HENRY AND MUDGE IN THE SPARKLE DAYS

Henry and Mudge #5

by Cynthia Rylant

Henry and his lovable pooch Mudge romp through three more stories just right for independent readers: they make angels in the first snowfall of winter, Mudge gets to celebrate Christmas Eve dinner with his family, and the pair join Henry's parents for a walk in the night. Full color.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Christmas, Dogs, Fiction, Chapter Books, Animals

45 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Cynthia Rylant is an American author, poet, and librarian whose deeply felt books for children and young adults have made her one of the most beloved voices in contemporary literature. Writing across picture books, novels, short stories, nonfiction, and poetry, she has published more than one hundred works, many of them rooted in memory, family, solitude, and the emotional landscapes of ordinary life. Her fiction often draws from her upbringing in West Virginia and reflects the textures of Appalachian life with unusual tenderness and clarity.
Raised in modest circumstances, Rylant spent much of her childhood with her grandparents in a rural setting that later became central to her imagination as a writer. Those early years, marked by hardship as well as warmth, shaped the emotional honesty and quiet resilience that define her work. She later studied English and library science, and after working as a waitress, librarian, and teacher, she began publishing books inspired by the world she had known so intimately.
Among her most acclaimed works are Missing May, which received the Newbery Medal, and A Fine White Dust, a Newbery Honor Book. She also earned Caldecott Honors for When I Was Young in the Mountains and The Relatives Came. For younger readers, she became especially well known through the enduring Henry and Mudge series, as well as other popular books and series that combine gentleness, humor, and emotional depth.
Rylant's writing is distinguished by its compassion for lonely, searching, or overlooked characters, and by its reverence for animals, nature, and small human connections. Whether writing about grief, wonder, childhood, or belonging, she brings a lyrical simplicity that resonates across generations. Her books continue to offer comfort, recognition, and beauty to readers of all ages. She remains a singular literary presence in children's literature and beyond today.

Reviews

[J9 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book my 6 yr old loved, a little old for my preschoolers. A solid reading level 2 book, this reader has a good amount of advanced vocabulary words, but not so long that it discourages a new reader. Used it for his read out loud book, which was perfect. It took about 15 mins for him to read and had just enough new vocabulary words to make it challenging. Also, it was a fun and interesting story he could get into. He liked it so much, he asked for more by this author. Great reading book!

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pulling books for my Christmas storytime, and one of my regulars ran and got this one, saying it was the best Christmas book EVER! Now, I don't know about that, but it was an incredibly sweet tale, filled with the wonders of friendship and family. Not something I can use for storytime, but I'm glad she brought it to me, since it made me feel all warm and happy inside.

[Le Maistre Chat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three short stories on the theme of snow and Christmas. Later in the series, Rylant switches from three standalone stories to "chapter books".
This seems to be Henry and Mudge's first Christmas together. Henry and his parents have their usual Christmas Eve dinner all dressed up. Mudge isn't invited because he's a big drooly dog, until they realize that he should be.
There might be some continuity issues here, since the first book depicts Henry adopting puppy Mudge and him growing up with no snow on the ground, #2 depicts their adventures after the snow melts, #4 their first Halloween together and Mudge meeting for the first time an aunt who stays at Henry's parents' house for the two weeks surrounding Thanksgiving "every year", then #5 changing how they celebrate Christmas to include Mudge.

[Ali Book&Seaglasshunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry and Mudge books are the best! They are fun to read aloud, read together, or read independently for emerging readers. This one captures some of the most special winter moments-playing in the sparkly fresh snow, dressing up for a fancy Christmas meal, going for a winter walk, and snuggling by the fire. Plenty of humorous touches, so it’s sentimental and cozy but not too much! Love the illustration style and the little touches of detail and characters’ expressions.

[Noah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Christmas Eve!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very special and fun storybook about a little boy and his HUGE dog. In this story they have fun in the snow and then they get ready for Christmas Eve dinner. Very nicely written story that will have any child smiling at the end.

