Henry and Beezus
Author: Beverly Cleary
Illustrator: Tracy Dockray
Book 2 in the Henry Huggins series
Pages: 224
Published: 1952
Age: 7+
The story of a boy with a goal—and the girl who helps him achieve it.
Well-meaning Henry Huggins would do anything to get the bike of his dreams. But every idea he has keeps falling flat in this classic childhood adventure. Selling bubble gum on the playground gets him in trouble with his teacher. There’s the paper route, but Henry’s dog Ribsy nearly ruins that with his nose for mischief.
Even pesky little Ramona Quimby manages to get in the way of Henry’s chance at a bike. But it’s with the help of his best friend Beezus that there may be a way. After all—with a friend by your side, anything is possible.
Don't miss the beloved classic Henry Huggins books from Beverly Cleary. Boys and girls alike will be charmed instantly by an average boy whose life is turned upside down when he meets a lovable puppy with a nose for mischief. These are truly classic chapter books that stand the test of time and still leave readers 7-13 smiling.
What happens when every plan to earn a new bike goes hilariously wrong?
- Humorous Story for Kids: From a disastrous bubble gum business to a paper route plagued by his puppy, Henry’s schemes are sure to make you laugh.
- A Heartwarming Friendship Story: Whether he’s in trouble or just needs a good idea, Henry can always count on his best friend, Beezus.
- A Mischievous but Lovable Dog: Meet Ribsy, a dog with a talent for trouble who steals everything from barbecue roasts to the spotlight.
- Timeless Coming of Age Themes: Discover a wholesome story about responsibility, perseverance, and the timeless goal of earning your very first bike.
About the Henry Huggins Series
Books in series order
- 1.Henry Huggins(1950)
- 2.Henry and Beezus(1952)
- 3.Henry and Ribsy(1953)
- 4.Henry and the Paper Route(1957)
- 5.Henry and the Clubhouse(1962)
- 6.Ribsy(1964)
Reading age: 6+ years
Beverly Cleary’s Henry Huggins series follows the everyday adventures of Henry, a curious and good-hearted boy growing up on Klickitat Street. Life becomes much more interesting when Henry meets Ribsy, a scruffy stray dog who quickly becomes his loyal companion and frequent source of trouble.
With humor, warmth, and a keen understanding of childhood, the series turns ordinary neighborhood events—earning money, caring for pets, joining clubs, delivering newspapers, and dealing with friends—into lively and memorable stories. Henry’s world also introduces readers to familiar characters such as Beezus and Ramona Quimby, making the books a natural starting point for children discovering Beverly Cleary’s classic stories.
These realistic, gently funny chapter books are especially well suited to readers who enjoy relatable characters, neighborhood adventures, and stories about the small but important challenges of growing up.