This Way, Charlie

Starred review from February 1, 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 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2020
A standoffish goat forms a unique bond with a partially blind horse. Jack, a solitary goat, lives at Open Bud Ranch, where "all kinds" of animals come for space to "heal, rest, and grow." Jack, who likes "keeping his space to himself," is initially irritated when a horse named Charlie arrives, accidentally invading that space. Gradually, Jack realizes Charlie's blind in one eye. He watches Charlie greet everyone, sniff honeysuckles, and follow sunlit patches--but also bump into things and seem lost, scared, even lonely. One day, Jack beckons him: "This way, Charlie," guiding Charlie to his favorite grazing field. Soon Jack leads Charlie everywhere, and they become friends. After Charlie loses sight in his other eye, Jack simply moves closer to lead Charlie on their walks. Despite Charlie's urging, injuries from Jack's abused past prevent him from engaging other animals until Charlie's in danger and Jack must ask others for help. Inspired by a real-life relationship between a horse and a goat at an Oklahoma wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center, this gentle story's positive messages about patience, kindness, and friendship are reinforced in soft illustrations that resemble impressionistic watercolors. Touching scenes of isolationist Jack watching Charlie from a distance gradually give way to upbeat scenes of Jack actively leading Charlie into a mutually healing friendship. Memorable and moving. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-8)

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March 1, 2020
Preschool-G 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.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)