At each location, the story provides simple, distinctive details that children will find easy to understand and captivating, such as the “shiny crowns and jewels and royal mysteries” at the Tower of London and the stoic guards at Buckingham Palace. This will get kids excited about all there is to discover while traveling, while also introducing a fascinating city to families who might not have the means or ability to go on vacation. The book includes a map of London and extended descriptions of each place Charlie visits, which will encourage kids to find what interests them and learn more on their own.
Sanna Sjostrom’s detailed, dreamy illustrations offer an idealized perspective of London from Charlie’s wide-eyed point of view, following the playful pup as he navigates the city. With shaggy, brown fur and starry black eyes, Charlie smiles gently as he goes sightseeing, with the most amusing images showing him wearing a suit and top hat to tea and riding a Ferris wheel under a deep blue sky glittering with stars. In the end, Charlie is eager to get back to his cozy bed: “He loves to see the world, but home is still his favorite place.”
Takeaway: Charming story of a curious dog named Charlie traveling to London.
Comparable Titles: Sam Taplin’s London Sounds, Lucy Cousins’s Maisy Goes to London.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
