Charlie the Ranch Dog

By: Ree Drummond
Illustrated by: Diane deGrout

Being a ranch dog is hard work, at least this is what Charlie the Basset Hound thinks in the book Charlie the Ranch Dog. Charlie is a ranch dog who has droopy eyes, floppy skin, long dangly ears, and loves bacon. He works hard all the time on the ranch by fixing fence, chasing the cows out of the yard, gardening with his mama, rounding up cattle, and anything else his family needs help with. However, Charlie does love his meals and his naps; everybody has to eat and sleep, right? Charlie just doesn't know what his family would do with out him.

This book is a book I have been very excited to write about. The author of this book Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, is a well-known blogger. I enjoy reading her blog because I seem to always step away from the computer with new insights and ideas. The author, however, is not the only reason as to why I have been excited to write about Charlie the Ranch Dog. My other reason is I have a Basset Hound named Sadie whom I love very much. Even though this book is towards the younger side, there are still teaching points that can be shared with students such as the importance of a ranch dog, ranch life, and the hard work that goes into running and living on a ranch. Some example questions include: Has anyone ever visited a ranch? What kind of animals would a ranch have? What are some jobs a person might have if they lived on a ranch? Help the students understand the teaching concept by making a connection with the book to life, to the students, or even to yourself.

Want to meet Charlie? Listen to the author Ree Drummond talk about her lovable ranch dog Charlie:

If you are interested in checking out The Pioneer Woman's blog, here is the link: http://thepioneerwoman.com/