  | This way, Charlie (Feeling Friends) Author: Levis, Caron | |
| Price: $23.08 | ||
Summary:
Jack, an introverted goat, and Charlie, a blind horse, meet at Open Bud Ranch, an animal rehabilitation center, and form an unlikely friendship that grows stronger in the face of adversity.
| Illustrator: | Santoso, Charles |
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| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 3.50 Points: .5 Quiz: 508875 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (02/15/20)
School Library Journal (+) (02/01/20)
Booklist (03/01/20)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 02/01/2020 PreS-Gr 2—Open Bud Ranch is an animal sanctuary for injured or rescued animals. Cows, dogs, cats, and sheep all reside there including Jack, a misanthropic goat who keeps to himself. That is, until a horse named Charlie arrives. Charlie is energetic and full of good cheer, and is blind in one eye. The two form a friendship and readers observe how Jack becomes Charlie's eyes on the farm, helping him navigate the terrain. We also get a brief insight into Jack's abusive past, explaining his aloofness. One day, after Charlie has lost sight in both eyes, the two companions are caught in a terrible storm and Charlie can't hear his friend's instructions over the roar of the wind. Charlie becomes trapped and it is up to Jack to overcome his reticence and rouse the other animals for help. VERDICT Based on a true friendship between a horse and a goat, this picture book has much to offer for young readers about life's challenges and how we handle them. Levis (Ida, Always) excels at crafting emotional, but never saccharine, tales of friendship. Strongly recommend for purchase.—Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 03/01/2020 When Charlie the horse comes to live at Antonia’s ranch for sick, injured, and anxious animals, Jack the goat initially has little patience with the big, amiable fellow, who nearly stumbles over him. Jack usually keeps to himself, but after he realizes that the horse is blind in one eye, he begins to watch out for Charlie and leads him to a pleasant field each day. Gradually, they become friends. During a thunderstorm, a falling tree traps the horse, and Jack runs for help. Antonia and the animals arrive to set him free. On their return, Jack follows Charlie into the barn, where all the animals snuggle together, warm and cozy. Based on a true story that took place on a wildlife ranch–sanctuary in Oklahoma, this picture book has a good deal to offer. The well-crafted, quiet text focuses on the two animals and tells their story in a simple, childlike manner. With rounded forms, soft edges, and layered colors, the illustrations create the characters and their varied moods expressively. An endearing story of animal friendship. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.
