Bill Harley is a two-time Grammy Award-winning storyteller, musician, and writer who has been writing and performing for kids and families for more than twenty-five years. He is the recipient of Parents’ Choice and ALA awards. He won a 2007 Grammy Award for his children’s storytelling album Blah Blah Blah and a 2009 Grammy Award for his children’s spoken-word album Yes to Running! Bill Harley Live. He lives in Massachusetts. You can visit his website here.

“Narrated in a balance of warmhearted insight and wacky naiveté, Charlie’s life will resonate with readers trying to navigate the simple but realistic perils of elementary school. Making friends, getting along with siblings, avoiding trouble at school—these situations matter to young readers, and Harley captures these emotions with a light and humorous touch.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Harley’s delightful friendship story, with Gustavson’s spot-on illustrations, is humorous, yet poignant, and portrays the heartfelt good nature of true friends.” —Booklist Online

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2020

Bill Harley is a two-time Grammy Award-winning storyteller, musician, and writer who has been writing and performing for kids and families for more than twenty-five years. He is the recipient of Parents’ Choice and ALA awards. He won a 2007 Grammy Award for his children’s storytelling album Blah Blah Blah and a 2009 Grammy Award for his children’s spoken-word album Yes to Running! Bill Harley Live. He lives in Massachusetts. You can visit his website here.

Adam Gustavson is the illustrator of more than twenty books for children, as well as numerous periodicals. He holds a master of fine arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York, and teaches at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in New Jersey. You can visit his website here.

Bill Harley is a two-time Grammy Award-winning storyteller, musician, and writer who has been writing and performing for kids and families for more than twenty-five years. He is the recipient of Parents’ Choice and ALA awards. He won a 2007 Grammy Award for his children’s storytelling album Blah Blah Blah and a 2009 Grammy Award for his children’s spoken-word album Yes to Running! Bill Harley Live. He lives in Massachusetts. You can visit his website here.

Adam Gustavson is the illustrator of more than twenty books for children, as well as numerous periodicals. He holds a master of fine arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York, and teaches at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in New Jersey. You can visit his website here.

“The main character is a well-developed, realistic ‘child hero.’” ―School Library Journal

“Harley’s appealing story shows readers that adults and children can connect in meaningful friendships, and reminds them that conservation can begin in their own backyards.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“I found myself pulled into this intriguing novel right from the start. The characters are well-drawn and realistic…This is a sure winner for middle-grade readers who like to read about kids like themselves or have an interest in animals and the environment.” ―Great Books for Kids and Teens

“It is so refreshing reading about this little guy that has so much passion about saving this habitat. The author is not just an amazing story teller, he has written a tale about a legitimate cause” ―It’s About Time MaMaw

Green Earth Book Award (Children’s Fiction) ―Newton Marasco Foundation, 2009

KIND Children’s Honorable Mention Book ―Humane Society Youth, 2009-2010

Society of School Librarians International Book Awards (Honor Book, Language Arts, Grades K-6 Novels) ―Society of School Librarians International, 2009

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Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate, Starred) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2009

Golden Sower Award (Nominee, Intermediate) ―Nebraska Library Association, 2011-2012

Keystone to Reading Book Award (Intermediate, Nominee) ―Keystone State Reading Association, 2009-2010

Prairie Pasque Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―South Dakota Library Association, SD Reading Council, SD State Library, SD Elementary School Principals, 2010-2011

Volunteer State Book Awards (Master List, Grades 4-6) ―Tennessee Association of School Librarians, 2010-2011

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Bill Harley is a two-time Grammy Award-winning storyteller, musician, and writer who has been writing and performing for kids and families for more than twenty-five years. He is the recipient of Parents’ Choice and ALA awards. He won a 2007 Grammy Award for his children’s storytelling album Blah Blah Blah and a 2009 Grammy Award for his children’s spoken-word album Yes to Running! Bill Harley Live. He lives in Massachusetts. You can visit his website here.

