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Henry and Mudge #8
Henry and Mudge and the Happy Cat
Henry and his huge canine companion, Mudge, rescue a scraggly stray cat that stays with them until its owner comes to claim it. Reprint. SLJ.
47 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 1990
About the author
Cynthia Rylant
380 books869 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 84 reviews
February 16, 2021
Really nice book that will teach a small child the importance of family and friends.
March 15, 2016
Read to a kindergarten class over the course of a day
I love "Henry and Mudge" books! This book is no exception. Henry's family finds a "shabby" cat on their porch. They take the cat in and try to find the owner of this unfortunate looking cat. The cat becomes like a mother to Mudge. The "shabby" cat's owner finally finds him and leaves quite and impression on both Mudge and Henry!
I love "Henry and Mudge" books! This book is no exception. Henry's family finds a "shabby" cat on their porch. They take the cat in and try to find the owner of this unfortunate looking cat. The cat becomes like a mother to Mudge. The "shabby" cat's owner finally finds him and leaves quite and impression on both Mudge and Henry!
July 11, 2009
This is a fun story about a scruffy cat that Henry and Mudge and their family adopt until they can find its owner. The poor cat is very unusual and looks the color of mushed prunes. The family begins to love the cat and though they are happy when the owner is reunited with his cat, they are sad to have him leave. This is a good story about compassion and kindness toward animals.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2013
Another great Henry and Mudge book that my 5 yr old loved. Most of these that we find at the library are level 2 reader books and right now, that's perfect for my son. He's between a level 2 and 3 and often gets either, but he absolutely loves Henry and Mudge and can relate to many of his adventures. Not for preschoolers, but great beginner reader books for the young reader.
January 13, 2026
I loved this series when I was a newly independent reader and it’s so classic. This book about Henry and Mudge adopting a “shabby” cat that looks like “mashed prunes” has brought such delight to my kids over the past few days.
I want to remember how this book in particular has helped my reluctant, newly independent reader find joy in reading on his own, still cuddled up on my lap.
If you have kids between the ages of 3-10 who love pets and animals, they’ll love this classic series by Cynthia Rylant.
I want to remember how this book in particular has helped my reluctant, newly independent reader find joy in reading on his own, still cuddled up on my lap.
If you have kids between the ages of 3-10 who love pets and animals, they’ll love this classic series by Cynthia Rylant.
August 21, 2020
Love this one.
April 17, 2019
First sentence: One night Henry and Henry's father and Henry's big dog Mudge were watching TV.
Premise/plot: Henry's family takes in a stray cat; this stray cat is unique looking: it looks like mashed prunes. The family is happy to take the cat in--for a few days, a few weeks. But because having Mudge is like having five dogs--that they can't take the cat into their home permanently.
The first chapter is about taking the stray cat into their home. The second chapter is about how happy the cat is in her new home, and, how much Mudge loves being mothered by the cat. Essentially the family does come to like the cat. The third chapter is "bittersweet" I suppose. The cat's original owner is found, and the two are reunited. But Henry's family misses the cat.
In one week the shabby cat had become Mudge's mother. It washed Mudge all the time. It washed Mudge's ears. It washed Mudge's eyes. It even washed Mudge's dirty feet.
My thoughts: I really enjoyed rereading this Henry and Mudge book. It was my first book to read in the series and it still remains my favorite--at least so far.
Have you read the Henry and Mudge series? Do you have a favorite title?
Premise/plot: Henry's family takes in a stray cat; this stray cat is unique looking: it looks like mashed prunes. The family is happy to take the cat in--for a few days, a few weeks. But because having Mudge is like having five dogs--that they can't take the cat into their home permanently.
The first chapter is about taking the stray cat into their home. The second chapter is about how happy the cat is in her new home, and, how much Mudge loves being mothered by the cat. Essentially the family does come to like the cat. The third chapter is "bittersweet" I suppose. The cat's original owner is found, and the two are reunited. But Henry's family misses the cat.
In one week the shabby cat had become Mudge's mother. It washed Mudge all the time. It washed Mudge's ears. It washed Mudge's eyes. It even washed Mudge's dirty feet.
My thoughts: I really enjoyed rereading this Henry and Mudge book. It was my first book to read in the series and it still remains my favorite--at least so far.
Have you read the Henry and Mudge series? Do you have a favorite title?
September 11, 2012
This is another book that I read to my sons Aidan (7), Quintin (4), and Declan (1) while I was deployed to Afghanistan. I had the feeling it was part of a series, but it did well on its own and I had no problems with not knowing what had happened in books 1-7. Easy read. I think my son Aidan, who just started the second grade, will have no problems reading this book. I also liked that there were no bad examples for the boys to follow, as I have unfortunately found in other children books. Fun book to read to your kids...I recommend it.
March 20, 2018
Even after all this time, I still love Mudge and Henry.
