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Henry and Mudge #4
Henry and Mudge Under the Yellow Moon
Henry and his 180-pound dog Mudge are best friends forever. And in this fourth book of their adventures they share jack-o'-lanterns, ghost stories, and Aunt Sally.
48 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1987
About the author
Cynthia Rylant
385 books873 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 51 reviews
November 14, 2024
Henry, a boy, stars in three short stories about autumn, Halloween, and Thanksgiving with his large English Mastiff, Mudge. They are bland and gentle tales about friendship, fears, and annoying houseguests that don't do much for me, but my daughter loved them when she was three because she was a fanatic for any story with a dog.
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: Together in the Fall -- Under the Yellow Moon -- Thanksgiving Guest
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: Together in the Fall -- Under the Yellow Moon -- Thanksgiving Guest
November 19, 2009
A wonderful collection for autumn as it contains three stories
One on the arrival of fall and the ways that Henry and Mudge enjoy it in their different ways (of course, one being a boy and the other being a dog!) Such as, Henry picks apples and Mudge licks them; Henry puts on a coat and Mudge grows his! ;-p But, always, the uniting factor is their friendship.
One on Halloween, when Henry's mom tells scary stories but Henry feels more brave with Mudge in the house
One on Thanksgiving with the arrival of Henry's talkative, TV-hogging aunt whom he is sure will not like Mudge--but Henry finds out he has something extra to be thankful for that Thanksgiving!
Sweet, humorous and a delightful "easy reader."
One on the arrival of fall and the ways that Henry and Mudge enjoy it in their different ways (of course, one being a boy and the other being a dog!) Such as, Henry picks apples and Mudge licks them; Henry puts on a coat and Mudge grows his! ;-p But, always, the uniting factor is their friendship.
One on Halloween, when Henry's mom tells scary stories but Henry feels more brave with Mudge in the house
One on Thanksgiving with the arrival of Henry's talkative, TV-hogging aunt whom he is sure will not like Mudge--but Henry finds out he has something extra to be thankful for that Thanksgiving!
Sweet, humorous and a delightful "easy reader."
May 24, 2025
This seems to be Henry's first Halloween and November with Mudge, since they learn how Mudge reacts to Halloween stories, and Aunt Sally stays in Henry's parent's guest room for the week before and the week after Thanksgiving "every year" and Henry worries that she won't like Mudge when she meets him.
I think this is the first time we're told that Henry keeps thoughts secret for fear of hurting grown women's feelings. He hates his mom's ghost stories but year after year he pretends to like them. He dislikes Aunt Sally but doesn't say so, year after year. It's a psychological depth these early reader books often avoid.
Of course, a dog makes everything better and we'll see Aunt Sally again as someone Henry and Mudge like, since his fear that she doesn't like dogs turns out to be unfounded.
I think this is the first time we're told that Henry keeps thoughts secret for fear of hurting grown women's feelings. He hates his mom's ghost stories but year after year he pretends to like them. He dislikes Aunt Sally but doesn't say so, year after year. It's a psychological depth these early reader books often avoid.
Of course, a dog makes everything better and we'll see Aunt Sally again as someone Henry and Mudge like, since his fear that she doesn't like dogs turns out to be unfounded.
October 13, 2020
Henry and Mudge have three fall adventures in this story. First we learn about how Henry and Mudge both love fall, but sometimes experience it in different ways. Next is a Halloween tale, where Henry and Mudge are frightened by Henry’s mom’s spooky stories. Finally, we learn about Henry’s dreaded family visitor at Thanksgiving.
The Henry and Mudge books are great because, although they are intended for early independent readers, the stories have enough plot and detail to be interesting and hold attention for a read aloud or shared reading. Not all books at this level do that well. There are also big topics that can be discussed or expanded on. For example here we have a story about different perceptions of the same thing, confronting fear/speaking up for yourself, and giving someone a second chance.
Additionally Rylant’s writing style is just wholly appealing. She writes with plenty of detail, but not overly wordy. She really has a talent for painting a picture. She uses somewhat of a limited word choice as appropriate for early independent readers, but her text flows very naturally. The illustrations are very cute as well, and add an element of humor.
The Henry and Mudge books are great because, although they are intended for early independent readers, the stories have enough plot and detail to be interesting and hold attention for a read aloud or shared reading. Not all books at this level do that well. There are also big topics that can be discussed or expanded on. For example here we have a story about different perceptions of the same thing, confronting fear/speaking up for yourself, and giving someone a second chance.
Additionally Rylant’s writing style is just wholly appealing. She writes with plenty of detail, but not overly wordy. She really has a talent for painting a picture. She uses somewhat of a limited word choice as appropriate for early independent readers, but her text flows very naturally. The illustrations are very cute as well, and add an element of humor.
October 11, 2020
This is an nicely illustrated, easy-to-read chapter book about a little boy, Henry, and his big dog, Mudge.
