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Henry and Mudge — by Cynthia Rylant
Henry and Mudge Series in Order: 28 books
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Henry and Mudge
Book - 1
The first book in the acclaimed easy-to-read series featuring Henry and his lovable 180-pound dog, Mudge....
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Henry and Mudge in Puddle Trouble
Book - 2
Henry and his 180-pound dog Mudge are best friends forever. And in this second book of their adventures, they venture out into the wet and happy world of spring. ...
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Henry and Mudge in the Green Time
Book - 3
Henry and his 180-pound dog Mudge are best friends forever. And in this third book of their adventures, they share summertime fun! ...
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Henry and Mudge Under the Yellow Moon
Book - 4
Henry and his dog Mudge have some Halloween fun in this fourth Ready-to-Read book of their adventures.Henry and his 180-pound dog Mudge are best friends forever. And when Halloween rolls around, they share jack-o'-lanterns and ghost stories with Aunt...
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Henry and Mudge in the Sparkle Days
Book - 5
Henry and his dog Mudge experience the sparkly joys of winter in this fifth Ready-to-Read book of their adventures.Henry and his 180-pound dog Mudge are best friends forever. And they're ready for a snowy winter!...
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Henry and Mudge and the Forever Sea
Book - 6
Henry and his 180-pound dog Mudge are best friends forever. And in this sixth book of their adventures, they share a fun-filled day at the beach. ...
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Henry and Mudge Get the Cold Shivers
Book - 7
Henry and his 180-pound dog Mudge are best friends forever. And in this seventh book of their adventures, they spend a scary but reassuring day at the vet. ...
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Henry and Mudge and the Happy Cat
Book - 8
Henry and his 180-pound dog Mudge are best friends forever. And in this eighth book of their adventures, they make friends with a scruffy but lovable cat. ...
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Henry and Mudge and the Bedtime Thumps
Book - 9
Henry and his 180-pound dog Mudge are best friends forever. And in this ninth book of their adventures, they spend a scary night together at Henry's grandmother's house in the country. ...
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Henry and Mudge Take the Big Test
Book - 10
In this 10th book in the Henry and Mudge series, Henry's big dog Mudge does not know what these words mean: Heel. Sit. Stay. Mudge needs to go to school!...
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Henry and Mudge and the Long Weekend
Book - 11
In the eleventh book in the Henry and Mudge series, it's a gray, rainy weekend and Henry and Mudge are stuck inside. Being inside is boring, until Henry and his parents decide to build a castle in the basement!...
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Henry and Mudge and the Wild Wind
Book - 12
Henry and his 180-pound dog Mudge are best friends forever. And in this twelfth book of their adventures they face wind, thunder, and lightning. ...
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Henry and Mudge and the Careful Cousin
Book - 13
In the 13th book in the Henry and Mudge series, Henry and his big dog Mudge can't wait for Cousin Annie to visit. But when Annie arrives, she thinks Henry's fish tank smells and does not like dog kisses. How can you have fun with a cousin like that? ...
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Henry and Mudge and the Best Day of All
Book - 14
Henry and his 180-pound dog Mudge are best friends forever. And in this fourteenth book of their adventures they celebrate Henry's birthday with bright balloons, potato-sack races, and presents. ...
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Henry and Mudge in the Family Trees
Book - 15
Henry and his dog Mudge are going to their first family reunion in this fifteenth Ready-to-Read book of their adventures.Henry and Henry's parents and Henry's big dog Mudge are going to a family reunion at Cousin Annie's house. What will Henry's rela...
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Henry and Mudge and the Sneaky Crackers
Book - 16
Henry and his dog Mudge put their spy skills to the test in this Ready-to-Read adventure.With his new spy kit and his faithful sidekick Mudge, Henry is ready to look for clues, steal secrets, and flirt with danger. One of the first things Henry and M...
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Henry and Mudge and the Starry Night
Book - 17
In this seventeenth book of their adventures, Henry and Mudge go camping with Henry's parents. They'll go on hikes and smell good smells. They'll see deer and raccoons and waterfalls and rainbows. Henry's mother will cook camp food and Henry's father...
