Charlie the Ranch Dog

A droopy-eyed basset hound is the star of the first children's book from Drummond, best known for her Pioneer Woman blog and subsequent books. Perhaps the most self-deluded ranch dog since Hank the Cowdog, Charlie introduces himself and Suzie, the younger, more energetic dog on Drummond's ranch. While lazy Charlie contemplates chasing a cow out of the yard, Suzie gets the job done. As Charlie sniffs under the porch steps for interlopers and finds none, Suzie gives chase to a squirrel she's found in the same spot. Charlie seems unaware of the impish chipmunk that deGroat, with characteristic humor, sneaks into each spread. Her paintings drolly portray the discrepancy between reality and Charlie's perceptions of his day, during which eating ("I can't be expected to do all this work on an empty stomach") and napping ("I must have accidentally closed my eyes for a few seconds") are high priorities. Adult readers will recognize in Charlie's voice the understated humor that has made Drummond's blog so successful; kids should find it irresistible. Ages 4%E2%80%938. (May)