Book Review: Charlie Plays Ball (ranch dog)

Charlie Plays Ball, by Ree Drummond with illustrations by Diane deGroat (Harper, 2015, $17.99, 40 pages, ages 4-8)

Play Ball!

You CAN sometimes judge a book by its cover and this is one of those times. The Charlie books are simply grand – for grandkids and their grandparents, too! You will have your favorite, however. And the author, Ree Drummond, also a cooking guru, now has a line of kitchen assists (at least on military bases). What fun to bring the whole family into Charlie's world on the ranch.

Story vs Pictures

With children’s books, either the story or the illustrations can make or break a book. Generally one is yards better than the other but with the Charlie books, both are simply grand!

Diane deGroat’s visual depictions, not only of Charlie, but also of Oklahoma ranch life tell the story in pictures that Ann Marie (“Ree”) Drummond tells so humorously with her talented words.

Quiz after Fun Quiz

After your child has been read Charlie Plays Ball countless times and can then read it to you, it’s time to examine the illustrations – count the different sport balls on the cover, name the animals: what do you think Charlie is smiling about? Many illustrations are quite detailed so the young reader can put himself on the ranch and get to know all the animals and people, describing each part of each scene.

Work Hard, Play Hard – On the Ranch

And what do you think is Charlie’s favorite ball?

Previous Review: Charlie and the New Baby

Next: Hank the Cowdog