WILMINGTON, N.C. — Local reporter, author and Kenly native Justin Williams Pope is preparing to release the sixth installment in his popular children’s book series, Henry and Matilda, with a special patriotic theme honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Pope and Ambassador Media Company will officially publish Henry and Matilda’s Adventure Across America, Celebrating 250 Years! on July 4, 2026, coinciding with the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration.
The latest book joins five previous titles in the series, which follows the adventures of Henry, an Australian Shepherd dog, and Matilda, a gray Dominique hen, as they explore historic destinations and learn about the world around them.
Previous books in the series include:
- Henry and Matilda’s Adventure in New York (2011)
- Henry and Matilda’s Adventure in Charleston (2017)
- Henry and Matilda’s Adventure in Washington, D.C. (2020)
- Henry and Matilda’s Christmas on the Farm (2022)
- Henry and Matilda’s Adventure in North Carolina (2024)
In the new release, Henry and Matilda embark on a cross-country journey to some of America’s most iconic landmarks, including Yellowstone National Park, the Hollywood Sign in California, and Boston, where they visit the historic USS Constitution.
Readers will also be introduced to a new character, Maebelle the marvelous cow, the eighth animal to join the growing cast of farm friends featured throughout the series.
Pope, a 2005 graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington, spent more than a decade as a correspondent for the Wilmington StarNews. He has also contributed to WILMA Magazine, Greater Wilmington Business Journal, and North Brunswick Magazine. The inspiration for the series stems from his own experiences growing up on a farm near Kenly in Johnston County.
“We are so excited to publish this book,” Pope said. “It is an honor to be an American and to be a part of living history as our country celebrates its 250th year is a blessing.”
Designed primarily for children in kindergarten through second grade, the books combine history, adventure and educational themes while appealing to readers of all ages. Pope also announced plans to launch an online reading series later this summer aimed at encouraging children to read and engage with the adventures of Henry and Matilda.
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