What do you think?
Henry and Mudge #2
Henry and Mudge in Puddle Trouble
Henry and Mudge celebrate spring by finding a March flower good enough to eat, an April puddle big enough for a surprise splasher, and a May litter of kittens that Mudge watches over.
48 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1987
About the author
Cynthia Rylant
397 books890 followersCynthia 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
November 11, 2018
Henry and Mudge books are great for 2nd graders who are reading on schedule. This one is just a nice book with gentle situations that kids can relate to. My daughter found it amusing.
She's in second grade but has been reading Captain Underpants and Wimpy Kid. I felt bad that I had rushed her past all of these other books, so we're taking a break from more difficult reading to come back and revisit these typical 2nd grade favorites.
While these books may start to look a bit dated to adults, my kid still thought Henry and Mudge were fun.
She's in second grade but has been reading Captain Underpants and Wimpy Kid. I felt bad that I had rushed her past all of these other books, so we're taking a break from more difficult reading to come back and revisit these typical 2nd grade favorites.
While these books may start to look a bit dated to adults, my kid still thought Henry and Mudge were fun.
February 18, 2012
Cynthis Rylant writes three mini adventures in the Henry and Mudge book. Henry is a little boy who has a 180-pound dog named Mudge. Each story in this book deals with a specific topic that is told playfully and lightly enough for a young reader. In the first adventure of this book, "Snow Glory," Henry has fallen in love with a beautiful blue flower. Henry knows he shouldn't touch it,"But he thought how nice it would look in a jar." At one point Henry tells Mudge that he "needs" the flower, which Mudge mistakenly thinks he tells him to eat the flower. Henry is very angry with Mudge, but he then comes to the realization that in order to remain friends he must forgive his dog. In the second tale "Puddle Trouble," Henry and Mudge decide to enjoy a puddle one April day without the permission of his father. The outcome is unexpected. In the third story, "The Kittens," Mudge becomes attached to the neighbors kittens and he protects them from a situation that he perceives to be harmful.
The illustrations are comical,lighthearted and simple. This is a quality which makes this book so popular with primary students because of it's illustrations that are cartoon-style and fun. I would recommend these books for K-2. They are great books for early stage readers.
The illustrations are comical,lighthearted and simple. This is a quality which makes this book so popular with primary students because of it's illustrations that are cartoon-style and fun. I would recommend these books for K-2. They are great books for early stage readers.
May 11, 2015
My 7 year old son recently borrowed this book from his school library.
This is the second book in the Henry and Mudge series. Don't worry, you will not be lost if you read the books out of order. In this installment, Spring has arrived. Henry is enjoying riding his bike and Mudge is enjoying doing what dogs do. Henry and Mudge have several great adventures. They come across a beautiful snow flower that Henry wants to pick very badly, but his mother advises him to let it grow and to let others enjoy the flower as much as he does. Unfortunately, due to a little misunderstanding from Mudge, Mudge eats it. My son read this part over and over and laughed every time. They also enjoyed the April rain and the huge muddle puddles it leaft behind. Their neighbors cat also had some kittens in which Mudge helped look after and protect.
Henry and Mudge always find a way to have a great time, no matter what is going on. My son can't wait to read more of the series and see what other adventures they have.
This is the second book in the Henry and Mudge series. Don't worry, you will not be lost if you read the books out of order. In this installment, Spring has arrived. Henry is enjoying riding his bike and Mudge is enjoying doing what dogs do. Henry and Mudge have several great adventures. They come across a beautiful snow flower that Henry wants to pick very badly, but his mother advises him to let it grow and to let others enjoy the flower as much as he does. Unfortunately, due to a little misunderstanding from Mudge, Mudge eats it. My son read this part over and over and laughed every time. They also enjoyed the April rain and the huge muddle puddles it leaft behind. Their neighbors cat also had some kittens in which Mudge helped look after and protect.
Henry and Mudge always find a way to have a great time, no matter what is going on. My son can't wait to read more of the series and see what other adventures they have.
May 11, 2015
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!!
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!!
April 3, 2015
Best book I've read to date. Really changed my outlook on life <3
May 15, 2018
Exceptional child class at Roby Elementary
October 5, 2020
Henry and Mudge in Puddle Trouble features three spring adventures. In “Snow Glory”, Henry and Mudge admire a snow glory flower they want to pick, but before Henry has a chance to pick it, Mudge surprises him. In “Puddle Trouble” the pair come across a lake of a puddle, which they must jump in. Henry’s father finds out and seems like he will be angry, but we are surprised when he joins in on the fun instead. In “The Kittens”, big Mudge becomes the gentle, yet fierce protector of a group of kittens. Each story has plenty of funny moments, and is interesting enough to hold attention while still being appropriate for early on their own readers. Rylant has an enjoyable writing style that translates well into the early reader format naturally.
