Chester [Hardcover]

Ayano Imai (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Chester loves his family and wants nothing more than to spend time with them. But work and school are keeping the family extremely busy and Chester is taking a backseat. When the family forgets to take him for his walk, again, Chester decides he’s had enough: It’s time to find a new home.

But when Chester is turned away by a flock of forest birds and taken in by a wealthy woman who treats him more like a toy than a dog, Chester soon discovers that old homes are not so easily replaced. Ayano Imai presents a quirky tale for anyone who ever thought the grass was greener on the other side.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Chester, a black-and-white dog with a serious mein, loves his family, but they seem to have forgotten about him. Unhappy, he puts his doghouse on his head and leaves. But for where? In the forest, the birds think he's a wolf and force him out. The city is too crowded and expensive. When he's scooped up by a wealthy woman, Chester finds himself in the lap of luxury. Toys! Treats! But after his owner dreses him in baby clothes, Chester takes off. Now what? a cold and lonely Chester wonders as he walks in the rain. Then, in the happiest of endings, he hears the voices of his family, who have been looking for him since he left. Imai, who lives in Japan, has produced a small gem. The story—one that children can take easily to their hearts—is illustrated in delicate watercolors that nonetheless project force both in action and emotion. Masterfully, Imai combines an almost surrealistic style, in which price tags float in the breeze and leaves serve as umbrellas, with a centered plotline that keeps its focus throughout. At the heart of everything is the dogged dog Chester, who rarely changes expression but learns much about leaving and loving. Cooper, Ilene

Review

Delicate, impressionistic illustrations... -- Kirkus, starred review

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Minedition (September 20, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0698400623
• ISBN-13: 978-0698400627
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 9.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #136,592 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars chester is a keeper, January 22, 2009

By 

marie web (ca, usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chester (Hardcover)

I've just read this book to my son and we loved. The story is simple with a good message. The illustrations are adorable and I love her style so much. The whole book left me with a happy, sweet feeling. I will be adding this to my son's personal library.

4.0 out of 5 stars An easy read about appreciating what you have, September 25, 2009

By 

Fry Boy (Orlando, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Chester (Hardcover)

Chester the dog isn't getting the attention he used to from his owners, a family of four. They are now too busy with the hustle and bustle of their own lives and Chester feels unappreciated and ignored. So he picks up his small doghouse and leaves, followed by a little bird. What ensues are Chester's attempts to find a new home, none of which are as good as the one he left. And it's not like his family doesn't notice he's gone or doesn't care. A thoughtful story about how we all need to show our appreciation for each other and enhance each other's lives.