Henry and Mudge Take the Big Test

Henry and Mudge #10

by Cynthia Rylant, Suçie Stevenson (Illustrator)

In this 10th book in the Henry and Mudge series, Henry's big dog Mudge does not know what these words Heel. Sit. Stay. Mudge needs to go to school!

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Fiction, Animals, Dogs, School, Chapter Books

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

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 is the creator of contemporary novels and historical fiction for young adults, middle-grade fiction and fantasy, lyrical prose poems, beginning readers, collections of short stories, volumes of poetry and verse, books of prayers and blessings, two autobiographies, and a biography of three well-known children's writers; several volumes of the author's fiction and picture books are published in series, including the popular "Henry and Mudge" easy readers about a small boy and his very large dog.

Rylant is perhaps most well known as a novelist. Characteristically, she portrays introspective, compassionate young people who live in rural settings or in small towns and who tend to be set apart from their peers.

from bookrags.com

Reviews

[Barbara Radisavljevic · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty typical easy-to-read book about a boy taking his unruly large dog to obedience school. Mudge, the dog, learn to behave pretty well, unless a cat crosses his path. It should supply interesting material for beginning readers.

[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!!

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used to love to read Henry and Mudge when I was a child and I think many children would still enjoy reading them today. These books are about the adventures a boy and his dog have, this one being about Mudge take a test at a dog school. I think these are just fun reads kids can pick up if they are just beginning to get into longer text books. They divide the book into short little chapters to get kids used to reading chapters books, so I think reading books such as these would be great for kids, especially if that kid's best friend happens to be his dog.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love ,Henry and Mudge stories! To the point at one time I REALLY wanted to get a Mastiff! This particular addition to the series is about Henry's adventure with Mudge going to dog school. Let's just say Mudge is Mudge in this book. The book walks the reader through what both learn, and shares Henry's nervousness at passing the final test. Our local school uses this book (and others from the series) as one of their guided reading texts in the first grade classrooms. This series is a great way to get students into loving reading!

[Chelsey Stotler · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is time for Mudge to learn new tasks like: sit, stay, and heel. Henry decides to take his big dog to obedience class. Mudge learns to listen and behave quite well once Henry helps teach him several commands. This book reminded me of my own dog, Roscoe. Like Henry, I had to also train my dog to respond to basic commands. Roscoe caught on quick and now listens well. Like Mudge, Roscoe also needed a lot of practice. This book teaches children that practice makes perfect!

[Mila · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the beginning, Henry was on the front porch with his mother and Mudge. They saw a Collie stop by with its owner. The man said, “Sit down.” The dog sat down. The man walked away for a little while. The man came back and kept walking the collie. “Gee, said Henry, that dog is smart. Maybe we should send Mudge to school.

Cynthia Rylant is a very amazing author. The Big Test features two dogs, which makes it twice as fun.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another fun story in the "Henry and Mudge" series. Our girls really enjoy Cynthia Rylant's books and they love this series in particular. In this tale, Henry decides that Mudge needs to go to obedience school and the fun ensues. We have read about twenty books by Cynthia Rylant and Suçie Stevenson and we always look for more at our local library.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to adore these books when I was in second/third grade. The story was cute, the pictures were neat but the one thing that always bothered me about these books were the way they break down the sentences into lines. Sometimes it confused my little reader. Love that dog forever though.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though it is for little kids I think that grown ups can love it to. I also think that the things that Henry and Mudge do are not just for kids and some teach things.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another quick and easy Henry and Mudge book. Good for my 3.5 year old. He likes them but I can't imagine their going to be any kid's favorite. I would give them 3.5 stars if I could.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story of a young boy learning to train his dog.

[Gretchen]

I liked when he drooled on his foot. (Read at school - I haven't read it! - Mom)

[Alexis Lynch]

Reading Level: 2.1; Guided Reading: J

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love Henry and especially Mudge.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 3 and 6 year old loved it!

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because I like dogs. I also enjoyed this book because this book had 17 dogs in it.

[Emerson and Theodore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute chapter books.

[Virginia Mackmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good kid book

I read this one of my students. Had great pictures and just enough on each page. I was a quick and enjoyable book.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Henry takes Mudge to dog training school, but he worries whether Mudge will be able to pass the big test at the end.

[Le Maistre Chat · Rating 4 out of 5]

One day, Henry and Mudge are on their porch with Henry's mother when they see a very obedient collie. They decide that Mudge needs to go to obedience school.
I liked this one. It has a nice slice-of-life plot. It does seem socially irresponsible that we got to book #10 before such a large dog got obedience training, but I guess we're supposed to take for granted that English mastiffs would never get aggressive regardless of how little training they have.

[Kay Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was OK. Nothing special. I will take it to school and test it out.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Henry decides to teach his dog, Mudge, manners. A good book for kids in elementary school.

[The Book Box]

Mom and I read this before bed the other night.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Mudge has to go to dog school. He graduates after doing a good job.

[WinterBat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book to read for kindergarten to show school jitters and how it’s not about being the perfect student, but having a positive, friendly attitude

[Sarah Scheper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book for independent reading or for read aloud.

[Ashley Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Henry and mushed book we love!

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our dog got kicked out of dog school.

[Set · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good early reader book for boys. This is a story about a boy that takes his dog to obedience school.

[Christa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book could be used to discus test taking preparation. Also to discuss why we need to learn to the rules and how to follow them.