Henry and Mudge and the Long Weekend
#11 of 220 in Henry and Mudge Series
What’s inside...
Henry and his 180-pound dog Mudge are best friends forever. And on a long weekend, they build a glorious indoor castle, complete with knights and kings!
Discussion points
What did Henry and Mudge do during the long weekend that looked like fun to you, and why?
How do you think Henry felt when he was crafting and playing with Mudge?
What kind of adventure would you like to go on with your best friend or pet, and what would you do?
How did Henry and Mudge solve the problem of being bored? Can you think of a time when you were bored and found a creative solution?
What did this story teach you about friendship and spending time together?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to highlight the excitement of Henry's and Mudge's adventures, making the story come alive for your child.
Ask your child to relate events in the book to their own experiences, which can deepen their connection to the story.
Encourage your child to imagine and describe an additional scene that could happen after the book ends, fostering creativity.
Discuss the feelings of the characters at different points in the story to help develop empathy and understanding.
Point out specific moments of teamwork between Henry and Mudge, emphasizing the value of collaboration and companionship.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and resourcefulness
Explanation: In the story, Henry and his dog Mudge use their creativity to turn a boring rainy weekend into an exciting indoor camping adventure.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination to solve problems and create fun, engaging activities even in less than ideal situations.
Example Lesson: Value of companionship
Explanation: Throughout the story, the bond between Henry and his dog Mudge highlights the importance of companionship and support.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of forming and maintaining strong bonds with friends and pets, teaching them about loyalty and support.
Example Lesson: Handling disappointment
Explanation: Henry faces disappointment due to the rainy weekend disrupting their outdoor plans, yet he learns to adapt.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that while disappointments are part of life, they can learn to adapt and find alternative solutions, fostering resilience.
Example Lesson: Appreciating the simple joys
Explanation: By creating an enjoyable experience indoors, Henry and Mudge learn to appreciate simple joys and make the most of their situation.
Real-World Application: This helps children learn to value what they have and find happiness in everyday moments, promoting a positive mindset.