Horn Book

No snow, no sun, no fun. Bo-o-ring! That's Henry's vision of a long winter weekend, until his mother suggests transforming appliance cartons into a castle - a creative solution that engages everyone's interest and provides a starring role for Mudge's canine capers. An appealing domestic drama for the just-starting-to-read set.

Kirkus Reviews (Tue Feb 28 00:00:00 CST 2023)

Making what must be a record for high quality and longevity in a series, the small boy and his large dog make an 11th appearance—this time in a story about a boring, wet weekend that's transformed by a creative family project. It's Mom's idea to build a castle from two appliance boxes; each bringing their own plans and dreams, she and Henry, Dad and Mudge throw themselves into construction, sending out for pizza when they get hungry. In a nice bit of economical plotting, Mom drops out on Sunday morning: the idea person doesn't always have the most follow-through, but it also frees her to be gratifyingly surprised by the splendid final result. Stevenson's illustrations are as merry and deft as ever, and a warm good time is had by all—especially the reader. (Easy reader. 4-8)"

ALA Booklist (Fri May 01 00:00:00 CDT 1992)

Like other books in this beginning-to-read chapter book series, this one builds its story from a situation children can easily recognize and relate to. Rainy weather is the villain here, threatening Henry, his drooly dog, Mudge, and even Dad with total boredom. It's Mom who comes to the rescue by suggesting the threesome turn cardboard boxes into a castle. Though Mudge opts out at first, preferring dog mischief to castle construction, Dad and Henry persevere and have a wonderful time, eventually making Mudge an integral part of the grand creation. Stevenson's perky, plentiful illustrations capture the goings-on splendidly. (Reviewed May 1, 1992)

School Library Journal

K-Gr 3-- Henry might be bored at the beginning of . . . the Long Weekend , but readers won't be in any part of this book. In the eleventh book about Henry and Mudge, readers can again count on Rylant's flowing text and Stevenson's endearing pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations to create a fine low-key story. Henry, Mudge, and Dad are bored and out of sorts with the February cranks,''Winter grumples,'' and the ``Pre-spring meanies.'' Then Mom has an idea--they built a castle from stove and refrigerator boxes. This is a back-to-basics family book that not only belongs in beginning-to-read collections but also on parenting shelves--give it to adults looking for activities to keep children busy. An absolute winner focusing on family fun--no batteries or electricity needed!-- Gale W. Sherman, Pocatello Public Library, ID