Charley's First Night
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5.0 • 2 Ratings
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
Two of our most beloved picture book creators team up to tell a classic story of a child, his new puppy, and a first night home. On Charley’s first night, Henry carries his new puppy in his old baby blanket all the way to his house. He shows Charley every room, saying, "This is home, Charley." He says that a lot so that Charley will know that he is home. Henry’s parents are very clear about who will be walking and feeding Charley (Henry will, and he can’t wait). They are also very clear about where Charley will be sleeping: Charley will be sleeping in the kitchen. But when the crying starts in the middle of the night, Henry knows right away that it’s Charley! And it looks like his parents’ idea about where Charley is going to sleep may have to change. With warmth, humor, and endearing simplicity, Amy Hest tells a tale familiar to everyone who has loved a puppy, while Helen Oxenbury renders each tender gesture and charming detail in a beauty of a book that children will be eager to take home. Features an audio read-along narrated by author Amy Hest.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Skittish, curious, loving, and vividly adorable, Henry's new puppy, Charley, epitomizes the idea that while being a fledging pet owner isn't always easy, it's entirely worthwhile. Charley is a bit overwhelmed by his new surroundings, but Henry patiently shows him around the house, makes him a cozy bed, and responds to nighttime howling in a heartbeat. Meanwhile, Henry's parents want to make sure the boundaries of behavior for both pet and owner are crystal clear from the get-go ("I would be in charge of feeding Charley, they said, and I couldn't wait to feed Charley every day forever"). Henry sees the job through thanks to his unconditional love for his canine charge, a budding sense of duty, and a little bending of the rules. With a voice that's sweetly comic and deeply sympathetic, Hest (Letters to Leo) beautifully imagines a serious, careful little boy who's juggling the needs of multiple parties. Oxenbury (King Jack and the Dragon), wonderful as always in chronicling the small dramas of domestic life, will have readers falling in love with this duo from the very first page. Ages 3 6.
