Charlene the Star and Hattie's Heroes



Introduction: A captivating book with important life lessons!

Charlene the Star is earning a reputation as a fine jumper, after winning the Green Jumper Championship at the Sterling Horse Show. She loves jumping but she yearns for something new and exciting to do in her spare time. What is her new career? What happens when she meets her new friends Hattie and Wooliam? Charlene and her team will delight you with their new adventures. You'll be astounded at what they are able to accomplish when they work as a team.


Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes is an adorable story that will delight children from start to finish. The reader will be introduced to Charlene the Star, an award-winning horse who is looking for an adventure and a change of path. The reader will follow Charlene the Star as well as some of her animal friends as they find new careers. What happens next is amusing as well as incredibly entertaining and should not be missed by children!

The synopsis of Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes is gripping, glorious, and let’s not forget breath-taking. The novel has a plot that has surprised me more than once thanks to its captivating and absorbing nature. One thing is for certain when you read Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes, and that is you will never be bored reading because it is a diverse all-consuming assault of brilliance that will keep you motivated to read until the very end. It is like the author has a binding spell on young readers and the only way to break this spell is to fully immerse yourself in the layers of the book. more here:
https://redheadedbooklover.com/charlene-the-star-and-hatties-heroes-deanie-humphrys-dunne/


https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/charlene-the-star-and-hatties-heroes

Reviewed By Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite -A 5-star review  

July 1, 2019

What a wonderful book for children! It's well written and will hold the child's attention. I loved the way the author wrote the book with the animals talking and helping each other overcome problems and reach their goals. It also teaches children to never give up, try until you're able to reach your goal. Thank you BooksGoSocial via NetGalley for the free copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

5-star seal corrected 1.png
starsCharlene and friends teach children important lessons with their story.
Charlene the Star and Hattie's Heroes by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne is a delightful story where the animals take center stage. It is the first book I have read by this author but it read as if there had been another book in the series so perhaps it would be best for a child to start with that one.

There are new challenges in which Charlene and her friends work together to support, encourage and learn determination. Teamwork is clearly shown in the character’s action as well as lessons in sportsmanship. The writing style is clear and flows well as the story unfolds. The characters are quite a mixed group, horses, a dog, a hen and a sheep, all with distinct personalities to appreciate. I loved the hat wearing hen.

A younger child may enjoy this story but a beginning third grader should be able to read it on their own. For children transitioning into longer text such as short novels this is a good fit. Animal fantasy is high interest for this age so it is one that they would seek to read.

I read this with a rising third grade child. He enjoyed the story, was able to read and discuss the text to me but wished for more pictures or drawings throughout the book.. After seeing the first one of Charlene and Mary, we both had thought that they would be more.

4.5 Stars
The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
March 13, 2018
Format: Paperback

on March 7, 2018
Wow! Another heart-warming and beautifully crafted book by this award-winning author. Deanie Humphrys-Dunne’s remarkable ability to imbue her stories with ethical values and positive messages is a real treasure. This beautifully crafted book brims with valuable life lessons about friendship, team-work, perseverance, goal-setting, problem-solving and much more. Get your copy now and make sure to read all the other volumes in this beautiful series.

on March 7, 2018
Yet another wonderful children’s story from Ms. Dunne about how dreams, hard work, and determination eventually wins the day.

Children often feel they are the only ones facing challenges, things are always easier “for the other guy,” and they never are going to amount to anything. And of course, with children being children—which is to say, being capable of saying and doing cruel things (in the story, one horse kicks up mud in another’s face during a race)—situations involving competition can turn ugly fast. It’s easy for little ones to get discouraged under such circumstances, and here’s where they need all the encouragement they can get.

Reading a book such as this (and others in Ms. Dunne’s series) is the perfect tonic for brightening a child’s day and restoring their spirits. Who doesn’t love horses? Or a chicken that wears funny hats? Who can stay sad in the face of hearing about how friends can help friends overcome obstacles.

This and others of Ms. Dunne’s books inspired by her life riding and training horses are treasures to be shared with your children, books that can be read over and over again at bedtime, at the beach, in the park, or any time you’re looking for share something that will have a positive influence on your young one’s life.


Format: Kindle Edition
Charlene the Star and Hattie's Heroes is the most lovable story about a horse and her friends.

