Charles of the Wild [Hardcover]

Ann Hassett (Author), John Hassett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 31, 1997 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

At Number 9 Belknap Street lives a small moody dog named Charles. The lady who owns him is afraid he will catch cold, and Charles is not allowed outdoors, even in his handsome lamb's-wool sweater. But Charles can't be contained forever. One night when he sniffs the smells of the wild and hears the far-off calling of wolves through an open window, he escapes from the apartment. With charmingly detailed pictures and comical text, John and Ann Hassett tell of Charles's liberation into the wild. Follow Charles as he roams along cobblestone streets, howls at streetlamps he mistakes for the moon, and discovers the joys of jelly doughnuts. A story of friendship, Charles of the Wild will capture the hearts of all readers who dream of the wild but still can find adventure in a park full of squirrels on a sunny afternoon.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreS. Charles, a small, pampered dog who lives on Beacon Hill, is never allowed to step outside for fear of catching cold or soiling his paws. Only in his dreams of chasing rabbits and howling in the moonlight does he have any fun or freedom. One night the pup slips out an open window and roams the city streets. He meets a shabbily dressed man who leads him to a park where the two spend a glorious day. That evening, the man takes Charles back to his owner and promises to come for him each morning thereafter for a stroll in the park. The best thing about this slight story is its droll, whimsically detailed illustrations done in acrylics.?Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 3^-5. Although he dreams of hunting rabbits and running with wolves, Charles is really a pampered, moody little house dog. One night, he escapes through an open window, encounters some scary city creatures, and howls at a streetlight he mistakes for the moon. He enjoys chasing squirrels and drinking from puddles and befriends a man "dressed in two raggedy old coats" who feeds him, plays with him, and walks him home, where all ends happily. This canine Walter Mitty is a winsome character, loved by both his elderly lady owner and the street man who understands his need for adventure. Subtle visual details, such as the painting of hunting dogs in the living room, add their own humor. The cozy interior scenes and picturesque exterior views of Boston match the old-fashioned tone of the story. Linda Perkins

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children; First Edition edition (March 31, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395785758
• ISBN-13: 978-0395785751
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,663,431 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The little pup is a pure delight!, March 25, 2000

By 

"shanemack1" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Charles of the Wild (Hardcover)

In the spirit of Harry the Dirty Dog and Curious Jorge comes another delightful and energetic animal that goes exploring his surroundings. The book is a joy to read and children will love having it read to them.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wild Child Winner, December 13, 2007

By 

garrie keyman "Embrace the Power at www.garri... (Tuscacheague) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Charles of the Wild (Hardcover)

John and Ann Hassett's successful pairing of an endearingly told story and fetching art that will lure readers back time and again to enjoy Charles of the Wild. This colorful thirty pager is full of eye-catching detailed art that will keep your child visually engaged and mentally alert; the words in which the tale is couched well-suited in tone, length and detail to keep the pages turning at a lively pace.

Unlike so many children's books on the market today, this is not one parents will mind having to share over and over with their wee ones.

Tucked in this warmly written tale of a reluctant upper-crust pooch who gets the chance to follow his bliss is a message of deeper meaning few would be able to express as well and nearly none will miss: selflessness enriches.

The Hassetts aptly remind us all that, social strata and species notwithstanding, giving something of true value requires little if any cost; doing so merely requires engaging our own hearts to peer with clarity into the hearts of others. If we do, the hidden hopes both we and others harbor will be realized in magical ways.

Charles of the Wild is a garrie keyman recommended reader. Add it to your library today.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Teaching device!, January 30, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Charles of the Wild (Hardcover)

I think that this book is an extremely helpful book for a classroom teacher who is looking to teach directions such as north, south, east, and west. Directions are used and with a follow up activity this children's book could really compliment it.