[Myka Ellenwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Grade Level: 1-4
This book is another cute book about a boy and his dog. The easy, mostly short words make it great for new, beginning readers. I would recommend this book to anyone who is just starting out in the world of reading.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter delights, both indoors and outdoors. Humor that kids and adults can both appreciate. And plenty of coziness. We love reading all the Henry and Mudge books together; this is one of my favorites so far.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The coziest of Henry and Mudge books- has me longing for my childhood buried in snow. Henry plays in the snow, has a Christmas feast, and wishes on stars during a nighttime walk in the snow before resting in front of the fireplace with his parents.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7

3 short stories

1) On target! about the excitement that accompanies the first snow of the season.

2) Family traditions on Christmas -- no mention of presents (which is good).

3) Taking a walk in the snow in the evening.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read aloud with my son. We took turns reading to each other. This series is filled with pleasant stories about a boy and his dog.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book! Just a joy to read.

[Holden Culpepper · Rating 2 out of 5]

to much snow.

[Sami Snow · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a loveable story about a boy and his dog during Christmas time. The book was good but not my favorite.

Trait: Voice
AR: 2.8
DRA: 16

[Mela dd · Rating 3 out of 5]

omg i can't wait for the sparkle days

[The Book Box]

Mama and I read this tonight.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sparkle days are snow days, Christmas tree days, and moon lit nights. Henry and Mudge and mom and dad enjoy all of it.

[Nichole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet book. Nice for readers who are starting to want a little bit of a longer book.

[kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute, but seems old fashioned / very stereotypical

[WinterBat · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quieter book. But also more description of what the family does rather than an actual story.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely Christmas-time book about the beloved boy-and-his-dog duo.

[pier63 · Rating 4 out of 5]

810語

[Danny Mcalister · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had forgotten how good these were as a child it is so much revisting henry and mudge I'm so grateful that little dixie has these books so I can revist my childhood ❤️

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love watching dogs enjoy snow for the very first time.

[Child960801 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is set during the winter. The first story is about enjoying a snow day. The second is about Christmas. The third is about enjoying winter weather as a family.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book/chapter book consists of three stories:
Sparkle Days;
Christmas Eve Dinner;
Firelight.
These are winter stories simply told and nicely illustrated.

[Chantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son and I both thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series and were excited to find out what would happen as we started each one. Because my son was between 5-6 years old (he's an advanced reader) at the time, he easily identified with Henry and loved Mudge because (1) he desperately wanted a dog, and (2) Mudge's goofiness was endearing AND hilarious.

Read Aloud: Pre-K and Kindergarten
Introduces plot, character development, foreshadowing, and use of imagery.

Independent Reading: First or Second grade (6-7 years old). More complex sentence structure than "Mr. Putter Series" and slightly longer paragraphs. Short chapters (with clever titles), character development, humor, and an easy to follow plot will encourage all children to read.

Underlying themes of friendship, thoughtfulness, and responsibility are seamlessly weaved throughout the book. Although this is a fairly simple children's book, I found myself laughing out loud at the many adventures of Henry and Mudge.

HIGHLY Recommend!!

[Books Kids Like · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is winter. Henry and Mudge have fun playing in the snow. They make snow angels and forts. On Christmas Eve, Henry and his parents dress up for a special Christmas Eve. Mudge is in Henry's room whimpering because he feels left out. Father fills a plate, and lets Mudge have dinner with them. On wintry nights they take walks. They enjoy looking at the stars and the moonlight shining on the snow. Best of all they love sitting in front of a warm fire afterwards.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com

[Chelsey Stotler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book full of excitement. Henry and Mudge learn about the winter season. The snow is falling and Christmas is around the corner. The two friends enjoy playing in the snow and the warmth of a holiday meal and warming fire. What better way to send students off to winter break by reading them stories about the winter season. This story will bring up a good class discussion. Students can talk about their holiday traditions with the class.

[Little Miss and the Legomeister · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Henry and Mudge books are so good. Rylant really helps us see things from Henry's perspective and brings their world alive. The writing -combined with the pictures- really works well to portray a full message while keeping the vocabulary and length appropriate for early readers.


I loved this one. It was a sweet and vivid description of a child's view of the joy of snowy weather and Christmas.