Title: Henry and Mudge Take the Big Test
Author: Cynthia Rylant
Illustrator: Sucie Stevenson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Genre: Children's fiction, fables
Age level: 5-7
Themes: Preparing for a test, being taught how to behave, anxiety about unknown situations, accomplishing a feat
Synopsis: A man walking a very obedient collie makes a big impression on Henry and his dog, Mudge. When Henry realizes how unruly Mudge can be, he decides to take him to dog school. While shopping for a new leash, a collar, and liver treats for Mudge, he gets a paddle-ball for himself to use to calm his nerves. His pup is not the best student, but the two practice a lot until test time. Sure enough, Mudge comes through and passes with flying colors.
Synopsis: A man walking a very obedient collie makes a big impression on Henry and his dog, Mudge. When Henry realizes how unruly Mudge can be, he decides to take him to dog school. While shopping for a new leash, a collar, and liver treats for Mudge, he gets a paddle-ball for himself to use to calm his nerves. His pup is not the best student, but the two practice a lot until test time. Sure enough, Mudge comes through and passes with flying colors.
About the author: Cynthia Rylant grew up in West Virginia and loved comic books, cats, dogs, pajama parties, and the Beatles as a child. Going for walks with her dogs and having adventures with them helps her writing. is the author of more than 100 books for young people, including the beloved Henry and Mudge, Annie and Snowball, and Mr. Putter & Tabby series. Her novel Missing May received the Newbery Medal. She lives in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
Pre-reading activities: As the students look at the pictures, have them write down things they see in the picture, and write down the symbols they see, such as the paddle-ball, the collar, and liver treats.
Post-reading activities: At the end of the book, ask the students what they thought the different symbols represented. For example, the students would probably think that Henry bought the paddle-ball because he was nervous that Mudge wouldn't pass the obedience test and the paddle-ball would help calm his nerves. Ask the students to write down a time when they were nervous and what helped them through their nerves.
Reflection: I read this book with my second graders during student teaching in a guided reading group. I didn't know about the Henry and Mudge series before this experience, but I thought this book was very cute. I wanted to keep going through the book to see how it would pan out before the students finished it because I was so intrigued by this series.
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