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Henry and Mudge and Annie's Good Move
Book - 18
In Henry and Mudge's eighteenth adventure, Henry's cousin Annie is moving -- right next door to Henry! Annie likes Henry and Mudge, but she's nervous about leaving her friends, and about changing schools, and about what might happen to her things on ...
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Henry and Mudge and the Snowman Plan
Book - 19
Henry and his dog Mudge enter a snowman contest in this nineteenth Ready-to-Read book of their adventures.Henry sees a sign about a snowman contest in the park! Can Henry, his father, and his big dog Mudge come up with the best snowman plan to win th...
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Henry and Mudge and Annie's Perfect Pet
Book - 20
Henry and his dog Mudge want to find the perfect pet for his cousin Annie in this twentieth Ready-to-Read book of their adventures.Annie needs a pet that's soft and dry and doesn't fly -- one that's quiet and careful, just like Annie. What could that...
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Henry and Mudge and the Tall Tree House
Book - 21
What's wrong with Henry's new tree house? In Henry and Mudge's twenty-first adventure, Henry's Uncle Jake has built him a tree house. Henry loves tree houses, but Mudge can't climb trees. What fun is a tree house if you can't share it with your be...
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Henry and Mudge and Mrs. Hopper's House
Book - 22
A Special Valentine's Day for Henry and Mudge Henry's mother and father are going to a Valentine's Day Sweetheart Dance, and Henry and Mudge are staying with Mrs. Hopper across the street. Henry's never been in Mrs. Hopper's scary, old stone ...
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Henry and Mudge and the Wild Goose Chase
Book - 23
In Henry and Mudge's twenty-third adventure, they're off for a day in the country. While Henry's parents are buying farm-fresh food, he and Mudge enjoy meeting some friendly farm animals -- but look out when they cross paths with an angry goose!...
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Henry and Mudge and the Funny Lunch
Book - 24
Every year Henry and his dad (with help from Mudge, of course) make Henry's mother a funny lunch for Mother's Day. Shopping for their juicy, crunchy surprise is fun, and preparing it is even more fun. But sharing it with Henry's mother is the most fu...
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Henry and Mudge and a Very Merry Christmas
Book - 25
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 pr...
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Henry and Mudge and the Great Grandpas
Book - 26
Henry (and of course Mudge) loves to visit Great Grandpa Bill. He lives in a house with a lot of other granpas who like to play with a little boy and his dog. But when Henry discovers a swimming pond near the granpas' house, he finds out how much fun...
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Henry and Mudge and the Tumbling Trip
Book - 27
Henry's family is going on vacation -- to the Wild West! Henry and Mudge love the Wild West. There are cowboy hats and boots, deserts and canyons, and souvenir shops where Henry can buy pencils and magnets and even a snow globe with a cowboy inside. ...
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Henry and Mudge and the Big Sleepover
Book - 28
Henry and Mudge are going to a sleepover at Patrick's house! There's pizza and popcorn, games and monster movies...and Mudge even has his own sleeping bag (he's too big to share Henry's). But will anyone at this sleepover ever get to sleep?...
Series Premise
At its heart, the Henry and Mudge series explores the friendship between Henry (Henry and Mudge), a young boy, and his loyal dog Mudge. When Henry first feels lonely as an only child, Mudge enters his life and becomes his constant companion. From that point on, the two are nearly inseparable, sharing experiences that range from playful to quietly meaningful.
The stories revolve around their everyday adventures, which often involve simple activities such as exploring the outdoors, spending time with family, or encountering new situations. While these events may seem small, they are treated with care and emotional depth, highlighting how even ordinary moments can be significant.
Mudge, a large and gentle dog, provides both comfort and companionship to Henry. His presence helps Henry navigate feelings of loneliness, uncertainty, and curiosity. In return, Henry offers Mudge affection, guidance, and a sense of belonging. Their relationship is built on mutual trust and understanding, forming the emotional core of the series.
