Series Books ~ Henry and Mudge and the Tall Tree House

Book Cover Photo Source, Barnes and Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Henry-and-Mudge-and-the-Tall-Tree-House/Cynthia-Rylant/e/9780689811739/?itm=2, accessed May 8, 2009.

Bibliography

Rylant, Cynthia. 2002. HENRY AND MUDGE AND THE TALL TREE HOUSE. Ill by Sucie Stevenson. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 9780689811739

Summary

When big, burly uncle Jake comes to visit Henry is excited. When he finds out why he has come to visit he is excited and a little worried. Mudge can do a lot of things but climbing trees isn't one of them! When the tree house is finished, Henry climbs up for his first look around and realizes how much he misses Mudge. Not wanting to hurt his Uncle's feelings he stays in the treehouse for fourteen minutes and then comes down to give Mudge a hug and a kiss. After going in and out of the house several times Henry's dad finally stops him and asks him what's the matter. When Henry tells his dad, a solution is found and readers find out just how important a dog can be to a little boy.

Reviews

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: K-Gr 2-When Uncle Jake builds Henry a beautiful tree house, there is a big problem-Mudge cannot climb trees. Unwilling to hurt his uncle's feelings, the boy tries staying in the structure for short periods, then getting down to be with his dog. When the grown-ups notice what is going on, they come up with the perfect solution-the tree house is rebuilt in Henry's bedroom so boy and dog can enjoy it together. The family dynamics are sensitive, warm, and funny. Pen-and-ink and watercolor art illustrates the action, and the final spread on which the tree house is next to Henry's bed is just unexpected enough to elicit giggles. A welcome addition to a deservedly popular series.-Lisa Smith, Lindenhurst Memorial Library, NY Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.

CHILDREN'S LITERATURE: Henry's Uncle Jake loves to visit and he also enjoys Henry's dog, Mudge. One day Uncle Jack has a big surprise for Henry—he builds him a tree house. It really is neat, but Henry finds it pretty lonesome up there, because Mudge can't make the climb. After a few repeated trips to visit inside with Mudge, his family figures out that something is wrong. The solution is intriguing and will only work for kids if their bedroom is big enough, which apparently Henry's is. The other more obvious solution would be to build the "tree house" on the ground. It is a simple story for Henry and Mudge fans and kudos to Carolyn Bracken for maintaining the style of the original characters. Part of the "Ready-to-Read" series, this is a level 2 for kids reading independently. 2002, Simon and Schuster.