Henry and Mudge: The First Book (Henry and Mudge, #1)

Henry and Mudge: The First Book (Henry and Mudge #1)

4.02 of 5 stars 4.02  ·  rating details  ·  1,545 ratings  ·  79 reviews
The first book in the acclaimed easy-to-read series featuring Henry and his lovable 180-pound dog, Mudge.
Paperback, 40 pages
Published June 1st 1996 by Simon Spotlight (first published April 1st 1987)
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Kathryn
I've heard so many good things about this book and that it is hugely popular. Perhaps I had too many expectations, then. I'm not sure I was completely dazzled, but it is a very sweet story told in simple words (good for beginning read-on-my-own readers) about the friendship between a boy and his dog.
Shelby Olszewski
Henry had no brothers, sisters, or other children on his street. He asked his parents for a dog, after they told him no to having another sibling or moving streets, they thought about it and said yes. Henry was so excited he searched for a dog. He did not want just any dog it could not be short, have curly hair, or have pointed ears. Then Henry found Mudge, he had floppy ears, straight fur, but was short. But that was only because he was a puppy. Mudge grew very quickly, he grew out of his puppy...more
Wanett
There is a lot of emotion packed into Henry and Mudge: The First Book. The feelings of isolation and lonesomeness that Henry expresses are powerful and extremely well written, though simple and straightforward. After rejecting his initial requests his parents decide that his request for a pet can be granted. He carefully selects the perfect dog for him; little did he know that Mudge would be more dog than he could ever wish for. They become fast friends and Henry is a different child with Mudge...more
Linsay Piersawl
Henry and Mudge is a story about a boy named Henry that is a bit lonely and doesn’t have any friends. Henry asks his parents for a dog and to his surprise is given a very small puppy he names Mudge. We follow the two and watch as Mudge not only becomes a huge, happy, and loving Dog but Henry’s Best friend. This easy to read book is the first of many tales that Cynthia Rylant writes. Sucie Stevenson provides simple illustrations that mirrors Rylant’s beginning reader text. Stevenson’s illustratio...more
Ryan Gray
Henry and Mudge is a great story about friendship and compassion. In the story the young boy, Henry wants nothing more than a dog of his own. At first his parents tell him that he may not have a dog, however after reconsidering the matter they decide that they will allow Henry to have a dog. Henry looks for a dog until he finds a perfect match. Henry and Mudge fall in love with each other and are as close as a dog and a young boy can be. The two are simply inseparable. One day while Henry is out...more
Tobinsfavorite
May 25, 2010 Tobinsfavorite rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: beginning readers
Recommended to Tobinsfavorite by: librarian
Our librarian suggested this as good for our beginning reader to read out loud. We read one chapter a day. That worked great for, say, Frog and Toad, which runs 50-60 pages with five chapters per book. This is 37 (or so) pages with seven chapters in it. It's kind of boring, chapter by chapter, since so very little happens in each one. then I found out that there are 27+ books in this series! Dread! Groan! (OK, the boy doesn't have to know that, but still... he liked it.)
The art is alright. It's...more
Chelsey Stotler
1. This is a great story about compassion and friendship between a young boy and his dog. Henry’s parents allow him to buy a dog and he finds Mudge to be a perfect match. Mudge gets lost and Henry spends the day searching for him. They are finally reunited. This book was heart warming just like many of Cynthia Rylent’s books. This story could relate to anyone who has ever lost their pet. It is a very sad and helpless feeling. It may give a reader who has lost their pet hope in finding them again...more
Jeannie
We love Henry and Mudge books! We checked out every on that we could find when my children were young. And we renewed them again and again. I read these books aloud so many times that I could probably still recite them. I remember how excited everyone would get when we discovered a new Henry and Mudge book. These sweet books about a boy and his beloved pet should be a part of everyone's childhood experience. These are great books for cuddling with your children and reading aloud together. And He...more
Laura
These books may not be a work or literary art, but they were my kids' favorites. The lovable characters and and relatable stories are perfect for young kids trying to jump to the next reading level. Henry and Mudge got both my kids reading chapter books at a young age by bridging the gap between phonics-based readers and first chapter books. These books will always have a special place in my heart, as they were the stories that first got my kids reading independently.
David
Henry And Mudge: The First Book by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Suçie Stevenson, is the first book in this series of over 2 dozen books about a dog & the boy who loved him. We see Mudge back in his puppy days before he becomes the 180 pound dog of all the later books. The first book has 7 very short chapters, before just 3 stories became the norm for this series. This is a sweet story, focusing on Henry's lonliness, his bonding with Mudge, and the time when Mudge got lost.

The text has a l...more
Tara
For anyone who loves dogs, this is a very cute book! I loved the way Rylant wrote this and the way she described things. I was drawn into the story! It is definitely an easy and quick read (e.g. good for a second grader to pick up at the beginning of the year if they feel up to short chapter books). There are many adventures of Henry and Mudge, so this would be a good book to read aloud and hook kids into the series.
Dionte
Oct 01, 2009 Dionte added it
Jaquita
Henry told his mom and dad he wated a brther and sister. He wanted a dog. Mom and dad they were sorry son. But then they thought that is a great idea so thay got him a dog. Henry named the dog Mudge. Henry mad a promise that he wold never lose mudge then they hug each other .but then mudge ran away he didno,t know were he was go
Jaime
Just 4-5 chapters in this book that are short enough to keep Truman's attention. Heloved it so much that we just requested books 2 & 3 from our library. I believe there are aboout 20 books in total in the series, with a few extras about holidays & seasons. This book was a great way to get Truman started on chapter books. It also helps that there are pictures on the pages.
Dolly
Jan 14, 2010 Dolly rated it 3 of 5 stars  ·  review of another edition Recommends it for: beginning readers and parents reading with their children
Shelves: 2010, childrens, pets
We have so read many of the books from this series, it's interesting to finally read the book that started it all. It's neat to see how much Suçie Stevenson's illustrations have matured and become more polished as time has gone by. And it's fun to see (in a "Clifford" sort of way) how little Mudge was when he was a puppy.
Tommy Wolf
This book was good . The book does teach children how to take care of a pet . The book also tells you a good story about a boy and his dog. the boy and a dog have a lot of fun together .

learning experience i would have the children draw a picture of a dog and i would ask them if they have a dog .
Jennifer
Cynthia Rylant has a special gift for early reader books. The Henry and Mudge books are engaging for young readers and are not pap. Henry's parents nurture his self-expression and individuality. They are also very patient. As a parent, you kinda want to be like them. Hopefully you are.
Diane Strait
Every child should be introduced to Henry and his big dog Mudge. The entire series is full of adventure, friendship and family for the beginning reader. Cynthia Rylant provides readers both young and old with another wonderful beginning reader series.
Kayce
Great first book, great series. Super for students learning to read a chapter book and needing a bridge. Classic story, accessible for every student-anyone can find a way to relate to it. Would recommend for all elementary classrooms.
Katie Beck
I really enjoyed reading this book. I grew reading the Henry and Mudge books but I never had read the first book until now. I think that this is a good book for the advanced reader in Kindergarten.
Nadine
For the child who has mastered a great big handful of sight words, but isn't ready for the more challenging books yet - these are simple and charming, and my daughters always loved Mudge.
Amanda
Dallin loves reading these, which is saying a lot because he has had a hard time finding anything that he is confident in reading yet without stumbling over words. I love these books!
Christina
Wesley is really into this series right now and has read several of these books. They are short chapter books, perfect for a kindergartener-second grader to read on their own.
Ashley Allen
I would use this book to talk about the love of animals and how dogs can be your best friend. I would also suggest this book to a child who is between picture books and chapter books.
Kristin Lee
A good read for early readers to introduce them to chapter book. The book is about a boy, Henry, and his new dog, Mudge, and the adventures they go on together.
Suzy
For early readers, the Henry and Mudge books offer short chapters about the everyday adventures of Henry and his dog Mudge. Great first chapter books.
Amanda Fack
This is the sweet beginning of Henry and Mudge's relationship. Mudge strays and gets lost, oh no! Great illustrations and poetic word choice.
Dana
Every single one of the Henry and Mudge books are fantastic. A great start for young readers but something that Mom and Dad can enjoy too. I know mine did!
Claire
Oct 04, 2009 Claire rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: young children beginning readers
Henry and Mudge books are a sweet addition to the shelves of families and classrooms with young children. Charming stories of childhood and friendship.
Alice
This is a really great early chapter book. Every boys wants a dog but he has to be just right. I haven't been disappointed by Cynthia Rylant yet.!
Sara B
This book is a feel good book for students to read. It does have one sad part in it but the book is an easy read and the students like the ending.
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An author of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for children and young adults as well as an author and author/illustrator of picture books for children, Cynthia Rylant is recognized as a gifted writer who has contributed memorably to several genres of juvenile literature. A prolific author who often bases her works on her own background, especially on her childhood in the West Virginia mountains, she...more
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