by Jean Little
First published 2002
Henry unwraps a spy kit filled with tools for breaking codes and solving puzzles. His big dog Mudge watches with excitement, drooling and barking as Henry explores each gadget. The boy's mind races with possibilities for cracking mysterious cases. Henry converts their house into detective headquarters. Every household object becomes potential evidence. Each piece of paper might hide secret messages waiting to be decoded. Henry and Mudge invent their own spy missions packed with codes and riddles. Regular days turn into thrilling detective work as they tackle each new puzzle together. Henry finds satisfaction in solving mysteries by himself, but sharing the adventures with Mudge makes everything better. His faithful companion turns each challenge into celebration and makes every solved code feel like winning.
Genres: mystery, contemporary, detective
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, whimsical
Tropes: found-family, slice-of-life
Paperback · Live Oak Media (NY)