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Mouse Books
A Weekend with Wendell
What happens when the bossiest cousin ever comes to visit for the weekend? This classic picture book about sharing and accepting others is a funny and realistic look at handling a friend or family member who isn't so good at sharing. Wendell was spending the weekend at Sophie's house. Playing house, Wendell was the father, the mother,Ìýand the children; Sophie was the dog. Playing bakery, Wendell was the baker; Sophie got to be the sweet roll. But when Wendell gave her a new hairdo with shaving cream, it was the last straw, and Sophie made up a game that left Wendell speechless for a time—and won the day for friendship. Written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator ofÌý Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse ,Ìý Kitten's First Full Moon , andÌý Chrysanthemum, Ìýthis classic picture book is "a hilarious read-aloud" (The Bulletin). Whether shared at home or in the classroom, this picture book for ages 3-7 will make kids laugh in recognition.
32 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1986
35 people are currently reading
3,131 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Henkes
134Ìýbooks1,174ÌýfollowersKevin Henkes is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. As an illustrator he won the Caldecott Medal for Kitten's First Full Moon (2004). Two of his books were Newbery Medal Honor Books, Olive's Ocean in 2004 and The Year of Billy Miller in 2014. His picture book Waiting was named both a 2016 Caldecott Honor Book and a Geisel Honor Book. It was only the second time any author has won that combination of awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
April 6, 2022
Poor Sophie must spend a weekend with Wendell, the world's LEAST GRACIOUS house guest.
(And, here all this time I thought that title belonged to my mother-in-law.)
(And, here all this time I thought that title belonged to my mother-in-law.)
September 13, 2012
Wendell breaks all of Sophie's crayons and commits various other atrocities
Sophie waits till Wendell is asleep, then beats him nearly to death using a tube sock filled with batteries
I thought that was unnecessarily harsh for a children's book
Sophie waits till Wendell is asleep, then beats him nearly to death using a tube sock filled with batteries
I thought that was unnecessarily harsh for a children's book
April 12, 2017
A bit predictable for us adult readers, but how many young children understand how to be a friend, how to stick up for yourself, how to negotiate the rules of the games? Well, more will after they share this book with their families. Maybe not Henkes' best, but a winner nonetheless, of course.
April 27, 2022
This week I am reading this aloud to all my first grade students. Kevin Henkes is a wonder! His books are guaranteed to delight kids. I have honestly never met a kid who didn't love (at least) his mouse books.
I was surprised by how few of my students had read (or been read to) this book. It seems they all knew Chrysanthemum and lots new Lilli and the Purple Plastic Purse, but Weekend with Wendell was new to them. This is a great book! Kids laugh and connect and learn.
Library Lessons
This book has SO MANY discussion opportunities and lesson starters.
- Problem Solving: "How could Sophie solve the Wendell problem?"
- Manners: Wendell's manners (Maybe even do a Venn with Wendell's manners vs. Sophie's manners)
- "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."
- Taking Turns: compare the fun when Wendell made the rules vs. Sophie making the rules
- Sharing: see above
- Forgiving: How much happier Sophie was because she forgave Wendell than if she had just pouted.
Another bonus, I set up all of Henkes' books on the table and invite the students to choose one after I read aloud. This is a great way to get students to choose non-mouse Henkes books.
I was surprised by how few of my students had read (or been read to) this book. It seems they all knew Chrysanthemum and lots new Lilli and the Purple Plastic Purse, but Weekend with Wendell was new to them. This is a great book! Kids laugh and connect and learn.
Library Lessons
This book has SO MANY discussion opportunities and lesson starters.
- Problem Solving: "How could Sophie solve the Wendell problem?"
- Manners: Wendell's manners (Maybe even do a Venn with Wendell's manners vs. Sophie's manners)
- "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."
- Taking Turns: compare the fun when Wendell made the rules vs. Sophie making the rules
- Sharing: see above
- Forgiving: How much happier Sophie was because she forgave Wendell than if she had just pouted.
Another bonus, I set up all of Henkes' books on the table and invite the students to choose one after I read aloud. This is a great way to get students to choose non-mouse Henkes books.
January 24, 2013
Wendell's parents go away for the weekend and he comes to sleep over at Sophie's house. You can see that Sophie is not really happy about the idea, with good reason. Wendell is bossy and causes trouble. Sophie appears to try and ignore his behavior and only questions quietly about when he is going home. I guess my problem with the book is not so much in Sophie eventually standing up for herself and turning the hose on Wendell, it's that they seem to become friends at the end. I just don't see that Wendell really had any consequences for his action, but that's just the parent in me speaking. I do think that the story would provide some good discussion about how Sophie and her parents must be feeling about Wendell's antics and also why Sophie would still be friends with him. For that reason, I am bumping it up one more star.
October 23, 2021
Wendell is a real ass. I think everyone has been stuck hanging out with a kid like Wendell so it was nice to see little Sophie dealing with it gracefully and kindly. These mice are so darn cute!
March 5, 2021
Wendell is a jerk, and because there is no true reconciliation between the children, the happy ending falls flat. This picture book can start conversations about boundaries, fair play, and how to deal with difficult house guests, but because Wendell never faced consequences for his actions or apologized, the story didn't satisfy me.
April 9, 2018
This Henkes book, appropriate for students Pre-K-2 is wonderfully written and is packed with so many real life lessons for kids! Through his little characters Sophie and Wendell, Henkes has beautifully captured the behavior of a bully with remarkable details. The story also shows how important it is to keep good manners, to set the rules of the game and knowing who has authority over you. It is a picture book and illustrations really help to make it more engaging. It would fall under picture book/fantasy genre.
It can be used to teach students how to recognize the behavior of a bully. Students can be asked to compare Sophie and Wendell’s manners to learn the difference. Educators can teach students how to set rules of the game; taking turns in setting the rules, knowing the value of sharing and most of all to be able to learn to forgive and communicate your feelings.
What makes this book particularly remarkable is how beautifully the writer has captured the issues in the lives of young kids and how relatable the experiences are for our young readers!
It can be used to teach students how to recognize the behavior of a bully. Students can be asked to compare Sophie and Wendell’s manners to learn the difference. Educators can teach students how to set rules of the game; taking turns in setting the rules, knowing the value of sharing and most of all to be able to learn to forgive and communicate your feelings.
What makes this book particularly remarkable is how beautifully the writer has captured the issues in the lives of young kids and how relatable the experiences are for our young readers!
November 13, 2015
1. Identifying the appropriate genre: Picture Books
2. Review/Summary: Wendell was spending the weekend at Sophie's house. Playing house, Wendell was the mother, the father, and the children; Sophie was the dog. Playing bakery, Wendell was the baker; Sophie got to be the sweet roll. Wendell shone his flashlight in Sophie's eyes when she tried to sleep. But when he gave her a new hairdo with shaving cream, it was the last straw, and Sophie made up a game that left Wendell speechless for a time -- and won the day for friendship.
3. Rating: 5 Stars
4. Writing Trait: A Weekend with Wendell includes many writing traits:
a. Ideas: The ideas have an impact on the reader and makes them want to keep reading the book. Additionally, the writer considers the main message of the story and makes it interesting.
b. Organization: The story follows a logical structure (before Wendell arrives, while he is there and when he leaves). There are clear transitions and a satisfying conclusion.
c. Voice: The story could be read using character's voices; it impacts the reader by grabbing attention and conveying purpose.
d. Conventions: The story is easy to read and uses correct grammar, punctuation and sentence structure.
5. Usage for Classroom Instruction: This book could be read aloud in primary level elementary school (K-2). I would use this book for classroom instruction to teach about story structure and getting along with others. The sentence structure is evident when reading the story aloud; we could pay attention to punctuation and quotes. Getting along with others is the main theme of the story; Wendell and Sophie have issues throughout the book but by the end, they are friends and are wondering when they will get to see each other again.
