Charlie's Checklist

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

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.