[1] Four of the five novels share a similar premise: Henry, the son of an American diplomat, lives abroad with his parents.
He spends summer vacation with his aunt and uncle in the small town of Grover's Corner, New Jersey, where his mother grew up.
Henry attempts to make money by drilling for oil, hunting for truffles, and experimenting with a homemade weather balloon, among other efforts.
The second book in the series, Henry Reed's Journey (January 1, 1963, paperback reissue ISBN 0-14-034145-5), is the only one not set in Grover's Corner.
The third book, Henry Reed's Baby-Sitting Service (April 20, 1966, paperback reissue ISBN 0-14-034146-3), is set during the same summer.