Henry Huggins

Cleary, B. (2000). Henry Huggins. New York: Harper Trophy

Plot Description: Henry normally lives a dull, ordinary life where nothing exciting ever happens to him. He does the same things every day and is bored with his life until he finds a skinny, scruffy dog at the drug store and his life changes forever. He names the dog Ribsy (due to his protruding ribs) and embarks on many exciting adventures such as raising guppies, picking night crawlers, getting covered in green paint and entering a dog contest. All of his adventures almost come to an end when he comes face to face with the dog’s prior owner.

Genre: Humorous, Realistic Fiction

Age Group: This book would be suitable for grades 4-7.

Series Information/Similar Books: If you want to read more about Henry and Ribsy’s adventures check out Henry and Beezus, Henry and Ribsy, Henry and the Clubhouse, Henry and the Paper Route, or Ribsy.

Personal Thought:This is a great book that teaches children the responsibility needed in order to own a pet. It also shows how time-consuming yet fulfilling pet ownership can be.

Subject/Themes: Responsibility, Friendship, Pet Ownership

Awards: ALA Notable Children’s Book

Character Description: Henry Huggins is a third grader who is bored with his life. He feels like nothing exciting ever happens to him. He finds a dog named Ribsy and everything becomes more exciting.

Beezus is Henry’s neighbor and friend. She has a younger sister Ramona.

Ribsy is Henry’s dog. He is a mixed breed mutt that is loyal but sometimes likes to get into trouble.
Annotation: Henry is an ordinary boy who is bored with his life until one day when he finds a stray dog he names Ribsy. Follow Henry and Ribsy as they embark on adventure after adventure from picking nightcrawlers to turning green.