ANXIOUS CHARLIE TO THE RESCUE

Milne brings “a story of a small dog facing a BIG challenge” in this short and sweet adventure.

Charlie is a wiener dog with worries. His daily routines upon waking—“One, two three…Hop like a flea”—and taking the same route around the neighborhood fire hydrant and oak tree help Charlie feel in control of his anxieties. After checking under the bed and behind the curtains and getting his plushies all in a row, Charlie can rest with the ease of knowing that “I REMEMBERED EVERYTHING TODAY, AND THINGS TURNED OUT OK!” But one day, Charlie’s routines are thrown for a loop when his friend, the bull terrier Hans, is stuck in a pipe! With his friend in trouble, there is no time to count his plants nor to worry about the proper route through the neighborhood. The event becomes accidental exposure therapy, demonstrating that things can “turn out OK” even when routines do not go to plan. Astute adults may quickly recognize Charlie’s daily routine as likely compulsions related to a canine version of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Though compulsions are rarely so easily conquered in real life, the simple story may encourage young readers who have their own habits and patterns in an attempt to ease their worry.

Charming; readers will hope for more adventures for Charlie and his friends.