Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews

Henry and Mudge in the family trees

Henry and Mudge in the family trees

Cynthia Rylant
Illustrator:  Sucie Stevenson 
Fiction  Series
For ages 5 to 7
Simon and Schuster, 1997   ISBN: 0689823177

One day Henry and his family get an invitation to attend a family reunion at Cousin Annie’s house. Henry’s parents tell him that he is going meet lots of new relatives who will tell his stories and who will, no doubt, give him “a million sloppy kisses.” Henry likes the idea of the reunion and the stories, but he is not too keen on the idea of all those kisses.

Thankfully, when they get Annie’s house, Henry’s dog Mudge is the one who gets all the kisses. Mudge is a huge favorite with all the relatives, and Henry and his huge dog have a splendid time.

In this cheery Henry and Mudge title, beginner readers will get to share in the warmth of a large family gathering. With likeable characters and an interesting story, Cynthia Rylant provides children with a great tale that will help to advance their reading skills.