Wednesday, November 21, 2012

"Charley's First Night" by Amy Hest & illustrated by Helen Oxenbury (Review & Giveaway)

ISBN:  9780763640552
Hardcover - $15.99
Boy meets dog! Always an engaging opportunity for a tale worth telling.  With Henry (boy) bringing Charley (puppy dog) home, you will see the delightful joy of first-knowing and first-sharing between boy and dog.  Henry brings Charley home and learns from his parents that Henry will the one responsible for feeding (forever) Charley, the one responsible for walking (forever) Charley, etc.  But those are not daunting tasks.  They are joy.

Then the "blow" that Mom and Dad want Charley to sleep in the kitchen.  Well, Henry knows Charley wants to sleep with him in his bedroom, but Henry obeys and fixes a wonderful bed for Charley in the kitchen.

The story unfolds with episodes during the night and a boy loves dog ending that is totally believable. 

Hest writes, "Charley curled up in a ball and I put my face next to his and I waited for Charley to fall asleep,...." you see this is like Mom and Dad caring for Henry so now Henry cares for Charley.  And later, to sooth Charley, Henry.... "I showed him my mother and father, sound asleep in their bed, and held Charley close in my strong arms."  Henry knows how it feels to be held and comforted by strong arms.

The illustrations of Helen Oxenbury are classic watercolor and ink and tell in a charming way exactly the feeling that Amy Hest is writing about in the story. And then in the end.... "We didn't mean to fall asleep, but we both fell asleep on my bed...." you know that all is going to be well with Henry and Charley.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Graciously, Candlewick Press is providing a giveaway copy to one of Chat With Vera's readers.  Open in USA addresses only.
Begins November 21 & ENDS December 5 at 12:01 a.m. EST
a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of Charley's First Night from Candlewick Press on behalf of the author in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own and there was no obligation to render a positive review. Giveaway copy will be provided by Candlewick Press and shipped to the winner.

16 comments:

  1. Love great book giveaways! As much as we are reading right now for Kindergarten, I can't have enough books for little Miss! Thanks for the opportunity.

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  2. I love books and reading!

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

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  3. What a comforting story, and the illustrations are precious. I think this would be a great way to reinforce to young pet owners the responsibility they have, and the rewards & joy that pets bring.

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  4. This looks like a great picture book and the kind of story little ones would love.

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  5. Would love to get this for my daughter. Thank you!
    amyc

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  6. Another great book entered in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. I'm getting so many great ideas for picture books for my youngest. Have a lovely weekend! :)

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  7. I would LOVE to read this with my daughter. Thanks for the opportunity!

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    1. Hi Margo - thanks for visiting here. Yes, your daughter would love this pretty book. BTW - folks, Margo will be guest blogger on Dec. 4. Watch for it!!!!

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  8. Adorable. I love that you point out Henry's nurturing is learned from his parents. Max loves doggies, but he calls them all "Darla"s because that's his aunt's dog's name. We're going to wait a little while to get him a dog so it won't be like having multiple babies in the house at once!

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  9. Awesome giveaway for the little ones in our lives.......I have shared on facebook and twitter too.................babyruthmac16ATyahooDOTcom

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for sharing on Social Media FB & Twitter. I can't find it on FB, though. :(

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  10. I would love to win this for a grandchild. It is a cute book and they would love it. "Chat with Vera"
    Maxie

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  11. Visited Candlewick on fb and commented https://www.facebook.com/CandlewickPressBooks/posts/309310502516816
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  12. This sounds like the perfect book for my great-nephew. He has not had nurturing parents and now lives with my sister-in-law. He is not nice to our pets and this would hopefully help him be kind to them. He is an out-of-control 5 year whose only hope is the help of us who care more for him than his own parents.

    deamundy(at)gmail(dot)com

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  13. I left a comment on Candlewick's FB here: https://www.facebook.com/CandlewickPressBooks/posts/285056831596758
    My Name: Heather Abbe
    My Email: abbegirl1977 at gmail dot com

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