Charlie's Big Adventure

Charlie finally had his chance! With James's big baseball game and a flurry of human activity, the door was left ajar. A sun-soaked backyard was calling Charlie. When his family left in a rush for James's first ball game, he was accidentally left behind. As the car drove away, Charlie found himself stuck outside. A peaceful afternoon in the sun turned terrifying when a storm rolled in. Familiar shadows became monstrous shapes, and the quiet backyard echoed with unsettling sounds. Alone and frightened, Charlie's familiar backyard turned into a wild and frightening place. Fear and hunger crept in... Had his little adventure turned into a big, scary mistake? Would he survive the storm? Would his family even notice he was gone? This charming story created by Leslie Freedom is the first in the series of books about a little cat's courage. With delightful illustrations by Gambuzino, Charlie's Big Adventure is more than a tale of being lost, it's about finding the inner strength to face fears.

Review :
In Freedom's uplifting picture book for children, an inquisitive cat named Charlie learns the value of independence and facing his fears. An adventurous fellow, Charlie gets excited when his human, James, heads to the backyard to find his softball-this is a prime opportunity to enjoy the sunshine and hang out with Hank, the corgi next door. Charlie is jealous of Hank's autonomy-he has a doggy door that allows him to roam freely, and he gets to travel with his family while Charlie has to stay home. In typical cat fashion, Charlie soon curls up for a nap-and when he wakes, the sun is setting and he is alone. Charlie hides under what James calls "the stinky porch" to escape a thunderstorm, getting so thirsty he drinks the rainwater that gathers in a cup. "I feel like I am starring in my own horror movie," Charlie laments in amusingly melodramatic fashion. When his family finally rescues him, he feels like he can breathe again. Through this harrowing experience, they recognize his need for more space, installing a cat door so he can come and go as he pleases. Young readers will see how Charlie found the courage to get through a frightening situation-and that it's okay to need a little space sometimes. Gambuzino's vibrant illustrations follow Charlie throughout his day, from the moment he wakes up on top of a dresser to when he comforts a tearful James, who has broken his arm playing softball. An orange-and-white-spotted cat with a blue checkered bandana and wide, expressive eyes, Charlie is an appealing protagonist to root for-especially when he's frolicking in the flowers or dreaming of eating fish, a white sailor's cap perched between his pointy ears. In the end, Charlie seems happiest knowing he has a loving family to support him, especially when the world gets scary. - Booklife Editor's Pick