Henry and Ribsy

Ribsy is not a bad dog, just an enthusiastic one, and that is the problem. He develops a fierce grudge against the men who collect the neighbourhood rubbish, steals something he definitely should not, and generally makes Henry's promise look impossible. Meanwhile little Ramona makes her own memorable contribution to Henry's troubles, in one of the earliest appearances of Cleary's most famous character.

Cleary writes about ordinary boyhood with gentle humour and real respect. Henry's worries, his schemes to fix things and his relationship with his kind but firm father all feel true. The long-awaited fishing trip makes a satisfying climax, full of cold water, tangled lines and suspense, with Ribsy playing a surprising part, and the book ends on a note of shared pride between father and son.

Some details, like the household routines and neighbourhood customs, belong to the fifties, but children rarely mind. Short chapters and clear prose make it ideal for newly independent readers, and it pairs naturally with Ribsy, which tells a later adventure from the dog's point of view. About 208 pages in the HarperCollins paperback.