Henry and Mudge: The First Book

Written by Cynthia Rylant

Narrated by George Guidall

Henry has no brothers or sisters, so he asks his parents for a dog. When they choose Mudge, the wriggling puppy has floppy ears and straight, soft fur. Mudge is tiny. But Henry knows he'll grow. Now Mudge is three feet tall, and he's the best friend Henry has ever had. Mudge trots to school with Henry, and he sleeps on Henry's bed. But one day the big dog goes for a walk by himself and gets lost. When Henry comes home from school, he is alone. Where's Mudge? Cynthia Rylant's Henry and Mudge books are filled with the wonderful adventures of the young boy and his loveable dog. Designated as Ready-to-Read books, they are perfect for beginning readers. The First Book moves along at a frisky pace and teaches quiet lessons about friendship and security.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 19, 2008
• ISBN: 9781436188708

Cynthia Rylant

Cynthia Rylant is a Newbery medalist and the author of many acclaimed books for young people. She's well known for her popular characters for early readers, including Mr. Putter & Tabby and Henry & Mudge. She lives in the Pacific Northwest. cynthiarylant.com

Reviews for Henry and Mudge

[cheryl_in_cc_nv · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have a lot of respect for Henry's mom. In some ways I want to be her, with a big porch & yard & trees, and long dresses and bare feet - but I don't want a huge slobbery dog, thank you.

[iamryancorcoran · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was a big fan of this series as a kid. I would keep a few of these tucked somewhere in my classroom for emerging readers at the earlier grades.

[ekrynen-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Henry and Mudge are best buds. Young kids love these books because they can actually read the words on their own! The adventure is simple, but fun enough for little ones.

[esiera1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

There are several reasons I like the book “Henry and Mudge: The First Book.” Henry, a young boy who feels lonely without any friends, finds friendship in a dog named Mudge. First, each chapter informs the reader more about each character. The characters are believable and well-developed. For example, “Mudge was short because he is a puppy, he’ll grow! When he was done growing he weighed 180 pounds!” Second, the plot is full of great suspense with a conflict-resolution. When Mudge gets lost, Henry goes to look for him. Once they find each other, they promise to never run away from each other again. Third, this book is the first in the series! Children can grow to love the characters and be interested in reading many more. The big idea of this story is about companionship, friendship, and love.

[elizabethhart_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Henry and Mudge is a story about the friendship between a young boy and his dog and the bond that they form. Bright, colorful pictures and large text make the story interesting and addicting for early readers. I enjoyed the relationship portrayed between the two characters and how a strong friendship can be formed between a boy and his pet. I believe this story would be embraced in an elementary classroom and the short sentences, simple and complex word choice, and repetition is a wonderful way to introduce new vocabulary – “He smelled his lemon hair. He smelled his milky mouth. He smelled his soapy ears. He smelled his chocolate fingers.”

[adaniel11 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Genre: Realistic FictionReview: The author stays true to the genre of realistic fiction by creating a believable story about a young boy who desperately wants a dog. Finally his parents give in and the rest of the story is about the adventures he has with his new best friend.Media: Pen and Ink and Watercolor

[elliegiles · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Rylant's series about a boy and his dog. Great for 3rd to 4th grade.

[tnelson725 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In this first book of the Henry and Mudge series, Henry is a young, lonely boy. He has so siblings and no children in his neighborhood to play with. His parents finally get him a tiny puppy, who is named Mudge, who grows into a huge dog. When Mudge is lost, Henry is very upset and he goes looking for him. When he yells his final time, Mudge finally comes running up to him. This story was amazing. It's like you can feel the warmth of the family coming right out of the pages. It is no wonder that children love this book and the sequels. I really like that Mudge is a "real" type of dog and not one that talks and walks around like he is a human. For the book, I would ask the students about what types of pets they have and how they help to take care of them. I would have each student come up and tell the class about their pet and (if the pet is a reasonably nice and small one) maybe bring the pet for show and tell.

[tlelm · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Good book about a boy who stays home from school due to an illness. His dog loved these days. Everyone took care of the sick boy and the dog ate everything the boy didn't. Guess who got sick next?

[t1bclasslibrary · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Henry has no brothers and sisters and no children on his street, so his parents let him get a dog- Mudge. One day Mudge gets lost, but Henry finds him. When they remember that lonely time, they are glad to be together.