Henry has no brothers or sisters, so he asks his parents for a dog. When they choose Mudge, the wriggling puppy has floppy ears and straight, soft fur. Mudge is tiny. But Henry knows he’ll grow.

Now Mudge is three feet tall, and he’s the best friend Henry has ever had. Mudge trots to school with Henry, and he sleeps on Henry’s bed. But one day the big dog goes for a walk by himself and gets lost. When Henry comes home from school, he is alone. Where’s Mudge?

Cynthia Rylant’s Henry and Mudge books are filled with the wonderful adventures of the young boy and his loveable pet. Designated as Ready-to-Read books, they are perfect for beginning readers. The First Book moves along at a frisky pace and teaches quiet lessons about friendship and security.

“These books are lively, reassuring, comical—just right for newly independent readers.”—Horn Book