SHY CHARLES

by Rosemary Wells ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1988

Like Wells' Noisy Nora (1973), Charles (a dormouse) is an exemplification of a single, common characteristic. He is perfectly happy, but he prefers to be alone; he won't use the telephone, and--to his parents' embarrassment--he doesn't even say thank you. Sent to ballet, he pretends to sleep; the football coach, thinking him ill, sends him home to bed. Still, when the babysitter takes a fall, Charles rises to the emergency and summons aid, but--cheerfully holding onto his integrity--can't bring himself to respond verbally to the thanks he receives. Wells' rhymed text serves its purpose well enough, but the story's strength is in Wells' comical, vigorous illustrations, exuding common sense in the presence of normal foibles. Her dormouse faces, and Charles' round, sturdy little body, are wonderfully expressive.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1988

ISBN: 0140568433

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Dial

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1988

Categories: CHILDREN'S