Charley's First Night

K-Gr 2–This comforting, sweet story of a puppy’s first night in his new home is simply told and as warm and cozy as a blanket. When Henry Korn finds Charley one snowy evening, the little boy just knows that the pup wants to go home with him. His parents capitulate to their son’s desire to keep the dog, making sure he knows that the puppy is his responsibility. Although Charley wants to sleep in Henry’s room (says Henry), Mr. Korn gently affirms that the animal will spend the night in the kitchen. Henry is tender and loving toward his new charge, and children who have looked after their family pets will see a bit of themselves in the protagonist. During the night the puppy cries, and his young master dutifully looks after him, stopping at his parents’ bedroom only to find them sound asleep. Of course, Charley ends up in Henry’s bed, but who could look at such a compatible pair and be angry? The pencil and watercolor illustrations are set within soft, muted frames. From Charley’s adorable face and poses to Henry’s mother’s reflection in a mirror as she looks at the pair asleep, the pictures have a timeless quality and beautifully complement the story.–Alison Donnelly, Collinsville Memorial Public Library, IL