And how nice to be back after 2 weeks off for the illustration contest!
I hope you will like today's book as much as I do :)
Written By: Ree Drummond
Illustrated By: Diane deGroat
HarperCollins, April 2011, Fiction
Suitable For Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: jobs/careers, working, perception, animals (dogs)
Opening: "Oh, hello. My name is Charlie. I live in the country. I'm a ranch dog."
Brief Synopsis: Charlie is a ranch dog. He fixes fences, works in the garden, and helps his family out on the range. A ranch dog's work is never done! Or is it?
Links To Resources: Charlie Maze, and recipe for Charlie's favorite lasagna; Lesson Plans for Charlie (please scroll down until you see the book title); a fun look at the creation of Charlie; interview with the illustrator; YouTube read aloud of the story by the author.
Why I Like This Book: Well, for starters, you know how I love dog books :) And this one is so much fun I really can't help myself :) Charlie says he fixes fences, gardens, and helps his family out on the range, but in fact his friend Suzie is the one who does all the work while Charlie naps, and naps some more, and indulges his love of bacon :) He does manage to help for real at the end - but I won't tell you how, that would be spoiling it! Kids will enjoy the contradiction between words and illustrations, and also love that there is a chipmunk hidden on every page. This is not an action-packed thrill ride, but it's sweet and cute and funny :)
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
PPBF bloggers, please be sure to leave your post specific link in the list below so we can all come rave over your picks for this week and then descend on our local libraries!
Oh, and before we go, Happy Mother's Day to all the moms among you! :) If your house is like my house, it's just possible that no one will offer to vacuum, do laundry, and cook on Sunday so that you can loll about eating bonbons on the couch, so here's a little Mom's day treat just for you :)
Now go have a wonderful weekend! :)
