Author Profile
Cynthia Rylant
13 Books
Cynthia Rylant is an acclaimed American author renowned for her prolific and cherished contributions to children's and young adult literature. She has written over a hundred books, including popular series like Poppleton and Henry and Mudge, as well as the Newbery Medal-winning novel Missing May. Her storytelling is celebrated for its gentle, heartfelt exploration of everyday life, family dynamics, and the deep bonds between humans and their pets.
Books in "Henry and Mudge"
Dark clouds are rolling in, and a big thunderstorm is right outside the window. Sudden loud noises can be startling, and the bright flashes of lightning make Henry jump. His enormous dog, Mudge, is even more frightened. Every time the thunder crashes, poor Mudge just wants to hide away where it is quiet and safe. Henry knows he needs to help his best friend feel better until the wild wind passes. When Mom suggests heading down to the basement to build a cardboard castle, a scary afternoon turns into an exciting indoor adventure. Working together, Henry and his family find the perfect way to stay busy and forget all about the storm outside. This comforting and relatable story shows how creativity and family support can chase away the thunderstorm blues.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Being sick is never a fun experience, but it is a little bit easier when your best friend is right by your side. Poor Henry has come down with a terrible case of the cold shivers, leaving him stuck in bed with a runny nose and a pile of blankets. Thankfully, his massive dog, Mudge, is there to provide excellent nursing care and lots of comforting snuggles. However, you will soon discover that germs can be sneaky, and before long, Mudge starts feeling under the weather too! Now, it is Henry's turn to play the caretaker and figure out exactly what a giant, sick dog needs to feel better. You will watch as Henry steps up to bring Mudge the right treats, cozy blankets, and necessary trips to the vet. This sweet story perfectly captures the devotion between a boy and his dog when times get tough.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
Spring is finally here, and Henry is ready to celebrate with his giant best friend, a lovable dog named Mudge! When the snow melts and the rain begins to fall, these two pals know exactly what to do: go splashing in the biggest, muddiest puddles they can find. In this exciting spring adventure, Henry and Mudge admire the very first beautiful flowers of the season, try their best to stay out of puddle trouble, and make an amazing discovery right next door. A friendly cat has just had five tiny, squeaky new kittens! Join Henry and his huge, drooly buddy as they welcome the warm weather, navigate muddy paws, and learn how to be gentle with their tiny new neighbors.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
Walking down a quiet street with no other children around can make a boy feel awfully alone. Henry knows this feeling all too well until his parents finally agree to let him get a dog. Enter Mudge, a tiny puppy who quickly grows into a massive, lovable, and incredibly slobbery companion. You will follow along as Henry and Mudge become the very best of friends, sharing every adventure from walking to school to exploring their neighborhood. Mudge might drool on the furniture and weigh as much as a grown man, but to Henry, he is the absolute perfect pet. When Mudge unexpectedly goes missing during a walk, Henry must gather his courage to find his faithful friend. This classic story explores the special bond between a boy and his dog, proving that true companionship comes in all shapes, sizes, and levels of drool.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Finding the absolute best animal companion requires careful consideration, especially when you are as specific as Cousin Annie. Henry loves his giant, slobbery dog Mudge more than anything, but Annie knows that a massive, wet dog is definitely not the right match for her quiet lifestyle. She is on a mission to find a pet that is soft, perfectly dry, and incapable of flying away. You will join Henry, Mudge, and Annie as they explore the pet store, examining all sorts of interesting creatures to see which one checks all of Annie's boxes. After passing by the noisy birds and the wet fish, they finally discover a gentle bunny that seems to be the exact right fit. This heartwarming adventure shows how everyone has their own idea of a perfect friend. It is a joyful exploration of finding the right pet to match your personality.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Someone is leaving mysterious clues around the neighborhood, and it is up to the best detective team in town to solve the case. Henry and his massive dog, Mudge, are thrilled when they discover a secret code that kicks off a thrilling backyard investigation. You will join this dynamic duo as they put on their detective hats and start following the strange trail of evidence, which surprisingly consists of delicious crackers. Mudge is naturally an excellent partner for this particular mystery, using his powerful nose to sniff out the tasty clues hidden in bushes and behind fences. As you track the cracker path alongside Henry, you will try to guess who is leaving these snacks behind and where they ultimately lead. This exciting chapter book brings just the right amount of suspense and humor, proving that every good mystery is better when shared with a faithful canine companion.
