Charlie's Checklist - Softcover

Lerman, Rory

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0531071731 ISBN 13: 9780531071731

Publisher: Scholastic Inc., 2000

Synopsis

A dog thinks he wants to leave the farm for the big city, but he finds out happiness is right next door.

About this title

From Kirkus Reviews

A British import with real heart when it comes to a budding relationship between a child and a dog. Charlie is the last puppy remaining from a farm litter and he needs a home. He's also a rather professional, '90s sort of talking puppy who, with the help of Chester, a young boy from a neighboring house, develops a personal ad seeking a ``suitably enthusiastic owner . . . under twelve.'' With Chester's aid, he also develops a checklist of criteria against which he can evaluate the mountains of letters (complete with photos) from hopeful applicants. Charlie's first checklist include ``must have room for me'' and ``must provide me with a stable home,'' but as he grows closer to making a choice and leaving Chester, his checklist changes. Now he adds very specific needs, e.g., ``must be four feet three inches tall,'' and ``must have five freckles on each cheek.'' Not surprisingly, Chester meets all the criteria for the perfect owner. Bartlett's childlike, expressive swashes of color are the perfect match for this affection-filled story that is savvy and old-fashioned in the same stroke. (Picture book. 5-9) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2. Charlie is a puppy who was born on a farm but longs for city life. After he advertises in the newspaper for an owner, he is flooded with letters. Together with Chester, the boy from the next farm, he considers the offers. Because the pooch has strict criteria, he rejects many applicants, spending his free time playing with Chester and dreaming of city life. Finally, the perfect letter arrives, and Charlie is ecstatic about going?until he realizes he must leave Chester. Of course, readers have already realized that the dog is overlooking the best possible friend?Chester?and that's part of the story's fun. The bright, childlike illustrations and vibrant colors add to the read-aloud potential. Charlie is a black-and-white bundle of energy that any child would cherish as a playmate.?Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MN
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0531071731
• ISBN 13: 9780531071731
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Bartlett Alison
• Number of pages: 32