Reviews

Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary

smit1286's review against another edition

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5.0

My sons (ages 9, 7, & 4) really enjoyed listening to Henry Huggins. The guppy chapter, in particular, really captivated their imagination . Each chapter is basically it's own story, so my 4-year-old, who doesn't usually sit through chapter books, actually listened to two chapters with us. It seems like Beverly Cleary books would make great first chapter books for those transitioning away from picture books. That's not to say I want my 4-year-old to stop reading picture books! Just that it's a nice way to gently start working on books that require a longer attention span.

shainapnina's review against another edition

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5.0

Very cute. The kids loved it.

readsewknit's review against another edition

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4.0

I wasn't familiar with this series, but it was recommended to me as an alternative to the Ramona books (also by Beverly Cleary). In fact, Beezus is a friend of his, with her little sister Ramona tagging along.

Henry is a good boy who just happens to make things complicated and repeatedly finds himself in amusing circumstances. Each chapter is a stand-alone, although they do build on each other. For instance, we learn in the first chapter about how he gets his dog (he eventually finds a way to sneak it onto a bus, although the dog doesn't stay hidden). Then, in subsequent chapters, his dog is at his side for the adventures.

I listened to this on audiobook and knew immediately my second-grader would love it. Sure enough, as she heard details of Henry's fish expanding in number or the antics of digging up earth worms, she had a huge grin on her face and would giggle.

barbarianlibarian's review against another edition

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3.0

dated but fun. overall the stories felt disjointed though, like they're more of a short story collection versus a novel. but there's still appeal in this kid's classic

gracegooglymoogly's review

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No
I never read these as a kid, but my brother bought me the set (mostly as a joke), and I read the first of the series.

Have y'all tried reading these as an adult? The simple text made for first-graders come across as one-liners.

For example: "He had spent 69 [cents] on a red dish with D O G written on it. He had exhausted all of his savings." 

I am SPENT. If you want a good laugh as a late 20-something, pick this up and read it aloud to your friends. At best, it's good, wholesome childhood fun. At worst, it's a hilarious romp about a boy who picks grubs and his dog is a low-key menace to society.

bekmorr's review against another edition

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4.0

This was so fun to read with my 9 year old boy. He loved it!

misajane79's review against another edition

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4.0

It has been far too long since I've read any Beverly Cleary--something I have a feeling I'll be rectifying this summer.

I love, love, love Henry. I adore Ribsy. His parents crack me up (especially their willingness to hunt for nightcrawlers). It's a charming, delightful book and I'm eager to read all of Cleary's work again soon.

graggirl's review against another edition

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3.0

We read this as a read aloud. It is wonderful and ordinary in the spectacular books should be for this age group. For me it lacked some magic which is why I didn't rate it higher. I think cleary's spark for writing is better seen in some of her other books. But we did all love this book. I don't think any of us will read it again but it was a nice read.

lindsayclaire's review against another edition

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5.0

Re-reading childhood favorites is terribly fun. I highly recommend it. You're never, ever, ever, ever, ever too old to enjoy a children's or middle-grade book. In fact, sometimes they are extra important to read as an adult because its makes you remember the importance of the simple things. Thank you, Beverly Cleary.

aurigae's review against another edition

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3.0

Entertaining stories about a boy and his dog. I didn't love these like the Ramona novels; Henry doesn't have as much personality as Ramona and Beezus, and the stories don't feel as compelling.