“An easily relatable story…readers will grasp the joke and have an additional laugh as they view the artwork on the final pages. The large-size font will be an aid to those learning to read using the picture clues. A welcome addition.” ―School Library Journal

“With stifling tension, Harley has found the perfect emotional pitch to explore such universal childhood fears…Gustavson enhances the dramatic mood with realistic double-page spreads that artfully use a child’s-eye perspective” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Gustavson’s well-composed paintings bring the story to life on the page through expressive character portrayal and the clever details of setting… An excellent read-aloud choice for classroom or library.” ―Booklist

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“Harley’s text and especially the dialogue is spot on… Adam Gustavson’s oil paint illustrations are a total delight and extend the story wonderfully” ―Booklist Online

“Adam Gustavson’s illustrations are spot on, especially on the double-spread of Justin in the enormous Lost and Found box ” ―Parents’ Choice

“Author Bill Harley captures the essence of childhood misunderstandings that can only be erased through confrontation. Gustavson adds nerve wracking drama through illustrations from a child’s eye’s view…A RECOMMENDED picture book for ages 4-8 that will not only help with confronting fears, but teaches that others aren’t always as they appear.” ―Boys to Books

“Every child and parent on this earth can relate to and appreciate the story and marvelous illustrations in Lost and Found” ―Good Reads with Ronna

“Boys and girls will love Lost and Found… Librarians and teachers will love this book for its perfect story time quality, the expressive text matched with the dynamic illustrations… Mr. Harley and Mr. Gustavson have produced a picture book that is unique yet captures a common childhood dilemma: the fear of authority.” ―Kid Lit Reviews

“Bill Harley’s skills as an oral teller translate well in his written work. Through his use of dialogue character personalities shine…Every single time I read this book I discover some new detail in the realistic, full color oil paintings rendered by Adam Gustavson…Whether sharing one on one or as a group read aloud, this is a winner.” ―Librarian’s Quest

“A creative story with interesting illustrations.” ―Lit for Littles

“You’ll thrill at the unexpected treasures found in that chest of chests called the lost and found. Take a moment to marvel as it’s all brought to life with striking illustrations that appear to be painted works of wonder. Share in the message that judging a book solely by its cover or a person by the passing impression they present is not the way to live a full and rich life” ―Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

“Something in this book really resonated with my little monkey. We’ve read it repeatedly from the moment it arrived… It seems each time we read it together, we talk about something new. I love that!” ―Teresa’s Reading Corner

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Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2013

Parents’ Choice Approved Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2012

Society of School Librarians International Book Awards (Honor Book, Language Arts Picture Books) ―Society of School Librarians International, 2013

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Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Starred, Primary) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2013

Great Lakes’ Great Books Award (Honor Book, Grades 2-3) ―Michigan Reading Association, 2013-2014

Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Awards (Nominee) ―Arkansas Department of Education, 2014-2015

Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―Kansas Reading Association, 2015

Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Nominee, Picture Book) ―Maryland Association of School Librarians, 2015-2016

Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―Florida Reading Association, 2013-2014

Delaware Diamonds (Nominee, Grades K-2) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2013-2014

Golden Sower Award (Nominee, Primary) ―Nebraska Library Association, 2014-2015

Maine Chickadee Award (Nominee) ―Maine Association of School Librarians, 2013-2014

Show Me Readers Award (Nominee) ―Missouri Association of School Librarians, 2014-2015

South Carolina Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―South Carolina Association of School Librarians, 2014-2015

Volunteer State Book Awards (Nominee, Primary) ―Tennessee Association of School Librarians, 2014-2015

Storytelling World Resource Awards (Winner, Stories for Young Listeners) ―Storytelling World, 2014

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Bill Harley is a two-time Grammy Award-winning storyteller, musician, and writer who has been writing and performing for kids and families for more than twenty-five years. He is the recipient of Parents’ Choice and ALA awards. He won a 2007 Grammy Award for his children’s storytelling album Blah Blah Blah and a 2009 Grammy Award for his children’s spoken-word album Yes to Running! Bill Harley Live. He lives in Massachusetts. You can visit his website here.