5.0 out of 5 stars "UNLEASH ALL THE FUN AND EXCITEMENT IN A THRILLING ADVENTURE!", February 9, 2012 Geraldine Ahearn "Author Geri Ahearn" Hattie is not only known for her ravishing beauty every time she wears pretty bonnets, but also has a great mind. What brainstorm idea did Hattie have, and did it help race-horses? How did Hattie and her friends help Lily and Lucky? Charlene is as beautiful as Hattie, and is known for her unique jumping. Who had dreams, and did they come true? What talents did Hattie and Wooliam have, and what was 'Hattie's Star Coaching' known for? What did Charlene want to do in her spare time, and does she become successful? I highly recommend this delightful adventure to all young children, parents, teachers, and animal lovers. Deanie Humphrys-Dunne, who spent her childhood in a riding school, penned a remarkable story that's touched with humor and alive with thrills. An awe-inspiring story that will teach life's lessons as much as it will astonish the heart! The author takes the reader on an amusing adventure as the story teaches moral value, friendship, problem-solving, and challenges. A magnificent learning stimulation with adorable characters, who come to life. The unforgettable characters teach life's valuable lessons, the rewards of hard work, and how to be a good sport. Follow Charlene and all her friends in a fun-filled adventure that captures the beauty within the characters that makes it all worthwhile as each page shines with love and trust.

I love this and all of the books by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne- 5 out of 5 Stars

Having learned to overcome her own handicap (in "Tails of Sweetbrier"), Deanie presents a strong "can do" attitude in all of her stories. "Not giving up" to successfully accomplish your dreams is a constant theme.

Each book is loaded with experiences of personal pride and happiness due to accomplishing goals by "doing the hard work". The reader is inspired at every turn.The stories are realistic, having obstacles as well as successes, and are filled with family or friends who help and encourage each other. In reading about one success after another through personal effort, the reader's personal dreams start jumping into their heads, along with the feeling of "I can do it!" - "is that all it takes? Perseverance and hard work? I can do that!!"Thank you, Deanie, for the constant reminder to ourselves and our children that a successful, happy life is within our reach when we put for the effort to accomplish our dreams.

by Joanne, CT  

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming Story with Lessons of Good Character, December 27, 2011

By Author

Sherry Ellis - Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes is a story about animal friends who work together to help each other be their very best. Hattie, an adorable chicken who loves wearing pretty bonnets, has the great idea to form a coaching business to help race horses do well and achieve their goals. She and her friends, a dog named Elliot, and a sheep named Wooliam, help two horses, Lily and Lucky, learn lessons about good sportsmanship and hard work.

Charlene the Star and Hatties Heroes is a book that would appeal to young horse lovers and animal lovers. The added bonus is that it is a book that teaches good character. It's about helping
others, working hard, setting goals, doing your best, and being a gracious winner or loser.



Charlene is back and this time she has more friends to take a long on this great adventure. I loved this book because there were great lessons to learn, like never give up. Another aspect that I found to be important is friendship. Having great friends or people who believe in you is priceless, but more importantly, you must believe in yourself. The book was a joy to read and once again, the illustrations were superb 
From Review by Murees Dupe`


5.0 out of 5 stars A Delightful Animal Tale!, August 14, 2013
By 
This is a sweet and endearing tale about a beautiful horse, named Charlene, who seeks to pursue her dream to be a champion jumper. She befriends other animals, Woolam and Hattie, along the way who help and encourage Charlene on her road to success. Charlene in turn, assists her fiends in their adventures.

This author is a champion equestrian who knows horses well enough to speak for them in her stories. Children will learn patience, kindness to others and understanding the differences amongst others. The story demonstrates that with perseverance and determination you can reach your goals.


5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting, Entertaining, and Promoting Excellent Values, July 2, 2013
By 
Instilling good values is important to us parents, nurturers and educators. Hence, we should be cognizant of the variety of methods available for the promotion of conduct and attitudes toward others and toward the self. One way to positively influence our children is to expose them to good books that are engaging, entertaining and fostering healthy approaches toward life. This is exactly why I highly recommend Deanie Humphrys-Dunne's lovely book "Charlene the Star and Hattie's Heroes", which enchants and entertains while it promotes wonderful traits and virtues. The interaction between the main characters (mostly of the animal world) in the book, their thoughts, their communication with each other and the behaviors they encourage come across so beautifully, they are bound to inspire young readers.


5.0 out of 5 stars

Beautiful story of friends helping friendsSeptember 4, 2013


This review is from: Charlene the Star and Hattie's Heroes (Paperback)
Charlene the Star and Hattie's Heroes is a beautifully written story of animal friends who have come together to encourage and help one another. Hattie loves her cute little bonnets and she prides herself on knowing what to do and when to do it. Lily needs confidence and experience if she's going to win a race and Hattie is there to help. She has the business head but it takes the efforts of all of them to make it work, and it did work. This big-hearted story is sure to capture the hearts of children, parents and teachers. Reviewed by Linda Black, author of The Adventures of Boots: The Giant Snowball, A Porpoise For Cara, and S.T.O.P. Bullying.
A story with good hintsJanuary 26, 2015
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This review is from: Charlene the Star and Hattie's Heroes (Kindle Edition)
Deanie Humphrys-Dunne did it again.

