Charles of the Wild - Hardcover

Hassett, Ann; Hassett, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0395785758 ISBN 13: 9780395785751

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers, 1997

Synopsis

At Number 9 Belknap Street lives a small moody dog named Charles. The lady who owns him is afraid he will catch cold, and Charles is not allowed outdoors, even in his handsome lamb's-wool sweater. But Charles can't be contained forever. One night when he sniffs the smells of the wild and hears the far-off calling of wolves through an open window, he escapes from the apartment. With charmingly detailed pictures and comical text, John and Ann Hassett tell of Charles's liberation into the wild. Follow Charles as he roams along cobblestone streets, howls at streetlamps he mistakes for the moon, and discovers the joys of jelly doughnuts. A story of friendship, Charles of the Wild will capture the hearts of all readers who dream of the wild but still can find adventure in a park full of squirrels on a sunny afternoon.

About this title

About the Author:

John and Ann Hassett have been collaborating on picture books for more than ten years. Their books are known for their quirky humor and lively illustrations. The Hassetts live and work in Maine, where their “commute to work is short (upstairs, and first door on the right).”

From Booklist:

Ages 3^-5. Although he dreams of hunting rabbits and running with wolves, Charles is really a pampered, moody little house dog. One night, he escapes through an open window, encounters some scary city creatures, and howls at a streetlight he mistakes for the moon. He enjoys chasing squirrels and drinking from puddles and befriends a man "dressed in two raggedy old coats" who feeds him, plays with him, and walks him home, where all ends happily. This canine Walter Mitty is a winsome character, loved by both his elderly lady owner and the street man who understands his need for adventure. Subtle visual details, such as the painting of hunting dogs in the living room, add their own humor. The cozy interior scenes and picturesque exterior views of Boston match the old-fashioned tone of the story. Linda Perkins

About this edition

• Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0395785758
• ISBN 13: 9780395785751
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32