Charley's First Night

Amy Hest and Helen Oxenbury deliver a heartwarming picture book about a boy named Henry and his new puppy, Charley. On a snowy first night, Henry lovingly introduces Charley to his new home, reiterating, 'This is home.' While Henry's parents are clear that Charley will sleep in the kitchen, the puppy's cries in the middle of the night prompt a gentle reevaluation of the rules. This tender story beautifully captures the excitement, responsibility, and deep emotional connection that comes with welcoming a new pet into the family, highlighting themes of love, belonging, and the flexibility of family rules.

On Charley's first night, when it was snowing, Henry tells his new puppy, "This is home". Henry shows new puppy Charley around the house, and even though Henry's parents say that the pet will sleep in the kitchen, the rules might change when Charley begins to cry.