This beloved author has written so many delightful stories for children but Henry Huggins is so timeless. Henry is a typical 3rd grade boy whose life is too boring for him. But one day while trying to improve the fun factor in his life, a new development actually does just that.
While the story was originally written in 1950, most tweens can still relate to Henry and his desire for fun, dogs and adventure. Even with the changes in technology, clothing, languages and schools, this book is still easy for tweens to read and understand although they may have to ask their parents a few questions about some of the terminology. Or perhaps their grandparents for that matter.
Poor Henry feels life is boring and as most boys his age, he wants a pet. But one day while he is eating ice cream after his normal swimming hour at the Y, his life take a drastic change from boring to seriously interesting. A skinny stray dog with wiry hair stops and stares at the ice cream until Henry finally feels bad and gives him some. And so begins the fun with Henry and his dog Ribsy.
Add to the Huggins household, the guppies that Henry decides to breed without realizing just how prolific they can be and suddenly there are a lot of new pets floating around. At least for mom, the fish are contained... until.
Cars flying by, footballs disappearing, problems at school and the like are all part of Henry's supposedly boring life. Yet most readers will find part of their life within the pages of this wonderful book. Whether it is trouble at school, finding a flea bitten stray dog to bring home, losing a friend's toy or getting into trouble, everyone can relate to Henry.
Age range: 8 to 12
Cleary, B. (1950). Henry Huggins; . New York: Morrow.
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