A hermit crab who has outgrown his old shell moves into a new one, which he decorates and enhances with the various sea creatures he meets in his travels.
For Henry and his big dog Mudge, summer means going on a picnic in the park, taking a bath under the garden hose, and going to the top of the big green hill.
At first Henry's very neat cousin doesn't like the cookies from under his bed or Mudge's slobbery kisses, but when they all play frisbee, she begins to enjoy her visit.
Rex and her best friend Pinky are upset to learn that their friend and neighbor Mrs. Morgan is moving, and it looks like a family with an obnoxious boy named Ollie is set to move in.
While trying out the spy glasses, spy hat, and other items in their new spy kit, seven-year-old Henry and his dog Mudge make a new friend and form a spy club.
Excited about holding onto his position as the best speller in the second grade, Pinky has an embarrassing accident but is cheered up by his best friend Rex.