The premise emphasizes that friendship does not require grand gestures. Instead, it is found in shared experiences, quiet support, and the simple act of being there for one another.
Henry and Mudge Series Reading Order
🟡 Mostly Standalone · Start Anywhere
Mostly standalone stories with recurring characters in a shared setting.
The Henry and Mudge books can be read in order or enjoyed independently. Each story stands on its own, presenting a complete narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This makes the series especially accessible for young readers, who can pick up any installment without needing prior knowledge.
However, reading the series in sequence offers a subtle sense of progression. As readers move through the books, they see Henry grow more confident and comfortable in his world. His relationship with Mudge also deepens, reflecting the natural development of a long-term friendship.
The structure of the stories is consistent and easy to follow. Each book focuses on a specific event or experience, often divided into short chapters that guide readers through the narrative. This format helps build reading confidence while maintaining engagement.
Explanation of reading order types
Henry and Mudge Series Characters
Henry (Henry and Mudge) is a thoughtful and sensitive young boy who values companionship and enjoys exploring the world around him. As an only child, he initially feels lonely, but his friendship with Mudge helps him develop confidence and a sense of belonging.
Mudge is a large, lovable dog whose gentle nature makes him the perfect companion for Henry. Despite his size, Mudge is affectionate and loyal, always ready to support Henry in both play and quiet moments.
Henry’s parents are caring and supportive figures who provide guidance and stability. They encourage Henry’s curiosity and help create a nurturing environment.
Extended family members, such as grandparents, occasionally appear, adding depth to the sense of family and community within the series.
Setting of the Henry and Mudge Series
The setting of the Henry and Mudge series is a quiet, suburban or semi-rural environment that feels both safe and inviting. Henry’s home, yard, and neighborhood serve as the primary backdrops for the stories, offering familiar spaces where young readers can easily imagine themselves.
Occasionally, the setting expands to include visits to relatives or trips to nearby locations. These changes introduce variety while maintaining the overall sense of comfort and familiarity. The environments are depicted as welcoming and manageable, reinforcing the series’ gentle tone.
The illustrations play an important role in bringing these settings to life. Sucie Stevenson’s artwork captures the warmth of the characters’ surroundings, highlighting both the coziness of indoor spaces and the openness of outdoor adventures.
Tone & Themes of the Henry and Mudge Series
The tone of the Henry and Mudge series is warm, gentle, and reassuring. The stories are infused with a sense of calm and positivity, creating a comforting reading experience. Even when challenges arise, they are handled with care and resolution, ensuring that the overall atmosphere remains hopeful.
One of the central themes is friendship. The bond between Henry and Mudge illustrates the importance of companionship and loyalty. Their relationship shows that true friendship involves understanding, patience, and unconditional support.
Another key theme is family and belonging. Henry’s interactions with his parents and extended family highlight the importance of connection and shared experiences. These relationships provide a stable foundation that supports Henry’s growth.
The series also explores overcoming fears and new experiences. Henry occasionally faces situations that make him nervous or uncertain, such as trying something unfamiliar or being in a new environment. With Mudge by his side, he learns to face these challenges with courage.
Additionally, the theme of appreciating simple moments runs throughout the series. Whether it’s a quiet day at home or a small adventure outdoors, the stories emphasize that happiness can be found in everyday life.
The Henry and Mudge series stands as a timeless celebration of friendship, family, and the beauty of everyday life. Through simple yet heartfelt storytelling, Cynthia Rylant creates a world where small moments carry great meaning and where companionship brings comfort and joy.
By focusing on the bond between a boy and his dog, the series reminds readers that friendship can transform even the quietest experiences into something special. The gentle tone and relatable situations make the stories both accessible and deeply resonant.
In the end, Henry and Mudge’s adventures show that happiness is often found not in grand events, but in the steady presence of someone who understands and cares. Their story is a reassuring reminder that even the simplest friendships can leave a lasting and meaningful impact.
Books in this series fall into the following genres
Age Level
Genres
Themes
People / Creatures