When Charley Met Grampa

Starred review from July 15, 2013
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.

Starred review from August 1, 2013

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.

Starred review from August 15, 2013
Picking up where Charley's First Night (2012) ended, the tale of Charley and Henry Korn continues in this charming stand-alone storybook. Now that new-puppy Charley has settled in, Henry writes to Grampa to tell him all about Charley and to invite Grampa to visit. With elegant simplicity, the premise is revealed: Grampa agrees to come but states that he has never been friends with a dog before. The ensuing action takes place when Henry and Charley go off through the snow to pick up Grampa from the village train station. As before, Hest's language is descriptive and lyrical: " 'Wait till you meet Grampa, ' I told Charley, and he danced in the wind and his ears blew back and I pulled my sled for Grampa's suitcase." Oxenbury's pencil-and-watercolor illustrations are enchanting, perfectly capturing the town, Henry and Charley's trek, and their anxious wait at the station. With a WHOOOOO WHOOOOOOOO, the train finally arrives. Although Charley and Grampa look at each other a long time, and Charley even smiles, it is not at all certain they will be friends until, in a tense, dramatic moment, Charley effects the heroic rescue of Grampa's windblown hat through the ever-deepening snow. One moment changes everything. That night, Charley and Grampa look into each other's eyes again, this time telegraphing, "I love you." Children will love Charley and Grampa, too. (Picture book. 4-8)

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Starred review from September 15, 2013
Preschool-G *Starred Review* In Charley's First Night (2012), young Henry Korn rescues a little wheat-colored puppy. Now it's time to introduce Charley to Grampa. But from his letter, it seems Grampa may not like dogs: I'll do my best, but no promises. On arrival day, Henry and Charley head off through the snow to the station. (Although it works best for the tempo of the story, it does seem odd for a young boy to go by himself.) Both boy and dog are crazy for trains, so when this one's late, the duo slouch. Finally, a train whistle! Grampa alights, and his first question is to Charley: Are you fierce or friendly? Neither dog nor man is comfortable with the other. But when the wind blows Grampa's green hat off his head, and Charley makes a valiantand successfuleffort to save it, the friendship is sealed. A synopsis doesn't begin to reveal this story's sweetness. Each turn of the page brings a touching moment: Charley frolicking in the snow; the affection Grampa and Henry share; Charley and Grampa staring at each other, which is code for I love you. / I love you. / I love you. 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 storyand every time Charley appears, adorableness ensues. A delight.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)