Charlie lives with his family on a cattle ranch where his mom runs a veterinary clinic. Charlie documents his life as a set of rules, which he records in a notebook that he carries with him everywhere. His orderly life is disrupted by the arrival of his mom’s new assistant and her daughter, Amy. Amy is chatty and disorderly but shares Charlie’s love for animals. When a neighbour’s elderly dog is brought into the clinic, unable to walk, everyone assumes he will need to be put down. However, while patting the dog, Amy feels a lump that turns out to be a tick, the cause of the paralysis. The dog recovers, and Charlie and Amy convince the neighbour to adopt a puppy from a local animal shelter, providing a youthful companion for them both. This Orca Echoes early chapter book is the first in the Charlie’s Rules series.

Caution: Euthanizing animals for compassionate reasons is explained.

112 pp., 5.25 × 7.625", b&w illustrations

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - BC Books for Schools (2021-2022)

With close to three million books in print, Sigmund Brouwer writes for both children and adults. In the last ten years, he has given writing workshops to students in schools from the Arctic Circle to inner city Los Angeles. One of his latest novels, The Last Disciple, earned Sigmund an appearance on ABC's Good Morning America. Sigmund and his family live half the year in Nashville, Tennessee, and half the year in Red Deer, Alberta.

The Talk:
Reach For Your Dreams
It doesn't matter where you come from, it's where you decide to go in life that is important. Sigmund Brouwer encourages students to reach for their dreams, giving them fun and practical advice for the reading and writing skills that are the foundation of future success.

The Presentation:
Sigmund's presentations are an hour of high-level energy. He especially reaches out to reluctant readers and gears the talk to engage their attention. Audience size varies; often his presentations take place in the gym for the entire school, including kindergarten. (After the first half hour, the K-2 grades are dismissed, and the remainder of the presentation is focused on the older students.) There are no restrictions on audience size except for the space limitations of the gym. Smaller schools are welcome to invite another school to share in the cost of the presentation.

Booking:
For presentations that involve travel, Sigmund appreciates it if two or three schools in the area make bookings on the same day. For more information on booking, fees and expenses, please email Sigmund: rockandrollliteracy@me.com

Sigmund Brouwer's profile page

Sabrina Gendron's profile page

• Commended, BC Books for BC Schools

“Charlie and Amy are delightful, engaging, funny characters. The well-written plot is simple and easy to follow for beginning and reluctant readers.”

School Library Journal

“The solid writing delivers a straightforward and charming plot, ideal for young readers transitioning to chapter books...A pleasant read for lovers of pet stories.”

Kirkus Reviews

“Use Pasture Bedtime for curriculum enhancement, or just read it for the fun of an enjoyable read. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials