From laughingstock to leader, Henry Bingle transforms the town of Hogville from pigsty to park. After an earthquake shakes Hogville, Henry Bingle, a socially awkward thirteen-year-old, wakes up with his hoarded collections collapsed on top of him. He pulls on the only clothes he can find in the rubble, and the outfit is so wacky that Henry decides to cut school. When he arrives at his favorite spot at the creek, his life takes an unexpected and magical turn; he meets a Quercus Nixie, a rare, endangered creature. The Nixie, Hamphaleon, begs for Henry's help. Someone has defiled the environment by dumping a load of noxious junk over the banks of Hogville Creek. The load of trash landed on Hamphaleon's family home, a cozy burrow under the oak roots, trapping his wife and daughter inside. Henry and Ham work feverishly to uncover the entrance to the cave. Finally, Ham's wife and daughter are freed from being buried alive. Henry and Hamphaleon form a devoted friendship. When Henry tells Ham that he is wondering about what to do for his 8th Grade Final Project, Ham gives Henry an idea; why not dedicate his project to cleaning up the disgusting, polluted Hogville Creek? An inspired Henry gets the whole town involved in his fundraising brainstorm: The Snoot and Snout Extravaganza for Hogs and Dogs. The festival, with its multiple attractions, is wildly successful, and the money raised is enough to rent the equipment needed for a truly transformative creek cleanup. Henry and the residents of Hogville are inspired to turn the town from pigsty to an artsy, charming destination for townsfolk and tourists. Best of all, Henry has transformed from an unpopular slob to a respected individual with a park named after him and a budding romance with his 8th grade crush. Henry Bingle's Transformation has the power to influence readers and listeners. Though it is a lighthearted romp with magical elements, the story has underlying themes of a deeper nature. Readers will gain appreciation for the value of a clean and beautiful environment. The crusading main character, Henry, demonstrates the positive impact an individual and a community can have on their surroundings. It is, in short, inspiring.
