Charlie the Tramp by Russell Hoban

Charlie has an idea that will sound good to any child.  He's going to be a tramp.  He can just walk where he wants, nap when he wants and he can sleep in the great old outdoors.  He's not going to learn to be a beaver and work everyday.  His parents and grandfather don't hold him back.  They just tell him to be home for dinner.

Plough Publishing sent me a copy of this book to read for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can grab a copy now.

This is a classic story that is having its 50th anniversary this year.  I read it a long ago and wanted to see what this new edition looked like.  It still has Lillian Hoban's illustrations, which are really sweet.  The story hasn't been updated.  And I still like it very much.

Despite Charlie's big plans, he does go adventuring but not very far.  Everyone is willing to give him some freedom and it works out well.  Until the night he can't sleep.  The creek doesn't sound right.  It bugs him enough, he finds himself doing the same things he said he wouldn't:  He dams the creek.  Now it sounds right.  Then he crawls in a rotted out tree stump and goes to sleep.

When he doesn't show up for breakfast, they go looking for him...

This is sweet story about how you can't go against your nature.  If you're a beaver, you're going to build dams.  Why not share this cute classic tale with your child?  It would also be good opportunity to talk about what their talents are or what they would like to be.  Celebrate life!