6. Interest Level: K-2
7. Reading Level: 510L
2. Review/Summary: Wendell was spending the weekend at Sophie's house. Playing house, Wendell was the mother, the father, and the children; Sophie was the dog. Playing bakery, Wendell was the baker; Sophie got to be the sweet roll. Wendell shone his flashlight in Sophie's eyes when she tried to sleep. But when he gave her a new hairdo with shaving cream, it was the last straw, and Sophie made up a game that left Wendell speechless for a time -- and won the day for friendship.
3. Rating: 5 Stars
4. Writing Trait: A Weekend with Wendell includes many writing traits:
a. Ideas: The ideas have an impact on the reader and makes them want to keep reading the book. Additionally, the writer considers the main message of the story and makes it interesting.
b. Organization: The story follows a logical structure (before Wendell arrives, while he is there and when he leaves). There are clear transitions and a satisfying conclusion.
c. Voice: The story could be read using character's voices; it impacts the reader by grabbing attention and conveying purpose.
d. Conventions: The story is easy to read and uses correct grammar, punctuation and sentence structure.
5. Usage for Classroom Instruction: This book could be read aloud in primary level elementary school (K-2). I would use this book for classroom instruction to teach about story structure and getting along with others. The sentence structure is evident when reading the story aloud; we could pay attention to punctuation and quotes. Getting along with others is the main theme of the story; Wendell and Sophie have issues throughout the book but by the end, they are friends and are wondering when they will get to see each other again.
6. Interest Level: K-2
7. Reading Level: 510L
June 7, 2021
This book has grown on me over the years. I think when I first read it, I was underwhelmed because it seemed so simple and everyday. But now I've come to love it for the same reason - Wendell is a character I see ALL THE TIME interacting with my kids (and let's be honest - my kids are probably Wendell when they go over to other people's houses). And while it's a common situation, the book is hopeful and honest about that situation and leaves you smiling.
I saw some other reviews talking about how this book discusses how to handle bullies. I didn't get that. Wendell isn't a bully; he's an obnoxious little boy who acts like so many obnoxious little boys act. And Sophie's reaction to him is SO human and natural. And so is her parents'! I don't see this as "How to handle bullies" so much as "Take heart. People can be annoying. But they can be fun, too."
I noticed that my five-year-old daughter was really invested as I read this to her last night. I'm sure she related to Sophie, and hopefully the optimism of the book will encourage her, even if only subconsciously, to give new friends a chance and keep playing a little longer.
I saw some other reviews talking about how this book discusses how to handle bullies. I didn't get that. Wendell isn't a bully; he's an obnoxious little boy who acts like so many obnoxious little boys act. And Sophie's reaction to him is SO human and natural. And so is her parents'! I don't see this as "How to handle bullies" so much as "Take heart. People can be annoying. But they can be fun, too."
I noticed that my five-year-old daughter was really invested as I read this to her last night. I'm sure she related to Sophie, and hopefully the optimism of the book will encourage her, even if only subconsciously, to give new friends a chance and keep playing a little longer.
April 30, 2021
It was a hit with the kindergartners at Benjamin School when I got to guest star as a Zoom Mystery Reader!
October 15, 2019
Hm. Wendell is a jerk...
March 16, 2020
I don't think I will be missing Wendell.
November 18, 2022
Wendell is spending the weekend at Sophies house while his parents are out of town. Sophie is unsure about Wendell. Wendell however is very excited about his weekend and wants to play with Sophie. Wendell isn't very good at sharing however and doesn't really include Sophie when they play. For example, when they played hospital Wendell got to be the doctor, the nurse, and the patient, while Sophie was the dest clerk. Sophie does not enjoy her time with Wendell and continues to ask her parents when he is going home because of what a pain he is. On the last day that Wendell is at Sophies house they decide to play fire fighter and Sophie gets to make the rules this time. Wendell does not have as much fun. After a little while though they start playing together and having fun, not caring who is who. When Wendell's parents come to pick him up they are both disappointed because of how much fun they were having.
