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Charlie, Bob and Me (Harry) The Big Clean Up
Charlie, Bob and Me (Harry) The Big Clean Up, by S.H. Chase, tells the charming story of three animal friends named Harry the Koala, Bob the Wombat, and Charlie the Platypus, all on a mission to clean up their polluted home. Set on the Eastern Coast of Australia, the tale begins when Charlie finds their once beautiful river clogged with trash left behind by careless campers. Determined to make a difference, the trio band together to clean up the mess and teach the humans a lesson about respecting the environment. Along the way, they demonstrate the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and protecting nature.
The writing is simple and light, perfect for younger readers. I found the dynamic between the characters to be a highlight, particularly Harry’s sleepy reluctance, Bob’s gruff nature, and Charlie’s determination. These personalities make the story fun and engaging. Chase gives each character a unique voice that helps drive home the environmental message in an entertaining way.
One of my favorite moments is when Bob suggests getting even by messing up the humans’ homes, an amusing thought that shows his frustration. It’s playful but relatable, as I’m sure many readers can empathize with feeling fed up with litterbugs. The plot, while straightforward, delivers a clear and important lesson about environmental stewardship. I appreciate that Chase doesn’t just preach to the audience but shows the animals taking action to fix the problem. The visual of the animals sneaking around the campers to return their trash was both humorous and poignant. The animals’ quiet efforts to extinguish fires and bag up litter really drive home the idea that small actions can make a big difference. The metaphor of the animals restoring their habitat provides a thoughtful way to encourage young readers to be mindful of their surroundings. By showing the immediate consequences of human carelessness, Chase highlights the power of empathy and accountability, making the message all the more impactful.
Charlie, Bob and Me (Harry) The Big Clean Up is an adorable, environmentally conscious story that I recommend for children and parents alike. It’s a great choice for teachers or anyone looking to introduce young readers to the importance of taking care of the planet. The characters are lovable, the message is timeless, and the story manages to entertain while also educating. If you’re after a lighthearted but meaningful read with a message that will resonate, this book is definitely worth picking up.
Pages: 36 | ISBN: 1838755675
Love and Kisses, Charlie
Everyone with a cavernous, cluttered old attic dreams of finding treasure there. And that’s exactly what happened to Joshua Gerstein on a visit to his parents house. The WWII letters referred to in the subtitle of Love and Kisses, Charlie are copies of the real-life correspondence sent by Gerstein’s grandfather, Charlie Fletcher, to his family during his time serving in the Second World War, and found stashed away in an attic.
The letters are set out in strict chronological order, from the time of Charlie’s enlistment in the fall of 1943 right up to his discharge and return home in March 1946. The account is enriched with photos, images and commentary from Gerstein to explain Yiddish and military expressions and to add historical context. Through his own voice, we get to know an honorable and likeable young man who is devoted not only to his country and fellow soldiers, but also to his family and his Jewish heritage.
Charlie carefully recounts his day-to-day life for his parents so that they won’t worry about him. He describes his living conditions, the food he is eating, the friends he is making and the dates he is going on. He even marks religious festivals so that they know he is still dedicated to his faith.
As you might expect from true letters, much of the content is personal and provides a deep look into one persons life and thoughts. Charlie held administrative posts, so he was able to avoid the front line. But there are moments when the reality of war creeps in, such as when he meets Polish Jews who survived the death camps. Unlike other WWII books this one keeps things focused on Charlie. This provides a thoughtful look at a mans life, in a moment in time, which happens to be a momentous moment in history.
Love and Kisses, Charlie is a sensitive and personal account of one soldiers life and shows how, even though we are far from home, we still carry our family and faith with us. I highly recommend this interesting book to anyone interested in history, or readers looking for a memoir that is stirring and thought-provoking.
Pages: 634 | ASIN: B0BHL2XLFZ
LITERARY TITAN 