Henry and Mudge and the Big Sleepover

This is another book in the Henry and Mudge series, and it is fun and engaging for young readers. There are not a lot of words on the pages and the chapters are short, and the illustrations help the students use context cues if there is a word they don't understand. Because of this, I would say that the book is great for early intermediate students, or for high primary who are interested in starting to read chapter books.

Rylant, Cynthia. Henry and Mudge and the big sleepover. (2006). Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

This is a very simple story for very young readers. It tells the story of Henry and his big, nice dog Mudge, going to Henry’s friend Patrick’s house for a sleepover with more of other boys’ friends. The pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations show that Henry and Patrick are White and they have Black friends and White friends. Many of the boys bring their dogs to the sleepover. They play board games and video games, as well as modified basketball and bowling. They eat popcorn and pizza and watch a monster movie. The dogs have a popcorn-catching contest, which Mudge doesn’t win. He’s all right with not winning, however. In show more the morning they find that all the dogs end up sleeping in Mudge’s sleeping bag.

This is an enjoyable story for young readers. Although it doesn’t address controversial topics or point out the harsh realities some children must live with, it does address the universal theme of friendship, as the boys enjoy a night of games and companionship with each other and their dogs. Many students reading this story will connect it to parties they have attended. The characterizations are not deep, but students will relate to the happiness of the boys as they play and watch a movie together. The illustrator includes both White children and children of color, so the book includes characters of diverse races joining together to have fun.

The illustrations add details the text leaves out, such as what the setting looks like and what the children and dogs do at the party. show less

This book would be a great early-reader chapter book for primary aged students.
This book is about Henry and Mudge being invited to one of Henry's friends' sleepovers. Henry and Mudge have a fun time playing with all of Henry's friends and their dogs.
I would use this book in my classroom to help transition children who are ready to read chapter books, but aren't ready for full chapter books yet. Books similar to this are good easy-reader chapter books to start children in the direction from only reading picture books to reading more chapter books.

Such a great chapter book for early readers (pre-K - 1st grade). The story is relatable for kids who have a pet or who like to hang out with their friends and do fun things. The reading is simple for the little ones to understand what is going on and it is fun to read with friends, family, or classes.

I have a lot of respect for Henry's mom. In some ways I want to be her, with a big porch & yard & trees, and long dresses and bare feet - but I don't want a huge slobbery dog, thank you.

Henry and Mudge and the Big Sleepover’s author is Cynthia Rylant, and the illustrator is Sucie Stevenson. This book is about a sleepover. Henry and Mudge go to Patrick’s house and have raining popcorn, see a giant lizard, and eat pizza. I think it is a great book. My favorite character is Mudge, because we can play with him. The best part was when they were bouncy. The illustrations were wonderful. This book makes me happy. I think everyone should read this book because it is great. I give this book four out of five stars! - Ryan Kim, Tulip Class, February 2018

Henry and Mudge and the Big Sleepover by Cynthia Rylant

In this easy reader, Henry and Mudge are invited to a sleep over at Patrick’s house! They eat pizza, watch monster movies and eat popcorn. Mudge even gets his own sleeping bag too. Will the boys ever get to sleep?
I think this is a great story because kids can really relate to it. I remember having a blast at sleepovers growing up!

I would use this story with Pre-K to First graders. I would have the younger students do a Venn diagram comparing Henry and Mudge sleepover with a sleepover they have experienced. I would have the first grade students practice their reading skills and write about their favorite sleepover.