In their ninth book, the little boy and his huge dog visit Henry's grandmother; who accepts Mudge's drooling with unexpected aplomb; however, after Mudge knocks down a third thing in her crowded little house, he's banished outdoors—leaving Henry alone and apprehensive in a strange place at bedtime. As always, Rylant's telling is affectionately humorous and the conclusion is a realistic, amusing surprise. Still tops.