Henry and Mudge and a Very Merry Christmas

Henry and Mudge #25

by Cynthia Rylant, Suçie Stevenson (Illustrator)

Christmas at Henry and Mudge's house means cookies and carols and presents, and the whole family gathering for a delicious breakfast (with lots of food falling on the floor for Mudge). It may just be the best Christmas ever -- but Henry's favorite present is the big, lovable dog he's had all along.

Genres: Christmas, Childrens, Picture Books, Dogs, Chapter Books, Holiday, Kids

40 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Cynthia 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.

Reviews

[J9 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book my 6 yr old loved, a little old for my preschoolers. A solid reading level 2 book, this reader has a good amount of advanced vocabulary words, but not so long that it discourages a new reader. Used it for his read out loud book, which was perfect. It took about 20 mins for him to read and had just enough new vocabulary words to make it challenging. Also, it was a fun and interesting story he could get into. He liked it so much, he asked for more by this author. Great reading book!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another book out of our Christmas collection, which comes out every year at Christmas time. I always liked the Henry and Mudge series of books, mainly because I like the big dog Mudge.

I enjoy this Henry and Mudge Christmas story because it is a story about family. It is not about the greed of Christmas, of wanting presents, etc., but instead the focus is on time spent with family, baking Christmas cookies, and in the end, when the day is over, Henry and Mudge and his parents go for a walk and leave seed balls in the trees for the birds, leave walnuts on the ground for the squirrels, and leave cracked corn for the deer. And that gives me a warm and fuzzy Christmas feeling.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because I like Christmas. I also enjoyed this book because I liked the part when Annie came over and brought Snowball and Mudge sniffed Annie's earmuffs just to make sure they weren't bunnies.

[Mya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely story that should be read at Christmas time. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

So back to the review, I had the pleasure of reading this with Cassie and Mason before bed during our one-on-one reading. This book I would recommend for first grade on up to read on their own just based on the text and some of the vocabulary words. This book is colorful and I love that it's apart of a series. We are for sure going to find the other 25 books and read them. The text is easy to read a loud and has the nature flow that comes with books. So no stumbling around. Of course this book is designed for a child to read on their own. But I love the one-on-one time with my kids. Cassie really enjoyed reading the pictures in this book and pointing out things going on. Mason loved helping me read the book and loved the story-line. I recommend checking out this cute book.

[Ali Book&Seaglasshunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry and Mudge books are my favorites. I loved them as a child, enjoy reading them aloud now to my 4&5 year old, and look forward to the near future when they will be able to read them to me!

This Mudge book focuses on Christmas, and the activities Henry enjoys with his family. They bake cookies, have a breakfast with a few extended family members, and go for a walk to appreciate nature. There’s only a brief mention of opening presents, and it’s nice to have a story that focuses on the other nice things we do around Christmas since we are often so focused on gift giving and receiving.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ho hum seasonal selection from the Henry and Mudge series. (And, incidentally, the first I have read.) This easy reader book actually contains a few stories none of which are particularly interesting or exciting. There is nothing wrong with the illustrations but they certainly are not mind-blowing either. Doubtful such lackluster fare would spark the minds of reluctant readers.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how loving and caring the families in Cynthia Rylant books are. If Norman Rockwell painted the best in what he saw in American life, Cynthia Rylant paints with her words loving families. And in a world where so many families are breaking apart, it is such a gift to read books about healthy, loving families.

[Le Maistre Chat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second Henry and Mudge Christmas book. Celebrates family by bringing back all the family members named in earlier books... but we already had the family reunion one, so did we really need this when we had that and another Christmas book?
My 2-year-old daughter seems to like it as much as any other H&M though. Maybe because it has Annie?

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like all of the Henry and Mudge books, they enjoy themselves. In this case, it is the customs and treats of Christmas. I loved how Mudge feasted under the table with help from the relatives.

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

40 pgs. This easy chapter book is a fun holiday read. Henry is trying to help his parents with cooking for Christmas and Mudge is right there to help with the cleanup. Kids will enjoy this one. Highly recommended for Grades 2-3.

[Shelby Shimono · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are a great read for younger audiences. This Christmas book is heartwarming tale of friendship, and holiday joy. It captures the spirit of Christmas joy with fun illustrations of kindness and friendship.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not plot heavy but great for beginning readers. Henry and Midge are staples for us and the Christmas story is darling.

[Palwascha · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a lovely book. My only problem was with feeding the dog table scraps.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like that the Christmas book is the 25th book and that Cynthia Rylant made a Christmas one.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, I'm mother to a Christmas elf who loves reading Christmas and winter themed books in September :) Lincoln loves his adventures with Henry and Mudge.

[Sean Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Christmas story for kids that captures the rambunctiousness of the holidays with family.

[Melissa Ganka-Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 1st and 2nd grade students really enjoyed listening to the audio version. Nice sound effects that add to the story.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about "a typical family Christmas".

[TJE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for Henry and Mudge series and a must read for Christmas time.

[WinterBat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A much more earned Christmas story than the first one that makes you appreciate just how far the series has come and built up

[Chantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[Rosa Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was our first to read Henry and Mudge books. This was a good 'homey' feeling feel good child's Christmas book. Henry a little boy has a HUGE dog (about the size of him) and apparently they are best friends and do everything together. In this story they make cookies together, Mudge cleans up; they go caroling together, and in the end they celebrate opening gifts and eating dinner with extended family that come to visit. A nice Christmas story to read to your little person. (NOTE there is no reference to any religion in this book... only that the holiday is Christmas they bake gingerbread and they have a tree and exchange gifts. So if you are looking for a 'Christian' book there is no reference to Christianity or vice versa if you want a book without reference to Christian this has none.)

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice book in the "Henry and Mudge" series. Christmas cookies, family and togetherness is the theme of this story, with plenty of joy and fun for all. It's a fairly typical Christmas story and our girls enjoyed it, as they do all the books by this author/illustrator team of Rylant and Stevenson.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry and Mudge help Henry's mother make the Christmas cookies for when his family comes over for Christmas breakfast. Henry convinces his parents to go caroling with Uncle Ed and Annie, and Snowball stays in Henry's room hiding under piles of stuff. The family comes over, and they have a pancake breakfast. People keep feeding Mudge pancakes! It's wonderful.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at Henry and Mudge's house means cookies and carols and presents, and the whole family gathering for a delicious breakfast (with lots of food falling on the floor for Mudge). It may just be the best Christmas ever -- but Henry's favorite present is the big, lovable dog he's had all along.

[Bec · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a popular series among second graders and their teachers. I can see why.

[Tim Sieber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very special book that I enjoy reading to my daughter

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry and Mudge, a lovable boy and his lovable dog celebrate the holidays.

[Catriona Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book! We gave it to my daughter and niece for Christmas. We enjoyed the holiday traditions described and illustrated in the book. Gillian loves the series because she is crazy about dogs.