Henry Huggins

Henry counts his money because he wants to buy a real, leather football, but after buying Ribsy’s dish and collar and then purchasing the catfish tank, he is short $13.95 plus tax. Scooter McCarthy comes over to show off his new football, which was a gift from his grandmother. Henry wishes his grandmother would give him extravagant gifts and longs to touch the new football. He and Scooter begin a game of catch on the sidewalk but must move closer to the street to avoid hitting the trees. Henry tosses the ball and relishes the feel of the leather and laces in his hand. He rears back to throw the ball just as a car passes, and the football sails into the car’s open window. The car doesn’t stop, and Scooter shouts at Henry, accusing him of losing his new football. Henry hopes the car will return, and when it doesn’t, Scooter demands that Henry replace his football, or he will tell his father. Henry dejectedly returns home and blames Ribsy for the incident, saying, “I spent my football money for your license and your collar and your dish, too” (67).