What a lovely story about Charlene the horse and her friends, Hattie, the adorable chicken, the dog Elliot, the sheep Woolium. They all work together and help each other to get there, where they like to be.

Then a different horse comes into the scene. Lily, she is afraid even she can ran very well and would be first, but she does not like when other horses bump into her and throw mud into her face when racing.

Charlene and her flock is helping her and telling her, to believe in herself and never to give up. She is working hard not to think at these obstacles and in the end she is the champion. Winning every race.

Then another horse is coming into their stables. He is a strong horse but don't like to jump. They also help him until he becomes a racing horse.

It's a great book for horse lovers, and it is not only a story, it has the hidden meaning of "Never to give up and believe in yourself."
Well done Deanie. Loved to read it

Excerpts from Charlene the Star and Hattie's Heroes:
zThe T
The Opening Scene:

Mary is steering me toward the big water jump. It has a small ditch with water in it right in front of it. I remember seeing one at the Sterling Horse Show when I won the Green Hunter Championship. It scared me a little then because I hadn’t seen it before. I had to stop and have a good look at it then. But once I knew that I wasn’t supposed to step in it, I did okay. I got a good running start so I wouldn’t put my foot in it. I remember wondering why they put the water there in the first place. There wasn’t enough of it to take a bath anyway. But then I decided it was good to have a challenge. After all, I had to prove I was worthy of my name Charlene the Star. Mary has always been my trainer and rider. She talks to me. She’s very patient, too. She shows me the new jumps before we jump them.

Now Mary’s talking to me. She’s telling me to get ready for the in and out jumps. They can be tricky. You only have one or two strides between them so you have to concentrate, or else anything can happen.

“Charlene, I have the feeling your mind is wandering. We’re almost at the in and out, but you’re looking here and there like we’re sight seeing, “said Mary. “Even though you’re a champion jumper now, we still need to practice."
Hattie's Creation:
"Are you a shy horse? Do you have low self-esteem? Not sure where you fit in?
Call 1-800- Hattie 4 U"

What does Hattie Like?

" Good morning, Charlene," said Hattie, catching her breath. I do love  to wear hats! When I was born, part of my shell was sitting right on top of my head. My mama had a feeling I'd like to wear hats. That's how I got my name."
Lily's Thoughts:
I know today will be the first real practice race with Ann or Blossom. I’m getting a little scared. What if they bump into me again? What if they kick mud in my face? Yikes. Let me think about that. I have more confidence now. I know I can keep running if another horse bumps into me. If they kick mud at me, I’ll try to shake it off and keep going. How am I going to be a great racehorse if I don’t do my best? I have to meet the challenges they give me, even though it’s hard to do sometimes. I’ll have my friend Joe riding me. He’s always gentle and he talks to me while we’re racing, even when we’re only practicing like we are today.

Thoughts from Elliott:
"We all have our strengths and weaknesses, but we’re a great team. We work well together. All of us wanted to be role models. We wanted to help other animals do their best. I think we did that well."
Hattie and Elliott-A great Team:
"" I can’t reach the top. Elliott, sit here so I can stand on your back. Oh, no! I can’t quite reach it, even if I stand on my tiptoes. Elliott, if you hold your head really still, I can stand on it and reach the blackboard. Perfect, Elliott! It pays to have a big, steady head. We make a great team already. Now we’ve got the schedule for the week and Lily’s working with either Ann or Blossom. Hooray!” said Hattie, flapping her wings with excitement as she admired their work.
5.0 out of 5 stars Cute story with a good messageJanuary 9, 2014
This review is from: Charlene the Star and Hattie's Heroes (Paperback)
Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne

This is a wonderful little book about a group of barn animals and is told by a bunch of barn animals. The story is about how a group of animals that help and support each other. The group really helps each other as they set up a coaching group to help others. They are very supportive of each other and constantly compliment and reinforce each other’s good qualities.
I think this is great book for children to help them see that by supporting each other they can really help many situations become positive rather than negative. As I was reading this book, I thought it reminded me a bit of Charlotte’s Web in the way the animals supported and helped each other.
When I first started reading it, I was a bit confused and didn’t realize it was the actual animals talking. Once I figured that out, the book moved along seamlessly. It is a well written book on a level that children can easily understand. I was hoping the book would have more pictures of the characters in it.
I was gifted this book for an honest review. I really enjoyed the book and the positive message it presented. We really need more books like this book out there for our children to read and learn from.
New Website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com You'll read about inspiring kids. You may even download a free chapter of one of Deanie's books.


Illustrations from Charlene the Star and Hattie's Heroes:

Illustrations and cover  by Holly Humphrys-Bajaj:

 

1 comment:

  1. Charlene the Star and Hattie's Heroes is now on Kindle! Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/Charlene-Star-Hatties-Heroes-ebook/dp/B00C81V2DI/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=13304429

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