When Charley Met Grampa

Having gotten to know each other in Charley's First Night (2012), Henry and his dog Charley are now thick as thieves. But Henry's grandfather is visiting, and he has "never been friends with a dog before." There's no need to worry, though: Hest and Oxenbury's story is every bit as sweet and tender as its predecessor, and Charley proves he's worthy of Grampa's affection on a snowy afternoon when the man's hat blows away. Oxenbury's meticulous pencil-and-watercolor paintings and Hest's knowing prose continue to reveal the unconditional love that flows between Charley and the humans in his life. Ages 3-7. (Sept.)

Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2--In a satisfying follow-up to Charley's First Night (Candlewick, 2012), Grampa, who admits that he is uncertain about getting to know Henry's puppy, is coming to visit and to meet Charley. The boy and puppy wait for him at the train station while snow gently covers the tracks and the town. Upon his arrival, the large gentleman and the tiny puppy size each other up while Grampa inquires, ."..are you friendly or fierce?" When the wind picks up and Grampa's cap flies away, Charley takes off into the white world and it's feared that he's lost in the snow. But the diminutive dog saves the day by bringing the cap back, thus revealing he's both friendly and fierce in his determination, ensuring their burgeoning bond. Charley is pure joy with fur and will surely bring a smile to young readers. Charming, detailed pencil and watercolor illustrations feature framed, softly hued scenes both cozy and frigid. This is a tender story about the warm affection between a grandfather and his grandson. A real winner.--Maryann H. Owen, Children's Literature Specialist, Mt. Pleasant, WI

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Hest and Oxenbury's story is every bit as sweet and tender as its predecessor... Oxenbury's meticulous pencil-and-watercolor paintings and Hest's knowing prose continue to reveal the unconditional love that flows between Charley and the humans in his life.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Charley is pure joy with fur and will surely bring a smile to young readers. Charming, detailed pencil and watercolor illustrations feature framed, softly hued scenes both cozy and frigid. This is a tender story about the warm affection between a grandfather and his grandson. A real winner.
—School Library Journal (starred review)

Picking up where Charley's First Night ended, the tale of Charley and Henry Korn continues in this charming stand-alone storybook. ... Hest's language is descriptive and lyrical... Oxenbury's pencil-and-watercolor illustrations are enchanting... Children will love Charley and Grampa, too.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

A synopsis doesn't begin to reveal this story's sweetness. Each turn of the page brings a touching moment... It's hard to imagine a better match for Hest's warm words than Oxenbury's beautifully depicted snowy days. Framed in the soft gray of November sky, each picture tells its own story—and every time Charley appears, adorableness ensues. A delight.
—Booklist (starred review)

A deliciously cozy vignette blessed with ... artful Oxenbury touches.... A welcome sequel, to read aloud or alone.
—The Horn Book

Here, as elsewhere, Hest's childlike diction brings charm and interest to the text... [T]his is exactly the sort of pretty, sweet and gently funny book that is likely to appeal to older adults and younger children together.
—The New York Times Online

Simple but compelling narrative...Oxenbury's [illustrations] are enchanting as always...delightful story
—Inis Magazine