Henry and Mudge

The First Book

By: Cynthia Rylant

Narrated by: George Guidall

Henry has no brothers or sisters, so he asks his parents for a dog. When they choose Mudge, the wriggling puppy has floppy ears and straight, soft fur. Mudge is tiny. But Henry knows he’ll grow.

Now Mudge is three feet tall, and he’s the best friend Henry has ever had. Mudge trots to school with Henry, and he sleeps on Henry’s bed. But one day the big dog goes for a walk by himself and gets lost. When Henry comes home from school, he is alone. Where’s Mudge?

Cynthia Rylant’s Henry and Mudge books are filled with the wonderful adventures of the young boy and his loveable pet. Designated as Ready-to-Read books, they are perfect for beginning readers. The First Book moves along at a frisky pace and teaches quiet lessons about friendship and security.

©1987 Cynthia Rylant (P)1997 Recorded Books,LLC

Critic reviews

“These books are lively, reassuring, comical—just right for newly independent readers.”—Horn Book

A cute origin story

How this partnership came about and what made them inseparable is what this book is about. A very easy read that children would surely enjoy. I cannot blame them if after reading this they would want to have a Mudge of their own because I did!

Easy feel-good stories

Wonderful first book to a wonderful series. Great for early readers. Covers topics that young kids are familiar with, so reading is easy. One of the great things about the story is that it takes the dogs perspective occasionally.