Three chapters:
Together in the Fall; (Henry and Mudge both love fall)
Under the Yellow Moon; (Henry's mother scares them with ghost stories on Hallowe'en)
Thanksgiving Guest. (Chatty Aunt Sally visits on every Thanksgiving, and she hasn't met Mudge yet)
Three chapters:
Together in the Fall; (Henry and Mudge both love fall)
Under the Yellow Moon; (Henry's mother scares them with ghost stories on Hallowe'en)
Thanksgiving Guest. (Chatty Aunt Sally visits on every Thanksgiving, and she hasn't met Mudge yet)
April 17, 2018
I have loved this book ever since I first read it aroud the early 1990s! It's a great read for Halloween for Preschoolers, kindergarteners, and early grade schoolers. As it is a first reader, it's nice recommendation for kids learning to read!
October 15, 2019
Three stories about a boy named Henry and his large dog named Mudge. The stories range from being together in the fall, listening to ghost stories under a yellow moon, and making friends with Aunt Sally over Thanksgiving.
November 8, 2024
Very cute 3-story book about Henry and his big dog Mudge. This one is fall/Halloween/Thanksgiving themed and takes us on some little adventures with scary stories, an unpleasant aunt, and of course a boy and his dog.
Very sweet.
Very sweet.
September 22, 2017
Maya: I like it because Henry and Mudge dressed in costumes for trick or treat!
December 24, 2017
A great read aloud with my son. We took turns reading to each other. This series is filled with pleasant stories about a boy and his dog.
September 27, 2018
Great.
October 13, 2018
As a kid I loved Henry and Mudge, as an educator I am still love them. This book can help students compare and contrast.
August 30, 2019
These books are so cute. I can’t wait until my son is old enough to love Henry and Mudge.
October 31, 2019
Surprisingly scary considering the age of the intended audience.
May 22, 2020
Perfect series for emerging readers! There are so many stories to choose from, so once you are hooked you can keep reading more! The characters are lovable and easy to connect with.
Read
November 24, 2020Mom and I read this before bed the other night.
February 11, 2021
It is Fall. Henry and Mudge like being outside. In Chapter 2, Mom tells scary stories for Halloween and poor Mudge chatters with fear. In Chapter 3, Aunt Sally falls in love with Mudge.
October 14, 2021
Great fall reader for kindergartners
March 23, 2022
It was about a boy named Henry and his dog Mudge. I liked it because I also have a dog.
October 7, 2022
Just a boy and his dog. Maybe Don Johnson can play Henry in the movie.
May 5, 2025
Poor Aunt Sally probably lives for those visits.
September 9, 2025
i really enjoyed this one!!!!
January 4, 2026
loves Henry and Mudge
January 15, 2026
This one is set during the fall. The first story is about being outside in the fall. The second is about Halloween and ghost stories. The third is about a visitor coming for Thanksgiving.
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 8, 2012
This was another excellent book, but I did have to skip parts in it. This one takes place during Halloween time, and Henry's mother likes to tell ghost stories. I thought they might be too scary for Jill, because she calls this book the "scary one." So now I summarize the ghost stories. It can foster conversation though, because the author said that Henry never told his mother he thought they were too scary, leading her to think that Henry liked the stories. So the child and adult reading this book can talk about how important communication is.
And the Thanksgiving chapter about how much Henry doesn't like his aunt but then realizes that she loves Mudge, too, can help a child understand how important it is to find common ground with someone and like them for that even if you disagree on other things or dislike other personality traits.
And the Thanksgiving chapter about how much Henry doesn't like his aunt but then realizes that she loves Mudge, too, can help a child understand how important it is to find common ground with someone and like them for that even if you disagree on other things or dislike other personality traits.
March 23, 2015
Fun, short stories about a boy and his dog that are nice early readers. These are harder than Elephant and Piggie but easier than a true chapter book. The three stories are not sequential, so each one can stand alone. I personally felt the Halloween story in here was a bit scary for the Kindergarten reader but every child is different. I also did not like the complaining tone of the Thanksgiving story in here, but Henry does find something to be thankful for in the end.
October 6, 2017
Not one of the more likable stories. I'd recommend trying another, as Henry and Mudge usually are fun.
Cleanliness: an entire chapter about Halloween - complete with jack-o-lanterns, costumes, witches and ghost stories. Henry does not like Thanksgiving or the aunt that visits during that holiday each year - he changes his opinion slightly when his aunt likes is dog.
#fall #halloween #thanksgiving.
Cleanliness: an entire chapter about Halloween - complete with jack-o-lanterns, costumes, witches and ghost stories. Henry does not like Thanksgiving or the aunt that visits during that holiday each year - he changes his opinion slightly when his aunt likes is dog.
#fall #halloween #thanksgiving.
November 25, 2009
This is a wonderful tale from the "Henry and Mudge" series, a few short stories that celebrates the Fall season and a few of the holidays during that time. It's a nice book that features Halloween, Thanksgiving and the fun of Autumn. Our girls enjoyed this story and we really love reading books by Cynthia Rylant. We've read this one a couple of times.
September 23, 2016
This was an easier to read book than the other Henry and Mudge books. So an advanced beginning reader could possibly read it on their own. It's a very nice book, covering Henry and his dog Mudge's first Fall, First Halloween and First Thanksgiving. My nearly 4 year old granddaughter enjoyed looking at the illustrations as I read it to her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews