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Henry and Mudge #21
Henry and Mudge and the Tall Tree House
Henry gets a new tree house—but can his dog Mudge enjoy it too?—in this twenty-first Ready-to-Read book of their adventures.
Henry's Uncle Jake has built him a tree house. Henry loves tree houses, but Mudge can't climb trees. What fun is a tree house if you can't share it with your best friend?
Henry's Uncle Jake has built him a tree house. Henry loves tree houses, but Mudge can't climb trees. What fun is a tree house if you can't share it with your best friend?
40 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2002
About the author
Cynthia Rylant
389 books890 followersCynthia Rylant is an American author, poet, and librarian whose deeply felt books for children and young adults have made her one of the most beloved voices in contemporary literature. Writing across picture books, novels, short stories, nonfiction, and poetry, she has published more than one hundred works, many of them rooted in memory, family, solitude, and the emotional landscapes of ordinary life. Her fiction often draws from her upbringing in West Virginia and reflects the textures of Appalachian life with unusual tenderness and clarity.
Raised in modest circumstances, Rylant spent much of her childhood with her grandparents in a rural setting that later became central to her imagination as a writer. Those early years, marked by hardship as well as warmth, shaped the emotional honesty and quiet resilience that define her work. She later studied English and library science, and after working as a waitress, librarian, and teacher, she began publishing books inspired by the world she had known so intimately.
Among her most acclaimed works are Missing May, which received the Newbery Medal, and A Fine White Dust, a Newbery Honor Book. She also earned Caldecott Honors for When I Was Young in the Mountains and The Relatives Came. For younger readers, she became especially well known through the enduring Henry and Mudge series, as well as other popular books and series that combine gentleness, humor, and emotional depth.
Rylant's writing is distinguished by its compassion for lonely, searching, or overlooked characters, and by its reverence for animals, nature, and small human connections. Whether writing about grief, wonder, childhood, or belonging, she brings a lyrical simplicity that resonates across generations. Her books continue to offer comfort, recognition, and beauty to readers of all ages. She remains a singular literary presence in children's literature and beyond today.
Raised in modest circumstances, Rylant spent much of her childhood with her grandparents in a rural setting that later became central to her imagination as a writer. Those early years, marked by hardship as well as warmth, shaped the emotional honesty and quiet resilience that define her work. She later studied English and library science, and after working as a waitress, librarian, and teacher, she began publishing books inspired by the world she had known so intimately.
Among her most acclaimed works are Missing May, which received the Newbery Medal, and A Fine White Dust, a Newbery Honor Book. She also earned Caldecott Honors for When I Was Young in the Mountains and The Relatives Came. For younger readers, she became especially well known through the enduring Henry and Mudge series, as well as other popular books and series that combine gentleness, humor, and emotional depth.
Rylant's writing is distinguished by its compassion for lonely, searching, or overlooked characters, and by its reverence for animals, nature, and small human connections. Whether writing about grief, wonder, childhood, or belonging, she brings a lyrical simplicity that resonates across generations. Her books continue to offer comfort, recognition, and beauty to readers of all ages. She remains a singular literary presence in children's literature and beyond today.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 27, 2017
I was surprised that Henry sat down for the entire time of me reading this book to him. It roughly took me 10 or so minutes to get through the book. Obviously, I got this book because of the name Henry in it (*winks*).
It's about a boy named, Henry, whose Uncle built him a tree house. Unfortunately, he forgot that Mudge (a large mastiff?) can't climb the tree, so Henry was disappointed. He didn't want to hurt his Uncle's feelings and said it's perfect. He kept climbing down and saying hello to Mudge and climbing up and sitting there for fourteen minutes (that was a little weird, what's with the story behind the 14 minutes?), and did this 6 times or so. Do the math. I really doubt that a boy his age would just sit in the treehouse for an hour and half or more and not do anything.
Finally, the treehouse was moved into his bedroom so Mudge can enjoy it too.
I like this book, but I don't love it. It got Henry interested in what a treehouse is. I'm sure many of Henry and Mudge stories will be a hit/miss type, which is why I prefer to borrow via library. I'll have to read more of the stories to make a determination on whether the series is a hit/miss.
It's about a boy named, Henry, whose Uncle built him a tree house. Unfortunately, he forgot that Mudge (a large mastiff?) can't climb the tree, so Henry was disappointed. He didn't want to hurt his Uncle's feelings and said it's perfect. He kept climbing down and saying hello to Mudge and climbing up and sitting there for fourteen minutes (that was a little weird, what's with the story behind the 14 minutes?), and did this 6 times or so. Do the math. I really doubt that a boy his age would just sit in the treehouse for an hour and half or more and not do anything.
Finally, the treehouse was moved into his bedroom so Mudge can enjoy it too.
I like this book, but I don't love it. It got Henry interested in what a treehouse is. I'm sure many of Henry and Mudge stories will be a hit/miss type, which is why I prefer to borrow via library. I'll have to read more of the stories to make a determination on whether the series is a hit/miss.
September 9, 2024
One of my faves in 1st grade 😁
June 26, 2013
Another adorable story my 5 yr old read to me that we both loved. A solid level 2 book, it was mostly easy reading when it came to hearing about Henry's Uncle Jack who came to build him a tree house. Henry's the saddest kid around who ever got a new tree house because his best friend, his dog Mudge, couldn't go up into the house with him. Delight yourself as you follow along and find out the solution that allows the best friends to enjoy the house together. I really liked the reiteration of Mudge's name in this one. The "dg" sound is a hard one for kids to remember, as it isn't the most obvious of sounds. It helped my son that it had to be read over and over again, and that it rhymes with "fudge", a little hint I told him. Overall, a great story.
November 15, 2009
This was a good book with a good story about friendship. I think I would defintely use this book in my classroom, and I think 3-4 year olds would like it!
December 30, 2016
It's pretty hard to go wrong with these Easy Reader (or, in this case, "Ready-to-Read") books from a reputable publisher.
The Henry and Mudge books center around young boy Henry and his faithful dog Mudge. In this title, Henry's uncle - who is 'burly' (and burly is defined ... sort of) - builds a treehouse for Henry. But Henry gets lonely all by himself up in the tree without Mudge.
Yes, it is that simple. The words are intended for someone just beginning to read and who maybe needs a little bit of help.
I'm not sure what I think of the definition of burly. "Big, hairy, and plaid." I chuckled, but will gets get it? And because he's burly he can build a treehouse in one day? Hmmm...
Overall, a good book to have for your emerging readers - especially if you have any young boys who are very tied to their dogs.
The Henry and Mudge books center around young boy Henry and his faithful dog Mudge. In this title, Henry's uncle - who is 'burly' (and burly is defined ... sort of) - builds a treehouse for Henry. But Henry gets lonely all by himself up in the tree without Mudge.
Yes, it is that simple. The words are intended for someone just beginning to read and who maybe needs a little bit of help.
I'm not sure what I think of the definition of burly. "Big, hairy, and plaid." I chuckled, but will gets get it? And because he's burly he can build a treehouse in one day? Hmmm...
Overall, a good book to have for your emerging readers - especially if you have any young boys who are very tied to their dogs.
September 25, 2017
Henry's Uncle Jake comes to visit the family in this fun book. Uncle Jake is described as burly. The definition given to Henry by his father is "big, Hairy and plaid" which cracked me up.
Mudge and Henry are both crazy about Uncle Jake. He wrestles with Mudge and has a big surprise for Henry. Uncle Jake builds Henry a great tree house. Henry doesn't really know how to tell Uncle Jake that he loves it, but it makes him lonely. It is so high up Mudge can't join him so he is lonely.
Once his dad realizes what is happening, He also has a surprise for Henry with will enable Mudge to be in the awesome tree house too.
This is a great book to show kids sometimes they don't feel as happy about a surprise and you should talk about it with your parent to help solve the problem. The characters are engaging and the illustrations are spot on
Mudge and Henry are both crazy about Uncle Jake. He wrestles with Mudge and has a big surprise for Henry. Uncle Jake builds Henry a great tree house. Henry doesn't really know how to tell Uncle Jake that he loves it, but it makes him lonely. It is so high up Mudge can't join him so he is lonely.
Once his dad realizes what is happening, He also has a surprise for Henry with will enable Mudge to be in the awesome tree house too.
This is a great book to show kids sometimes they don't feel as happy about a surprise and you should talk about it with your parent to help solve the problem. The characters are engaging and the illustrations are spot on
March 6, 2020
I loved the Henry and Mudge books as a child and it’s fun to read them again with my kids! In this one Henry’s Uncle builds him a tree house, but Henry’s excitement is squashed when he realizes Musge can’t join him in it. He struggles with missing his best friend Mudge but also showing appreciation for the gift. Luckily his Dad and Uncle come up with a solution that lets him have the best of both worlds. Very relatable and a good lesson for kids, grown ups who love you can help you solve problems!
May 24, 2025
Henry's Uncle Jake comes over and builds him a tree house. Henry know he should be thankful, but he doesn't like to do anything without Mudge, and Mudge can't climb trees. So he pretends to like the tree house, but comes back to Mudge every fourteen minutes because "I forgot something."
Eventually Henry's father figures out what's going on and gets Uncle Jake to modify things without hurting his feelings.
Interesting handling of feelings an elementary-age child would hide to avoid hurting an adult's feelings.
Eventually Henry's father figures out what's going on and gets Uncle Jake to modify things without hurting his feelings.
Interesting handling of feelings an elementary-age child would hide to avoid hurting an adult's feelings.
August 14, 2019
n this book, Henry’s uncle comes to his house and there is something very very special in his truck. Wood! Henry asked why do we need wood? To make a treehouse, said his uncle. Do you hear that, Said Henry to his dog, Mudge! We’re going to have a treehouse! But, suddenly then came their worries...
I liked the ending because what Henry did to his treehouse was kind of cool, and I don’t have a big room to do it, so I could experience it through them.
I liked the ending because what Henry did to his treehouse was kind of cool, and I don’t have a big room to do it, so I could experience it through them.
December 7, 2017
I enjoyed this book because I like tree houses. I also enjoyed this book because I like dogs (a little). I also enjoyed this book because I liked the part when uncle Jake made a tree house for Henry and Mudge.
August 6, 2019
"Uncle Jake was so burly he had the tree house built in two hours" LOL
Only problem is, there's no way for Mudge to get up in the tree house. Henry feels lonely until his dad comes up with a solution.
Only problem is, there's no way for Mudge to get up in the tree house. Henry feels lonely until his dad comes up with a solution.
September 6, 2017
simple four "chapters" book for a second grader.
June 13, 2018
Cute story about Henry getting a tree house that Mudge can't get into. A Z book, so not great for storytime, but would be good for one-on-one reading with a bit of an older kid 4+.
August 7, 2018
I think I would have enjoyed this better reading it as opposed to listening to it on CD. It was likable enough. But not one of my favorite Rylant texts.
December 14, 2020
I don't love that the treehouse goes into his room at the end simply because he was having a hard time adjusting to a new activity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 30, 2020Mama and I read this the other night.
January 28, 2021
Uncle Jake built a tree house for Henry. There is a big problem. Mudge cannot climb the tree. Henry misses Mudge. Read this book to find out how uncle Jake fixes the problem.
July 16, 2021
We always love these stories
December 10, 2021
What an awesome book l love it it made me so calm after being so excited for something and then l calmed down
December 13, 2021
…or… they could’ve just built the tree house outside on the ground…
March 22, 2022
Love this series so cute
August 6, 2025
3.5 stars
I have always wanted a tree house.
I have always wanted a tree house.
June 27, 2026
A burly uncle builds a tree house. Yep, burly.
July 21, 2019
The ending I didn’t really get at first, but it was an interesting book. I recommend reading this book to 3-4 year olds.
May 11, 2015
My son and I both thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series and were excited to find out what would happen as we started each one. Because my son was between 5-6 years old (he's an advanced reader) at the time, he easily identified with Henry and loved Mudge because (1) he desperately wanted a dog, and (2) Mudge's goofiness was endearing AND hilarious.
Read Aloud: Pre-K and Kindergarten
Introduces plot, character development, foreshadowing, and use of imagery.
Independent Reading: First or Second grade (6-7 years old). More complex sentence structure than "Mr. Putter Series" and slightly longer paragraphs. Short chapters (with clever titles), character development, humor, and an easy to follow plot will encourage all children to read.
Underlying themes of friendship, thoughtfulness, and responsibility are seamlessly weaved throughout the book. Although this is a fairly simple children's book, I found myself laughing out loud at the many adventures of Henry and Mudge.
HIGHLY Recommend!!
Read Aloud: Pre-K and Kindergarten
Introduces plot, character development, foreshadowing, and use of imagery.
Independent Reading: First or Second grade (6-7 years old). More complex sentence structure than "Mr. Putter Series" and slightly longer paragraphs. Short chapters (with clever titles), character development, humor, and an easy to follow plot will encourage all children to read.
Underlying themes of friendship, thoughtfulness, and responsibility are seamlessly weaved throughout the book. Although this is a fairly simple children's book, I found myself laughing out loud at the many adventures of Henry and Mudge.
HIGHLY Recommend!!
October 6, 2008
Grades: K to 3 Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Henry’s uncle Jake has come to visit and build Henry a tree house. At first Henry is thrilled but then he realizes that his dog, Mudge, can’t climb trees to join him there. Henry tries to be happy about the situation, but in the end it really isn’t any fun without Mudge. Luckily for him his dad and uncle have come up with a solution to his problem, they put the tree house in his room. The love between Henry and his dog Mudge is great, as Mudge is bigger than Henry. This simple story is supplemented with simple but brightly colored water color paintings with simple black outlines. Part of the Henry and Mudge series.
Henry’s uncle Jake has come to visit and build Henry a tree house. At first Henry is thrilled but then he realizes that his dog, Mudge, can’t climb trees to join him there. Henry tries to be happy about the situation, but in the end it really isn’t any fun without Mudge. Luckily for him his dad and uncle have come up with a solution to his problem, they put the tree house in his room. The love between Henry and his dog Mudge is great, as Mudge is bigger than Henry. This simple story is supplemented with simple but brightly colored water color paintings with simple black outlines. Part of the Henry and Mudge series.
Read
March 2, 2012This book would be good for a first or early second grade reader as the text is manageable and the illustrations help to guide the reading.
Instructional possibilities:
Use during independent or partner reading
Use as a read aloud and have students write about a favorite part of the story and draw a picture corresponding to what they wrote.
Instructional possibilities:
Use during independent or partner reading
Use as a read aloud and have students write about a favorite part of the story and draw a picture corresponding to what they wrote.
April 10, 2022
I love this one. Henry's Uncle Jake comes over and builds Henry a tree house. But when Mudge can't get up into the tree house, Henry keeps coming into the house saying he forgot something so he can check on Mudge. So Uncle Jake moves the treehouse to Henry's room so he can be in it with Mudge. I have good memories of reading this one with our daughter.
July 8, 2013
I truly enjoyed this book and the series of books that went along with it, I use to check out the books when I was in first and second grade and read them under the the reading tree at my school library.Once I was able to read with ease reading was a very enjoyable process.
March 2, 2015
I read Henry and Mudge and the Tall Tree House by Cynthia Rylant. The story is about Henry's uncle building him a tree house. The problem is that Henry's dog Mudge cannot climb a tree, so he can't play in the tree house. I like this book because the funny ending made me laugh!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews