Horrid Henry and the Mega-mean Time Machine is a particularly fantastical and adventurous installment in the series, featuring four new short stories. The title story revolves around Henry and his friends, perhaps Moody Margaret, discovering or building a malfunctioning "time machine." Given Henry's character, the goal would be to use it for selfish purposes—like changing his test scores, avoiding a chore, or pulling a prank on a historical figure. Predictably, the attempt would lead to hilarious chaos, either through historical inaccuracy or a technological meltdown. Tony Ross’s illustrations are vital here, visually conveying the mayhem of time travel. The book is a high-concept adventure that allows Henry's mischievousness to transcend time, ensuring a fast-paced, funny read that celebrates the sheer, anarchic fun of Henry’s imagination.
