Charlie: A Toy Story

Gr all levels—Caden is a happy, well-adjusted 10-year-old, despite the fact that his father has never quite grown up, which makes him the target of some taunting peers. His father, Jack, is a dreamer, magician, and toy inventor who clings to the hope that he'll create a toy so phenomenal it will provide for his family's security and heal his relationship with Caden's mom who is running out of patience. The action begins on Caden's ninth birthday when Charlie, a golden retriever puppy arrives, then skips ahead a year when Caden's parents have separated. There are several humorous scenes in which Caden and Charlie foil the bullies who must be among the most hapless on film. In one scene, they are barraged with maple syrup and feathers and, rather than fleeing, they endure the attack with exaggerated expressions and verbal protests. Their frustration escalates until they happen to spy Jack revealing his impressive, finished invention to Caden. The bullies hatch a plan that involves a fake invitation to a toy convention that takes Jack out of town and leaves his invention vulnerable. The father and son once again outsmart their nemeses, while Jack wins a meeting with toy manufacturers who award him a generous contract. The production is high quality and the actors are believable. Viewers will enjoy Caden's own ingenious inventions and tricked-out tree house. The happy ending, including the reunion of Caden's parents, and a message about the importance of imagination and believing in oneself are satisfying.—Constance Dickeson, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, OH