The creators of Charley’s First Night return with a tale of a boy, a puppy, and a grampa — an enchanting picture book bearing all the hallmarks of a classic.
It’s a snowy day, and Grampa is coming by train for a visit. Henry can’t wait! He sets out with Charley, his beloved pup, pulling a sled for Grampa’s suitcase. To pass time at the station, Henry tells Charley about Grampa — how he has the longest feet and snores wild, and how he doesn’t know how to be friends with a dog. At last Grampa arrives, but when a sudden gust of wind blows his hat away, Charley disappears into the whirling snow — and returns, to their relief, carrying Grampa’s green cap! With lyrical simplicity, Amy Hest narrates a small, turning moment in the life of a child and a grandparent, while Helen Oxenbury renders every gesture and detail with signature warmth and charm.
About the Author
Amy Hest is the author of many beloved and award-winning picture books, including Kiss Good Night, illustrated by Anita Jeram, and When Jessie Came Across the Sea, illustrated by P.J. Lynch. Amy Hest lives in New York City.
Helen Oxenbury is the celebrated illustrator of many well-loved books, including There’s Going to Be a Baby, written by her husband, John Burningham. Helen Oxenbury lives in London.
Praise For…
Hest and Oxenbury’s story is every bit as sweet and tender as its predecessor... Oxenbury’s meticulous pencil-and-watercolor paintings and Hest’s knowing prose continue to reveal the unconditional love that flows between Charley and the humans in his life. —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Charley is pure joy with fur and will surely bring a smile to young readers. Charming, detailed pencil and watercolor illustrations feature framed, softly hued scenes both cozy and frigid. This is a tender story about the warm affection between a grandfather and his grandson. A real winner. —School Library Journal (starred review)
Picking up where Charley’s First Night ended, the tale of Charley and Henry Korn continues in this charming stand-alone storybook. ... Hest’s language is descriptive and lyrical... Oxenbury’s pencil-and-watercolor illustrations are enchanting... Children will love Charley and Grampa, too. —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
A synopsis doesn’t begin to reveal this story’s sweetness. Each turn of the page brings a touching moment... It’s hard to imagine a better match for Hest’s warm words than Oxenbury’s beautifully depicted snowy days. Framed in the soft gray of November sky, each picture tells its own story—and every time Charley appears, adorableness ensues. A delight. —Booklist (starred review)
A deliciously cozy vignette blessed with ... artful Oxenbury touches.... A welcome sequel, to read aloud or alone. —The Horn Book
Here, as elsewhere, Hest’s childlike diction brings charm and interest to the text… [T]his is exactly the sort of pretty, sweet and gently funny book that is likely to appeal to older adults and younger children together. —The New York Times Online
Simple but compelling narrative...Oxenbury's [illustrations] are enchanting as always...delightful story —Inis Magazine
