Henry and Ribsy
Author: Beverly Cleary
Illustrator: Tracy Dockray
Book 3 in the Henry Huggins series
Pages: 208
Published: 1953
Age: 7+
In this humorous and heartfelt novel, the bond between a boy and his dog proves strong, as Henry vows to stick up for Ribsy…even if he is a trouble-maker!
From the first moment Henry found Ribsy, the curious mutt was poking his nose into things he shouldn't be. Whether terrorizing the garbage man, chasing cats, or gobbling Ramona Quimby's ice-cream cone, Henry's four-legged pal has walked himself into one problem too many.
So when Henry asks his dad if he can go along on the big fishing trip, Mr. Huggins agrees, but on one condition: Ribsy must stay out of mischief for two whole months. Henry is confident in his loyal dog…until Ribsy goes overboard with his appetite for chaos—literally!
Don't miss the beloved classic Henry Huggins books from Beverly Cleary. These are truly timeless classics that stand the test of time and still leave readers 7-13 smiling.
- A Boy’s Big Goal: Henry wants one thing more than anything—to go on a salmon fishing trip with his dad. But first, he has to prove he can handle his chaos-magnet of a dog for two whole months,
- Hilarious Canine Chaos: From gobbling Ramona Quimby’s ice cream to “protecting” the family garbage from the garbageman, Ribsy’s talent for trouble is truly one-of-a-kind.
- Heartwarming Friendship: No matter what messes Ribsy makes, Henry knows he’s the best dog in the world. This is a story about the unbreakable bond between a boy and his loyal, four-legged friend.
- A Timeless Classic: Perfect for young readers moving into chapter books, this beloved story from Newbery Medal-winner Beverly Cleary has been shared and loved by families for generations.
Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader's Choice Award (1957)
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.