Adam Gustavson is the illustrator of more than twenty books for children, as well as numerous periodicals. He holds a master of fine arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York, and teaches at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in New Jersey. You can visit his website here.

“The swift-paced story is powered by peppy repartee between Charlie and the people in his life, as well as his droll internal monologue… Dynamic and skillfully drafted ink-and-watercolor spot illustrations from Gustavson, who illustrated Harley’s Lost and Found, help chronicle the hijinks.” ―Publishers Weekly

“While Charlie seems incapable of avoiding mishaps, he also has some very good qualities, like helpfulness, which will have readers cheering him on…this is a fast-paced, enjoyable first entry in a new chapter-book series.” ―School Library Journal

“Harley has teamed once again with illustrator Gustavson (Lost and Found, 2012) to create a real-life world in which a likable kid must face the everyday terrors of childhood: enormous bullies, looming teachers and thick gym coaches with huge pointing fingers. Into this series opener, Harley magically weaves the simple lesson that people, even teachers, can surprise you. Readers will be waiting to see how Charlie faces his next challenge in a series that marks a lovely change of pace from the sarcasm of Wimpy Kid.” ―Kirkus Reviews

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“Narrator Charlie is personable and well-rounded as a Ramona Quimby-esque protagonist who faces a series of kid-familiar challenges in trying his best to do the right thing…readers will welcome him as a bumbling but generous addition to the ranks of novels for novices.” ―The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“An engaging school story in which kids face kid-sized problems like strict teachers and playground disputes. Charlie’s poor judgment often results in sitcom-type humor, but he’s such a kindhearted kid–in a believable way, not a too-sweet way–that readers care about him and share his empathy for others.” ―Common Sense Media

“Kids will relate strongly to the well-meaning but trouble-bound Charlie. All the characters in this book are extremely realistic, and the pen-and-ink drawings will make kids stop reading for a moment just to admire the pages. There’s plenty of humor, and everything that happens in this book is written in a way that makes you think it could actually happen.” ―Blue Owl Reviews

“Young readers will have no problem relating to Charlie and will see the humor in Charlie’s series of blunders. Will easily appeal to the elementary school boy.” ―Boys to Books

“Charlie Bumpers is a cute book that is sure to get the kids laughing… Yes, Charlie sometimes doesn’t think things through but hey, don’t we all! I would recommend this book to any teacher, parent or kid. This would be a fun book to read aloud in the classroom, or great for bedtime read aloud, or even silent reading.” ―Gidget’s Bookworms

“The writing and story in this novel are pitch-perfect for younger middle-grade readers. Charlie and his friends feel like real kids, struggling with real problems. As always, Harley captures childhood perfectly, with a nice dose of his trademark humor and plenty of warmth. This series is sure to be a hit with kids who like reading about real-life kids like themselves and fans of the Horrible Harry series who are a little older now.” ―Great Books for Kids and Teens

“I really enjoyed the character of Charlie Bumpers. While I’ve never been “teacher of the year”, I’ve had several Charlies. Really sweet, good kids that just don’t have it all together… I could see myself (or others) including this book on a unit on Realistic Fiction, Back to School, or to teach the different ways you learn about a character (through their words, their actions, how others treat them/treat others, etc). Or, just for fun!” ―Maestra Amanda’s Bookshelf

“Solid little elementary school reader. We’ll be adding it to our juvenile collection at MPOW and I will recommend it for purchase at the school libraries I assist with collection development. I also plan to buy a copy for my cousin’s child as I think she’ll strongly identify with Charlie.” ―Amy Tureen, Netgalley

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Parents’ Choice Recommended Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2013

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association 2014

Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award ―Oregon Association of School Libraries, 2015-2016

Virginia Readers’ Choice (Master List) ―Virginia State Reading Association, 2015-2016