In this particular book, Henry and Mudge find a lost cat on their doorstep. Henry's mom and dad decide to let it stay until they can find its owner. They make posters for a lost cat and hang them u around town hoping to locate the cat's owner. In the week that it is there Mudge learns to share with the kitty (anyone who ever owned a headstrong cat knows 'sharing' is because the cat is the boss. lol).
After a week, the owner comes to claim his cat and leaves Mudge and Henry a thank you gift the next day.
Super cute level two east read.
In this particular book, Henry and Mudge find a lost cat on their doorstep. Henry's mom and dad decide to let it stay until they can find its owner. They make posters for a lost cat and hang them u around town hoping to locate the cat's owner. In the week that it is there Mudge learns to share with the kitty (anyone who ever owned a headstrong cat knows 'sharing' is because the cat is the boss. lol).
After a week, the owner comes to claim his cat and leaves Mudge and Henry a thank you gift the next day.
Super cute level two east read.
August 9, 2021
I actually found "Houghton Mifflin Invitations to Literature: Rd Pback+ Henry/Mudge L2.1 -Imp Henry/Mudge by Houghton Mifflin (Preparation)" in a Little Free Library... it has two short articles about other pets. I imagine it's part of a textbook set. I have other similar enhanced titles I'll be reviewing soonish.
I love some of the H&M stories but for some reason this didn't wow me. Still, if you have young children and like cats or dogs, you probably want to read some of this series with your family.
I love some of the H&M stories but for some reason this didn't wow me. Still, if you have young children and like cats or dogs, you probably want to read some of this series with your family.
August 11, 2018
I've read many of the Henry and Mudge stories and this is one of my favorites. The book tells the story of how Henry's family cares for a stray cat that shows up at their door. The family, including Mudge, bonds with the cat but they know they need to find the cat's owner. I appreciate the way Rylant explains how each of the character's feels about the cat throughout the story.
January 2, 2019
One evening while watching television, Mudge hears a noise at the front door. It was the shabbiest looking cat they had ever seen. Henry and his family take in the happy stray, and put up posters to locate the cat's owner. It was a sad day for the family when the happy cat's owner came to claim it.
May 24, 2025
Henry's family finds a stray cat. He "looks like mashed prunes", so when they put posters up, no one even lies that he's the cat they lost. Mudge bonds with the cat, who acts like "his mother". But eventually a policeman shows up at the door to claim his missing cat, Dave, and they have to give him back.
Relatable, realistic theme. I enjoyed this one with my daughter.
Relatable, realistic theme. I enjoyed this one with my daughter.
February 12, 2023
I definitely think they should have kept a cat instead of a dog. I'm glad the cat found it's original home.
Favorite quote "Nice for a disaster" reminds me of something my mom would say about my cat lol.
Favorite quote "Nice for a disaster" reminds me of something my mom would say about my cat lol.
February 5, 2024
This book is fun and an interesting way to introduce loss. Even if the time was short, Henry and Mudge both make a connection with the mashed prunes looking cat. My son connects with the concept and understands the challenges the main characters face.
June 26, 2024
Cute
I tremendously enjoyed this one. Henry and Mudge saw a stray cat outside their house, and after tending to it, it formed a special bond with Mudge. Two bonding pets never fail to put a smile on my face.
I tremendously enjoyed this one. Henry and Mudge saw a stray cat outside their house, and after tending to it, it formed a special bond with Mudge. Two bonding pets never fail to put a smile on my face.
September 13, 2017
I am starting to think Mudge might be a Mastiff. A cute alternative to Steven Kellogg's Pinkerton the Great Dane.
October 24, 2017
This book is a great first chapter book. It's such an easy read, your reader will feel confident, and the authors humor weaves a great, silly tale that will keep your child's interest.
December 3, 2018
Longer book for older kids. Loved the story and thought the ending was perfect
December 18, 2018
Henry and Mudge and his family feed a stray cat and help him find his owner.
February 20, 2019
Henry and Mudge series is almost always fun
October 5, 2019
"Suddenly Henry got a lump in his throat. He didn't want Mudge to lose his mother. Even if Mudge's mother was named Dave."
Classic!
Classic!
March 8, 2020
Nice story
Was a little sad.. but had a good message about good manners and friendship .. we liked the shabby cat
Was a little sad.. but had a good message about good manners and friendship .. we liked the shabby cat
Read
September 15, 2020Mom and I read this the other night. The "prune" description of the cat made me laugh so hard!
November 1, 2020
His name is Dave?! That's a weird name for a cat!1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
January 28, 2021
Henry and Mudge make a new friend with stray shabby kitty who looks like mashed prunes. When the owner of the cat comes to their house, the cat is happy but Henry and Mudge have some sad times.
November 2, 2021
Cute story of making new friends and saying goodbye
November 22, 2021
Fun book
July 8, 2022
It is always fun to read with my tutor students and see how far they have come as young readers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews