Chuck and Danielle [Paperback]

Peter Dickinson (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Chuck is Danielle's dog, a whippet who isn't just timid--she's terrified, convinced that everything is coming to get her. But Danielle's sure that Chuck will save the universe one day. In seven funny stories, Chuck does her best to make Danielle's dream come true.


From the Trade Paperback edition.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-Danielle, who has never known her father, is an admirable young pet owner who valiantly persists in loving her tail-tucking, shivering, paranoid whippet. She suspects that Chuck has psychic powers and may even have the ability to save the world. The dog doesn't achieve that lofty goal, but does manage a few triumphs along the way. After several chapters of doggie hysteria and a wee bit of reality manipulation, the story ends with Danielle and her mother finally discussing the girl's father and going to McDonald's to celebrate their happiness. With a less skillful author, this tale could have been painful, but Dickinson makes even dog psychology entertaining. The scribbled black-and-white illustrations seem oddly, shiveringly appropriate, but aren't a clear asset to the story.?Jody McCoy, Casady School, Oklahoma City
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 3^-6. This clever episodic story set in England introduces Danielle and her dog, Chuck. A well-bred, high-strung whippet, Chuck is not just nervous but downright terrified of everything from cats to pigeons to stuffed animals to paper bags. Each chapter involves Danielle and Chuck in a different set of circumstances (foiling a purse snatcher, setting loose a herd of cows, befriending an unpromising new neighbor), and each ends with a running joke about Danielle's desire to see Chuck save the universe. Woven into the story is the recurring theme of Danielle's curiosity about her father's identity. When her dad makes a cameo appearance near the end of the book, Danielle finally discovers answers to her questions and learns why he has never been part of her life. Although the book has its thoughtful moments, the tone never stays serious for long. The staccato writing is eminently readable, the depictions of Chuck's weird worldview are perceptive, and many of the scenes are laugh-out-loud funny. Absolutely entertaining both for kids reading alone or for parents and teachers reading aloud. Carolyn Phelan --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Yearling (November 6, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375895051
• ISBN-13: 978-0375895050
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,413,681 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorites, November 27, 2007

By 

Lacey Hood (Escondido, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chuck and Danielle (Paperback)

I really love this book, because it portrays so clearly the world of a shy dog. I believe this is really the most helpful one I have seen for helping a child understand how a shy dog sees the world, and how positive training can help.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cleverly done, March 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Chuck and Danielle (Paperback)

Although I am not a lover of dogs, I thought this book was wonderful! It is very funny and creative. Chuck is lovable and almost human. Peter Dickinson has done an incredible job.

0 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Chuck and Danielle review, November 16, 2007

By 

Gelisgi "homeschool teacher" (arizona) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chuck and Danielle (Paperback)

I was very disappointed in Chuck and Danielle. I feel that it is very inappropriate for the age group it is marketed to. I ordered it for my third grader, read it myself, and decided to not give it to her to read. It's a shame, because the characterizations of the girl, Danielle, and the dog, Chuck are delightful. However, the author portrays fathers (and men in general) in a very poor light, as stupid, abusive, and neglectful, and uses the book to excuse and praise immoral behavior.

I, myself, am the product of a single parent family, and I can assure you that I have every sympathy for single moms. I know how difficult that life is, for the mom, as well as for the children. However, this book glorifies the unwed lifestyle and does nothing to encourage the child reader to make healthier choices. I would not recommend this book to anyone who is trying to teach a smattering of morality and life-smarts to their children.