The illustrations are lovely and add to the story. Mudge and Henry are cute characters, and they are full of fun expressiveness.
The illustrations are lovely and add to the story. Mudge and Henry are cute characters, and they are full of fun expressiveness.
December 18, 2018
This Henry and Mudge has three stories:
Snow glory- Henry forgives Mudge for eating a flower that he wanted to pick although his mom told him to let it grow. I like that he was obedient, and that he realized he didn't have grounds to be mad at Mudge.
Puddle Trouble- Henry and Mudge go play in the rain and jump in a big puddle. They get in trouble for not asking dad first (to come along, that is).
The Kittens: Mudge protects neighbor kittens (Henry names after planets) from a strange dog.
Snow glory- Henry forgives Mudge for eating a flower that he wanted to pick although his mom told him to let it grow. I like that he was obedient, and that he realized he didn't have grounds to be mad at Mudge.
Puddle Trouble- Henry and Mudge go play in the rain and jump in a big puddle. They get in trouble for not asking dad first (to come along, that is).
The Kittens: Mudge protects neighbor kittens (Henry names after planets) from a strange dog.
June 7, 2021
Genre: Comedy and Humor Grade: K-3
This book is a young readers chapter book. I think young readers would like this book although only one chapter in it went along with the title of the book. Pictures were good and had detail.
This book is a young readers chapter book. I think young readers would like this book although only one chapter in it went along with the title of the book. Pictures were good and had detail.
December 11, 2017
Alice loves these books about an only child and his dog Mudge. Perfect for her current reading level. In this one, they play in mud puddled, resist picking a flower, and protect newborn kittens.
May 24, 2025
I like when my 2-year-old requests the earlier Henry and Mudge books, as we get to see character development.
At this point in the series, Rylant was writing several short stories about Henry's first (or second? We haven't read Puppy Mudge yet) year with Mudge. Here we have three unrelated stories connected by the theme of "Spring". Henry learns to let go of childish "needs" like owning a specific flower. They go splashing in a puddle without parental permission only to find out that Henry's father likes to splash too. And we see how good this giant dog is with kittens.
At this point in the series, Rylant was writing several short stories about Henry's first (or second? We haven't read Puppy Mudge yet) year with Mudge. Here we have three unrelated stories connected by the theme of "Spring". Henry learns to let go of childish "needs" like owning a specific flower. They go splashing in a puddle without parental permission only to find out that Henry's father likes to splash too. And we see how good this giant dog is with kittens.
March 18, 2026
This picture book/chapter book consists of three short fun stories:
The Snow Glory;
Puddle Trouble;
The Kittens.
These are spring stories about self control, having family fun, being brave and kind.
Nicely illustrated.
The Snow Glory;
Puddle Trouble;
The Kittens.
These are spring stories about self control, having family fun, being brave and kind.
Nicely illustrated.
December 23, 2017
This is a hilarious book. Definitely will pull it out again when the kids start reading.
December 24, 2017
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.
November 20, 2018
You know what? I think this story was a little bit long, but it was fun.
February 26, 2019
2/25/19 Read with Julia.
March 10, 2019
My nephew has been reading these stories for school. I like this series, it's fun and getting to watch his excitement and having him read to me is the best.
September 7, 2019
I really liked this book because Mudge shakes his body and gets the dad all muddy. Then the dad plays in the puddle with Henry and Mudge! I also like it when all the kittens are named after planets!
September 30, 2019
Recommended ages 6-8. A good book for beginning independent readers with a variety of vocabulary matched with fun short stories relatable to the protagonist.
June 23, 2020
I like that Henry's father says "Next time, ask me." And then he said, "Henry, next time join me in."
December 15, 2020
We really enjoyed reading this!
February 11, 2021
In this story, Henry and Mudge have Spring adventures with a flower, a puddle, and a litter of kittens.
October 12, 2021
The adventures continue with some lessons along the way
Read
December 29, 2021Henry knew it wasn't his snow glory.
He knew it wasn't anybody's snow glory.
Just a thing to let grow.
And if someone ate it,
it was just a thing to let go.
He knew it wasn't anybody's snow glory.
Just a thing to let grow.
And if someone ate it,
it was just a thing to let go.
February 5, 2022
Great book! --Book #29 from Anita Silvey's 100 book list.
July 24, 2022
coool but not as cool as my fav series
June 19, 2023
i actcully like this book its super funny. My faverite part is when henry wisper to mudges ear now i need it. It is so funny when he said that. He wanted the snow glory.
March 26, 2024
Foarte frumoase numele pisicilor. Zoreaua o știu înflorită vara - toamna, dar ce lecție de înțelepciune de la băiat!
Read
August 8, 2024Nothing spectacular about this book. But a fine book to add to your beginning reader library.
November 23, 2024
A really cute book for all kids. I enjoyed reading this one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews