Charley's First Night

A book about friendship, new beginnings and that indescribable measure of love that we call a dog.

This story tells of the beginning of a close bond of friendship between Henry and his new pet dog, Charley. On Charley’s first night, Henry carries his new puppy in his old baby blanket, all the way to his house. He shows Charley every room, saying, “This is home, Charley.” Henry’s parents make it very clear where Charley will be sleeping: in the kitchen. But when Charley starts crying in the middle of the night … Henry simply can’t leave his puppy down there by himself! With warmth, humour and endearing simplicity, Amy Hest tells a tale familiar to everyone who has loved a puppy, while Helen Oxenbury’s illustrations portray each tender gesture and charming detail. A beauty of a book.

Author Biography

Amy Hest was born in New York City and brought up on Long Island. She is the author of more than thirty books for young readers, including When Jessie Came Across the Sea, illustrated by P.J. Lynch, and the bestselling Kiss Good Night, Sam. The winner of many awards, Amy lives in New York. www.amyhest.com

Helen Oxenbury is among the most popular and critically acclaimed illustrators of her time. Her numerous books for children include Smarties Book Prize-winning Farmer Duck by Martin Waddell; We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen; as well as her classic board books for babies. She won the Kate Greenaway Medal for Alice in Wonderland. Her most recent picture book was the critically acclaimed There’s Going to Be a Baby, the first book-publishing collaboration between her and her husband John Burningham. Helen lives in London, NW3.