This text is a children's fiction picture book. The font of the writing does not change throughout the book. Most of the text is at the bottom of the page with an illustration above it depicting the text.
What I like most about this book is the illustrations. They are very detailed and fun.
I would mostly use this book as maybe a fun read in my class. If I were to read it for a purpose I would use it to teach the concept of sharing. I would also just keep it in my classroom library for kids to read on their own.
This text is a children's fiction picture book. The font of the writing does not change throughout the book. Most of the text is at the bottom of the page with an illustration above it depicting the text.
What I like most about this book is the illustrations. They are very detailed and fun.
I would mostly use this book as maybe a fun read in my class. If I were to read it for a purpose I would use it to teach the concept of sharing. I would also just keep it in my classroom library for kids to read on their own.
July 16, 2019
It's a good book. Wendell spends the weekend at Sophie's house because his parents were going out of town to visit some relatives. He's a handful and really gets on Sophie's nerves. She keeps asking her mother and father when he is leaving. They always say soon. When Wendell gives Sophie a hairdo with shaving cream, she asked him if he wanted to play firefighter. He said "Yes." Sophie made the rules. She was the firefighter and he was the burning building. At the end, they share the hose and don't care who's the firefighter or who's the burning building. Then it's time for Wendell to leave. They both say "Already?" Then Sophie asks her parents when Wendell's coming back. They said "Never". When Wendell packed up his suitcase he heard a crunch. It was something Sophie had written for him. It said,"See you soon." Well I thought it was a cute book.
March 18, 2023
Sophie’s parents babysit Wendell for the weekend.
Sophie is apprehensive when her parents tell her that Wendell will be spending the weekend with them while his parents are out of town. When Wendell proves to be a poorly behaved and aggressive child, Sophie is distressed, and her parents are dismayed. But Sophie eventually joins in the bossy rough play and discovers she enjoys it. So, all’s well that ends well.
This picture book accurately depicts child-child interactions between a quiet reserved child from a structured home and a child with a dominant personality who has not been given many boundaries. As a child, I had many experiences with Wendells, so this story felt very real. I had to laugh when Sophie asks her parents when Wendell will come back at the end of the story, and they reply “never.�
Sophie is apprehensive when her parents tell her that Wendell will be spending the weekend with them while his parents are out of town. When Wendell proves to be a poorly behaved and aggressive child, Sophie is distressed, and her parents are dismayed. But Sophie eventually joins in the bossy rough play and discovers she enjoys it. So, all’s well that ends well.
This picture book accurately depicts child-child interactions between a quiet reserved child from a structured home and a child with a dominant personality who has not been given many boundaries. As a child, I had many experiences with Wendells, so this story felt very real. I had to laugh when Sophie asks her parents when Wendell will come back at the end of the story, and they reply “never.�
April 22, 2020
Wendell's parents drop him off to Sophie's house for the weekend. Sophie doesn't like that Wendell is over. Wendell is mean and a very bad house guest makes a mess in her house and doesn't play fair. Sophie asks her parents when Wendell is going to leave they don't give her a definitive answer. On the last day, Wendell puts whip cream in Sophie's hair. She tells him that he has to help her wash it out with the hose. Wendell doesn't help instead he wants to play firefighter but Sophie takes the hose and sprays him down. They then make compromises and start playing together, but Wendell has to leave which makes Sophie sad so she put a not in his backpack saying that she will see him again.
This book can be used in a classroom to teach students to be kind to each other and understand each other's differences.
This book can be used in a classroom to teach students to be kind to each other and understand each other's differences.
August 3, 2023
Wendell is an annoying houseguest that you hope will just either go away or be used and tested on in some horrific scientific experiment. He's the worst. And I'm not the only one to think this, Sophie, the girl he's spending time at her house with thinks so too. I found this a weaker book by Henkes because the switch in tone and plot was too quick for me. Beyond that, the illustrations are charming, as always. I think Henkes has a way with mice. They're cute and the story is humorous and probably relatable to many. I have known some Wendell's in my time and they're not that amusing. My rating - 3/5
April 26, 2019
A Weekend with Wendell is the story of Wendell spending the weekend at Sophie's house. Wendell starts the weekend not letting Sophie play any major roles when playing, leaving her scary notes, shining lights in her eyes and overall being rude. At the end, Sophie finally has enough and plays firefighter and gives Wendell a taste of his medicine. This story teaches respect and good friendship manners to younger children (preK- 2nd). This book is cute but doesn't exactly show the most proper way to deal with frustrating people.
