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Charley's First Night

Author Amy Hest
Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
Hardcover
$15.99 US
Candlewick
8.75"W x 10.14"H x 0.41"D   | 13 oz | 40 per carton
On sale Oct 09, 2012 | 32 Pages | 9780763640552
Age 3-7 years | Preschool - 2
Reading Level: Lexile AD600L
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Two of our most beloved picture book creators team up to tell a classic story of a child, his new puppy, and a first night home.

On Charley’s first night, Henry carries his new puppy in his old baby blanket all the way to his house. He shows Charley every room, saying, "This is home, Charley." He says that a lot so that Charley will know that he is home. Henry’s parents are very clear about who will be walking and feeding Charley (Henry will, and he can’t wait). They are also very clear about where Charley will be sleeping: Charley will be sleeping in the kitchen. But when the crying starts in the middle of the night, Henry knows right away that it’s Charley! And it looks like his parents’ idea about where Charley is going to sleep may have to change. With warmth, humor, and endearing simplicity, Amy Hest tells a tale familiar to everyone who has loved a puppy, while Helen Oxenbury renders each tender gesture and charming detail in a beauty of a book that children will be eager to take home.
  • SELECTION
    ALA Notable Children's Book
A book sure to be instantly beloved
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

With a design as soft and lovely as its message, it will be tough to keep children from heading out in the snow, looking for their own Charley.
—Booklist (starred review)

With a voice that’s sweetly comic and deeply sympathetic, Hest (Letters to Leo) beautifully imagines a serious, careful little boy who’s juggling the needs of multiple parties. Oxenbury (King Jack and the Dragon), wonderful as always in chronicling the small dramas of domestic life, will have readers falling in love with this duo from the very first page.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

This cozy bedtime story will be perfect to share with kids as they snuggle up to their own purring or tail-wagging charges.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

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
—School Library Journal

Words and pictures come together beautifully to tell the simple story of Henry negotiating his new pup’s place in the family. Quietly simple, elegant language permeates the book...Pastel watercolor illustrations are the perfect companion to Hest’s pastel language. Whether or not the reader has ever experienced that special bond with a pet, you’ll be (quietly) cheering for Henry and Charley.
—Library Media Connection

An unsentimental, yet adorable, recasting of an ever-reliable theme.
—Horn Book

Hest understands the way small boys think and what tugs at their heartstrings. She’s got a pretty good feel for puppies, too, as does Oxenbury who uses soft brush strokes and muted colors to give the book a warm, intimate, bedtime glow. There’s really no question that these two companions will end up sleeping in the same bed. The sweetness is in how they find themselves there and how readers will recognize themselves in the story.
—New York Times online

This gentle tale is the ideal gift for a new dog owner and every dog lover.
—Shelf Awareness

Both text and art reinforce Henry's sense of responsibility, protection and care of his new charge and lifemate. The book is an ideal way to explore these themes, whether or not you have a family pet.
—Twenty by Jenny

A gentle story with an immediate and authentic voice, it’s matched by Oxenbury’s satiny, soft-focus artwork, each illustration captured in a border, showing restraint and subtlety.
—Seven Impossible Things
Amy Hest is a three-time winner of the Christopher Medal and winner of the BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK Award. She lives in New York City. View titles by Amy Hest
Helen Oxenbury View titles by Helen Oxenbury

Photos

additional book photo
additional book photo

About

Two of our most beloved picture book creators team up to tell a classic story of a child, his new puppy, and a first night home.

On Charley’s first night, Henry carries his new puppy in his old baby blanket all the way to his house. He shows Charley every room, saying, "This is home, Charley." He says that a lot so that Charley will know that he is home. Henry’s parents are very clear about who will be walking and feeding Charley (Henry will, and he can’t wait). They are also very clear about where Charley will be sleeping: Charley will be sleeping in the kitchen. But when the crying starts in the middle of the night, Henry knows right away that it’s Charley! And it looks like his parents’ idea about where Charley is going to sleep may have to change. With warmth, humor, and endearing simplicity, Amy Hest tells a tale familiar to everyone who has loved a puppy, while Helen Oxenbury renders each tender gesture and charming detail in a beauty of a book that children will be eager to take home.

Awards

  • SELECTION
    ALA Notable Children's Book

Praise

A book sure to be instantly beloved
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

With a design as soft and lovely as its message, it will be tough to keep children from heading out in the snow, looking for their own Charley.
—Booklist (starred review)

With a voice that’s sweetly comic and deeply sympathetic, Hest (Letters to Leo) beautifully imagines a serious, careful little boy who’s juggling the needs of multiple parties. Oxenbury (King Jack and the Dragon), wonderful as always in chronicling the small dramas of domestic life, will have readers falling in love with this duo from the very first page.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

This cozy bedtime story will be perfect to share with kids as they snuggle up to their own purring or tail-wagging charges.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

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
—School Library Journal

Words and pictures come together beautifully to tell the simple story of Henry negotiating his new pup’s place in the family. Quietly simple, elegant language permeates the book...Pastel watercolor illustrations are the perfect companion to Hest’s pastel language. Whether or not the reader has ever experienced that special bond with a pet, you’ll be (quietly) cheering for Henry and Charley.
—Library Media Connection

An unsentimental, yet adorable, recasting of an ever-reliable theme.
—Horn Book

Hest understands the way small boys think and what tugs at their heartstrings. She’s got a pretty good feel for puppies, too, as does Oxenbury who uses soft brush strokes and muted colors to give the book a warm, intimate, bedtime glow. There’s really no question that these two companions will end up sleeping in the same bed. The sweetness is in how they find themselves there and how readers will recognize themselves in the story.
—New York Times online

This gentle tale is the ideal gift for a new dog owner and every dog lover.
—Shelf Awareness

Both text and art reinforce Henry's sense of responsibility, protection and care of his new charge and lifemate. The book is an ideal way to explore these themes, whether or not you have a family pet.
—Twenty by Jenny

A gentle story with an immediate and authentic voice, it’s matched by Oxenbury’s satiny, soft-focus artwork, each illustration captured in a border, showing restraint and subtlety.
—Seven Impossible Things

Author

Amy Hest is a three-time winner of the Christopher Medal and winner of the BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK Award. She lives in New York City. View titles by Amy Hest
Helen Oxenbury View titles by Helen Oxenbury

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