Chuck and Danielle [Paperback]

Peter Dickinson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 10, 1997 | Age Level: 9 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.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-A comic story about a dog and her girl. Chuck is a whippet who is convinced that "everything is coming to get her," including paper bags, pigeons, supermarket carts, and a teddy bear named Podge. The story shifts neatly from her amusingly terrified worldview to the more straightforward descriptions of the human world. Danielle trains Chuck for an agility competition, and the dog handles the jumps and planks and seesaws just fine. The tunnel is another story, as Chuck is convinced that it's a "horrible monstrous, whippet-chomping creepy crawly from outer space. Or somewhere." Danielle's mum puts up with Chuck's antics and Danielle's indulgence of them. Her kind but sensible adult viewpoint contrasts neatly with her daughter's imagination and the dog's utter whippet-ness. Amazing Plot-Twist Award: Chuck seems to be the least likely creature on Earth to save the universe, but a cranky stepfather and a too-noisy neighbor benefit from Chuck, and Danielle herself finally learns about her own father, thanks to the "powers" of the dog.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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 (February 10, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440410878
• ISBN-13: 978-0440410874
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,090,943 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.