October 4, 2023
At first, things seem ordinary enough.
Wendell is going to spend the weekend at Sophie's house.
They're both preschoolers.
Of course, all the characters in this story are mice. Which might alert parents, at least, to the fictional nature of the adventure being presented.
Wendell turns out to be bossy. Inconsiderate, too.
But Sophie shows some spunk. By the end of this story, both of them learn a little bit more about how to play together.
FIVE STARS to writer and illustrator Kevin Henkes.
Wendell is going to spend the weekend at Sophie's house.
They're both preschoolers.
Of course, all the characters in this story are mice. Which might alert parents, at least, to the fictional nature of the adventure being presented.
Wendell turns out to be bossy. Inconsiderate, too.
But Sophie shows some spunk. By the end of this story, both of them learn a little bit more about how to play together.
FIVE STARS to writer and illustrator Kevin Henkes.
August 28, 2020
I would likely rate this sweet story at one and a half stars.
I find myself smiling at the style of the very independent Wendell, even as his mischievous escapades cause trouble for those around him while he stays at a friend's house for the weekend.
Look closely, and you'll find the warmth and heart in this book. It's there, and it makes it as good a story as it is. I appreciate this effort by the highly-skilled and versatile Kevin Henkes.
I find myself smiling at the style of the very independent Wendell, even as his mischievous escapades cause trouble for those around him while he stays at a friend's house for the weekend.
Look closely, and you'll find the warmth and heart in this book. It's there, and it makes it as good a story as it is. I appreciate this effort by the highly-skilled and versatile Kevin Henkes.
April 27, 2021
A weekend with Wendell by Kevin Henkes is a fun book of the relationship struggle between friends. When Wendell visits for the weekend Sophie is forced to do all of Wendell's favorite things to do. This story is fun for kids to see relationships being mended and the importance of including your friends. I recommend this book in the classroom.
August 2, 2022
On the one hand, I like the aspect of learning to deal with difficult people, and learning what you have in common. And in the end, Sophie does assert herself, and it does improve the relationship, which was good to see. But it seems like Wendell is mostly alter to get away with all of his rude antics and there isn't really a resolution to that.
July 17, 2023
I love that this book shows we shouldn't be doormats. That being a doormat doesn't build any good relationship. That being honest with others does. And I love how this book shows that just because we don't like someone at the start doesn't mean that with honesty we can't become good friends with them in the end.
February 24, 2017
Oh, how I could relate to this book about over-bearing, domineering friends. Yes, I was the one who was relegated to the lesser roles, no matter what we were playing. So this funny story really tickled me, and I loved Kevin Henkes' way of resolving the friendship woes.
June 22, 2022
A Weekend with Wendell: another picture book from Kevin Henkes starring his adorably-illustrated mice. Wendell's behavior is quite extreme, but the point is made: don't be such a hard-to-put-up-with houseguest!
July 19, 2023
Baffled a 5 and 6 year old as to why Wendell behaved badly AND why Wendell went from being an enemy to a friend.
But gosh darn it, I enjoyed it and they only asked me one question and went to bed, that’s all I ask for
But gosh darn it, I enjoyed it and they only asked me one question and went to bed, that’s all I ask for
May 4, 2017
Gr8 Book
Teaches you to be a good friend.
Teaches you to be a good friend.
July 27, 2017
This would be a great book to read when we read Stevie in our Open Court unit on friendship.
April 14, 2018
Wendall's parents were going away for the weekend so he got to stay at Sophie's. He turned out to not be a very nice guest - until the end of his visit. Cute story.
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