Horn Book (Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 1999)

Henry and his big dog Mudge help Cousin Annie and Uncle Ed move into their new house--next door to Henry! Annie, however, is covered in blotches because she's so nervous about the changes. When Henry's nervous, he "crawl[s] under the covers with Mudge"--which is just what Annie does until the move is over. Lighthearted pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations accompany this satisfying story.

School Library Journal

K-Gr 3-In this 18th adventure of these two pals, Rylant and Stevenson have combined their keen perspectives on growing up, their sensitivity to the concerns of children, and their senses of humor for another totally satisfying book. Henry knows his "careful" cousin Annie will be nervous about her move. In fact, the girl is so anxious about leaving her friends, changing schools, and the fate of her favorite clothes (frilly dresses, shiny shoes, and lace hankies) on the moving truck that she breaks out in red blotches. On the big day, Henry helps her deal with her anxiety just as he would-he tells her to crawl under the blankets in the back of his family's car with Mudge, his affectionate large pup and best friend. Hiding out during the move and making a "new-house wish" is the perfect prescription for Annie's fears. The pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons perfectly express the emotional nuances of the text.-Gale W. Sherman, Pocatello Public Library, ID

Kirkus Reviews

Rylant and Stevenson's 18th book in the series is a tenderly humorous tale about a common event in family life. Henry, with a little help from Mudge, comes to the aid of his Cousin Annie, who is moving next door. While Henry and his family are delighted, careful Annie views the move with trepidation. She's so nervous that she has broken out in blotches contemplating moving her frilly dresses, shiny shoes, and lace hankies. Henry offers his time-tested remedy for nervousness: a snuggle under the covers with Mudge. Rylant thoughtfully addresses Annie's dilemma, validating a child's concerns and providing a generous solution. Stevenson's gaily colored pen-and-ink illustrations provide a perfect counterpart to the story, deftly highlighting Annie's vulnerability as well as the humor in Henry and Mudge's antics. (Picture book. 6-8)

ALA Booklist (Wed Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 1998)

You might think that after 17 books about sweet Henry and his drooly canine companion, this series of beginning readers would be wearing thin. Not so, judging by this fresh and soothing entry that gets to the heart of a problem lots of children have to face. Annie is Henry's cousin, and though she's a little obsessive about her frilly dresses and her shiny shoes, she can still throw a mean Frisbee and is lots of fun. Henry is delighted when he hears that she's moving next door, and he's very understanding--even sharing his beloved Mudge--when he realizes Annie has a case of moving-day jitters. Stevenson's exuberant art adds a great touch of comedy to a story that will make children long to have an intuitive cousin like Henry living in the house next door. (Reviewed July 1998)