Charlie's New Friend: I Can Read Level 1
(Libby/OverDrive eAudiobook)

This adaptation of a story from the author's Charlie the Ranch Dog (2011) into a beginning reader retains the beaglecentric tale and offers a truly engaging experience for emerging readers. The new friend in the subtitle is a pesky rabbit, from whom Charlie knows he needs to protect the garden produce. But in an elegant twist on the typical farmer-versus-wildlife plot, they reach a truce that can serve as a springboard for discussions of cooperation and negotiation. Instead of the illustrations merely repeating the text or vice versa deGroat provides additional elements to the story in her gently colored and humorously expressive pictures, and Drummond's text narrates Charlie's doggie thought process. Wide landscapes, big blue skies, and a cozy kitchen garden make for a gentle setting to this lightly silly tale. It's as much fun as Jane O'Connor's Fancy Nancy series, and the outdoor setting and animal theme will have broad appeal.--Goldsmith, Francisca Copyright 2014 Booklist

Basset hound Charlie tries to outsmart a determined carrot-loving rabbit in this book for beginning readers. After a chase and a couple of naps, Charlie strikes a deal and gains a new friend. As usual, Charlie's low-key, low-energy approach to life provides the story fodder, but his quirky narration may frustrate new readers. DeGroat's friendly illustrations give those readers an able assist. (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

This adaptation of a story from the author's Charlie the Ranch Dog (2011) into a beginning reader retains the beaglecentric tale and offers a truly engaging experience for emerging readers. The new friend in the subtitle is a pesky rabbit, from whom Charlie knows he needs to protect the garden produce. But in an elegant twist on the typical farmer-versus-wildlife plot, they reach a truce that can serve as a springboard for discussions of cooperation and negotiation. Instead of the illustrations merely repeating the text—or vice versa—deGroat provides additional elements to the story in her gently colored and humorously expressive pictures, and Drummond's text narrates Charlie's doggie thought process. Wide landscapes, big blue skies, and a cozy kitchen garden make for a gentle setting to this lightly silly tale. It's as much fun as Jane O'Connor's Fancy Nancy series, and the outdoor setting and animal theme will have broad appeal. Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.