Henry and Mudge and the Bedtime Thumps

"Henry and Mudge and the Bedtime Thumps" is a great book for early readers. It tells a humorous and relatable tale about a boy and his dog. The vocabulary in this story is controlled, which will help beginning readers read the book independently. As the story progresses, there is a clear theme of cause and effect within the story. For example, Henry is worried about Mudge meeting his grandma for the first time (cause). Therefore, he begins to chew his fingernails (effect). Mudge knocks over everything in the house (cause), so he is sent outside (effect). As the story goes on, I would point out to my students the different events that occurring like Mudge knocking everything over. I will then have them predict what the effect of that show more might be. Then at the end of the story, I will ask them questions like, "Why did Mudge get sent outside?" to see if they can identify the cause. As a follow-up activity, I could have students create their own cause and effect situations. I think this story could be a very useful teaching tool for young readers. show less

This is a sweet little book about the friendship and love between a boy and his dog. It is part of a series, but I still expected it to be stand alone, since it's not really a chapter book (it does have short "sections" though). It's not that I couldn't follow alone, I just thought there may be some info about Henry or Mudge that was given in a previous book that I was missing out on by reading the 9th book first. But it still was good, it had a good message that even if you do worry and those worries come true, they can be fixed.

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.

This is a wonderful story for beginning or emergent readers. The story is very easy to read and is of interest for that age group. This is a realistic fiction which tells about a young boy and his dog and the many things they hear during the night.

Summary: Henry's family goes to his grandmother's house out in the country. Henry is worried about whether or not his grandmother will like his dog Mudge. His grandmother ends up loving Mudge. Unfortunately, she has to put him outside after he messes up things inside. Henry is forced to sleep alone.
This is a simple picture book that children will love. "Henry and Mudge" is an easy read that would be perfect for beginning or emergent readers. It's a great book to read when discussing poetic repetition or talking about pets.

Henry and his 180-pound dog Mudge are best friends forever. And in this adventure, they spend a scary night together at Henry's grandmother's house in the country.

Henry and his family are on their way to the country to visit their grandmother with Henry's dog Mudge. Henry is excited, but he's nervous that Mudge will have to sleep outside. Mudge is too big for the grandmother's little house, so they will not let him sleep with Henry. Henry gets very scared being in a strange room alone, so he goes outside to sleep with Mudge.