6-8 Years
The crisp autumn air has arrived, and the leaves are turning beautiful shades of red and gold. Henry and his massive dog, Mudge, are completely ready for all the fun that the fall season brings. Together, they love spending their afternoons watching the colorful leaves tumble to the ground and exploring the changing neighborhood. As October rolls around, the two best friends get to meet some spooky, fun characters on Halloween night. But the autumn adventures do not stop there. Soon, it is time to gather around the table and share a huge, delicious Thanksgiving dinner with the family. From chilly outdoor walks to cozy holiday meals, Henry and Mudge show how wonderful it is to share the changing seasons. This heartwarming story captures the magic of autumn and the joy of having a faithful canine companion.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
Traveling to the quiet countryside can be a wonderful adventure, but spending the night in a new place can also feel a little bit spooky. Henry and his enormous dog, Mudge, are visiting Grandmother's house for the weekend. During the day, they love exploring the fields and enjoying the fresh air. But when the sun goes down and the lights turn off, the old country house begins to make strange and unfamiliar noises. Suddenly, a mysterious thumping sound echoes in the dark. Henry is worried, but he is even more concerned about how his big, easily frightened dog will handle the scary night. They must figure out what is making the bumping sounds before they can finally get to sleep. This gentle, relatable story explores the common childhood fear of the dark and the comforting power of a best friend.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Grab your sunscreen and a big beach towel, because Henry and his giant dog Mudge are heading to the ocean. There is nothing quite like spending a bright summer day splashing in the waves and digging in the warm sand. Henry and his father are ready to explore the shoreline, but keeping a one-hundred-and-eighty-pound dog happy at the beach is an adventure all on its own. Mudge loves the salty breeze and the endless space to run, even if the crashing water surprises him at first. Together, they discover the exciting treasures left behind by the tide and enjoy the perfectly sunny weather. This cheerful seaside story highlights the simple joys of a family vacation and the unbreakable bond between a boy and his best friend. It is the perfect sunny escape for young readers.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
The Eleventh Book of Their Adventures
Do you ever have a weekend that just feels...long and boring? That's how Henry and his big, lovable dog, Mudge, feel! The rain is pouring down, and there's nothing fun to do. Henry's dad is busy, and even Mudge can't cheer him up right away.
But then, Henry's mom has a brilliant idea! Why not build something super special right in their own basement? Soon, the long, dull weekend turns into an exciting adventure as Henry, Mudge, and their family work together to create a magnificent castle. What kind of amazing castle will they build? Join Henry and Mudge to find out how a little imagination can turn a boring day into a memorable one!
6-8 Years
40 Pages
The Eighth Book of Their Adventures
An unexpected visitor has arrived on Henry's front porch, and it is definitely the most unusual stray cat anyone has ever seen. With a battered coat and a very funny face, this quirky feline does not look like a typical pet. Henry's family decides to take the scruffy cat inside, hoping to give it a safe and warm place to stay. But the biggest surprise of all is how Henry's enormous dog, Mudge, reacts to the new houseguest. Instead of chasing the kitty away, an amazing and hilarious friendship begins to bloom between the giant dog and the odd little cat. Sharing toys, naps, and plenty of laughs, the two animals prove that true friends come in all shapes and sizes. This sweet and funny story celebrates kindness, rescue, and the unexpected bonds of animal friendship.
6-8 Years
47 Pages
Pack your sleeping bags and grab a flashlight, because Henry and his massive dog, Mudge, are heading to Big Bear Lake! It is time for a quiet, exciting family camping trip deep in the beautiful woods. Together, they hike along winding trails, breathe in the fresh smell of pine trees, and spot all kinds of incredible wildlife, from shy deer to splashing waterfalls. While Henry's mom cooks up delicious campfire food and his dad sings silly old songs, Mudge happily chews on a giant, crunchy log. When the sun goes down, the family lies back to gaze up at the brilliant, twinkling stars above. Join Henry and Mudge as they snuggle into their cozy tent and discover the wonderful, green magic of the great outdoors.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
Get ready to celebrate, because today is Henry's birthday! Turning a year older is always exciting, but it is even better when you get to share the special day with your huge best friend, Mudge. Henry's parents have planned an amazing backyard party filled with bright balloons, fun games, and a giant pinata waiting to be popped. But the best surprise of all just might be the incredible birthday cake, perfectly shaped like a colorful fish tank! As Henry opens his presents and Mudge drools over the delicious snacks, the two pals realize that playing together makes this May morning the absolute best day ever. Join Henry and his big, lovable dog for a funny, heartwarming party you will never forget.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
