Children's Review: Charley's First Night

Amy Hest (Letters to Leo) proves once again her intimate knowledge of the bond between child and dog with this portrayal of Henry and the puppy that "wanted me to carry him home." Helen Oxenbury (There's Going to Be a Baby) captures every possible posture a puppy could assume, as Charley the dog woos Henry (and readers) until he wins a place in his home and heart.

As Henry wraps Charley in his old blue baby blanket and holds his new pet in his arms, the boy resembles a parent swaddling his newborn. Charley makes unwavering eye contact while Henry shows the new furry family member around, including the boy's room and "the place where my mother hides your birthday present when it's the day before your birthday." Henry says, "This is home, Charley." As Henry's parents spell out the rules ("I couldn't wait to feed Charley every day forever"), the little fellow naps on Henry's shoulder. Oxenbury paints the scene in rosy pink, forest green and sky-blue watercolors. Charley's fur matches Henry's hair, the rug, the throw pillows plus a row of identical volumes on the top bookshelf.

Henry's parents are "pretty clear" that Charley will be sleeping in the kitchen. ( "I thought about Charley in the kitchen, alone every night forever.") Oxenbury's vignette image of the inevitable "accident" makes evident why his parents want the dog to remain in the kitchen, just as Hest's echo of the wording makes clear that Henry will inevitably bend the rule. Henry starts out by making Charley comfortable under the kitchen table on a rosy pillow next to Bobo the Teddy bear. Hest captures this intimate moment with a perfect poetic line, as Henry places his small red clock between Charley and Bobo: "tick-tock-tick-tock--like another little heartbeat in the night." Charley bares his belly, vulnerable and irresistible. Henry tries not once but twice to quiet Charley's cries in the middle of the night before breaking his parents "pretty clear" rule. But a reflection of his mother in the mirror on Henry's dresser suggests all will be forgiven. This gentle tale is the ideal gift for a new dog owner and every dog lover. --Jennifer M. Brown

Shelf Talker: A boy brings home a new puppy and helps his new pet feel at home.

 

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