked with writing a story for school but struggles for inspiration. He eventually creates a thrilling tale about an Abominable Snowman, which he narrates to his class, much to the initial skepticism and eventual captivation of his teacher and peers.

About the author