Category: Children’s Books

Written by Ree Drummond & Illustrated by Diane deGroat

SUMMARY:

Published by HarperCollins in 2011, this 40-page hardcover storybook introduces author Ree Drummond’s real-life Charlie the Ranch Dog.   Charlie the Basset Hound narrates the tale, as he and his best friend, Suzie the puppy, romp and play across Mommy’s farm.  Charlie further describes a day-in-his-busy-life as a ranch hand, as he generously delegates some of his duties to the smaller Suzie.  His other morning tasks include sniffing, eating, and napping in the garden.  With the family away in the afternoon, Charlie’s post-nap afternoon heroics include shooing the farm cows out of Mommy’s vegetable garden.  Of course, yet another nap to cap off the day doesn’t hurt, either.    

REVIEW:

Exceptionally well-illustrated by artist Diane deGroat, this initial Charlie book is an absolute delight!  Author Ree “The Pioneer Woman” Drummond’s poignant text offers some low-key hilarity depicting Charlie’s lackadaisical canine point-of-view.  Families with basset hounds will surely relate to Charlie’s easy-going personality.  For early readers who adore dogs and basset hound aficionados alike, Charlie the Ranch Dog is a wonderful addition to any bookshelf. This storybook is also ideal for infants and toddlers for bedtime/naps.        

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Illustrated with an image of Charlie eyeing a sample, there is a single-page recipe for “The Pioneer Woman’s (and Charlie’s) Favorite Lasagna.”

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           10 Stars

Written by Ree Drummond & Illustrated by Diane deGroat

SUMMARY:

Published by HarperCollins in 2013, this 34-page hardcover storybook is the third entry in author Ree Drummond’s Charlie the Ranch Dog series.   It’s back to school at Charlie the Ranch Dog’s country house.  Observing Mama home-schooling the four children, Charlie the Basset Hound volunteers as a teacher’s aide.  As he watches the kids play, he ruefully acknowledges that “exercise is a way of life” for him.  Inspired, Charlie starts his own impromptu ‘school:’ teaching Suzie the puppy her letters; demonstrating math to Kitty Kitty; reviewing history with the ranch’s horses; and tutoring Walter the Basset puppy on “everything!”  Scolding his students to clean up the mess they all made, Charlie decides another nap is seriously in order.  Then again, school can always start over tomorrow.    

REVIEW:

Exceptionally well-illustrated by artist Diane deGroat, this third Charlie book is simply wonderful!  Author Ree “The Pioneer Woman” Drummond’s poignant text is occasionally hilarious depicting Charlie’s canine point-of-view. As story time for infants and toddlers, Charlie Goes to School makes a wonderful literary treat.        

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Illustrated with an image of Charlie, there is a single-page recipe for “Charlie’s Favorite Strawberry Oatmeal Bars.”

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    10 Stars