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Charlie May Simon Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―Arkansas Department of Education, 2015-2016

Delaware Diamonds (Nominee, Grades 3-5) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2014-2015

Flicker Tale Children’s Book Awards (Nominee, Intermediate) ―North Dakota Library Association, 2016

Golden Sower Award (Nominee, Intermediate) ―Nebraska Library Association, 2015-2016

Great Kids Can Read Award (Nominee) ―Greater Kansas City Association of School Librarians, 2015-2016

Massachusetts Children’s Book Award (Master List) ―Salem State College, 2015-2016

Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Awards (Nominee, Grades 3-6) ―Pennsylvania School Librarians Association, 2014-2015

Rhode Island Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―Rhode Island IRA Chapter, RILA, REIMA, 2014-2015

Sequoyah Book Awards (Children’s Master list) ―Oklahoma Library Association, 2016

South Carolina Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―South Carolina Association of School Librarians, 2015-2016

Horned Toad Tales (Nominee) ―Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District, 2014-2015

Gate City Book Award (Nominee) ―Elementary School Librarians of Nashua, New Hampshire, 2016-2017

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Bill Harley is a two-time Grammy Award-winning storyteller, musician, and writer who has been writing and performing for kids and families for more than twenty-five years. He is the recipient of Parents’ Choice and ALA awards. He won a 2007 Grammy Award for his children’s storytelling album Blah Blah Blah and a 2009 Grammy Award for his children’s spoken-word album Yes to Running! Bill Harley Live. He lives in Massachusetts. You can visit his website here.

Adam Gustavson is the illustrator of more than twenty books for children, as well as numerous periodicals. He holds a master of fine arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York, and teaches at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in New Jersey. You can visit his website here.

“Fans of the [audiobook] series will enjoy this third installment, and those new to Charlie will have no trouble following along.” ―School Library Journal

“Harley serves up hilarious high jinks squirming with Halloween trouble…. A learning experience for more than just the main character.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Harley develops all of Charlie’s concerns with a nice sense of balance and levity, and Gustavson’s uncommonly good spot illustrations are frequent, adding notes of creepiness or humor at all the right places.” ―Booklist

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“Author and narrator Harley delivers another great story for young boys… An exceptional choice for fans of this series and of Sally Warner’s EllRay Jakes series and Tommy Greenwald’s Charlie Joe Jackson series.” ―Booklist Online

“Occasional ink and watercolor illustrations highlight the installment’s funniest moments.” ―Horn Book Guide

“The more I read of Charlie, the more I like him for a good series for younger readers.” ―Ms. Yingling Reads

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Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2015

Bill Harley is a two-time Grammy Award-winning storyteller, musician, and writer who has been writing and performing for kids and families for more than twenty-five years. He is the recipient of Parents’ Choice and ALA awards. He won a 2007 Grammy Award for his children’s storytelling album Blah Blah Blah and a 2009 Grammy Award for his children’s spoken-word album Yes to Running! Bill Harley Live. He lives in Massachusetts. You can visit his website here.

Adam Gustavson is the illustrator of more than twenty books for children, as well as numerous periodicals. He holds a master of fine arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York, and teaches at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in New Jersey. You can visit his website here.

“A heartwarming and sometimes laugh-out-loud tale about giving 100 percent even when you’re less than thrilled to do so… [L]isteners will be eager to find out how his adventure unfolds.” ―School Library Journal

“A storyteller with an uncanny sense of elementary school humor, Harley has penned a worthy sequel to Charlie Bumpers vs. The Teacher of the Year (2013). With illustrator Gustavson, he captures the frustration that comes with just having to make the best of a bad situation.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Strong characters, a fast-moving plot, and amusing black-and-white spot illustrations continue the fun in this second installment.” ―The Horn Book Guide

Parents’ Choice Recommended Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2014

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2015

Bill Harley is a two-time Grammy Award-winning storyteller, musician, and writer who has been writing and performing for kids and families for more than twenty-five years. He is the recipient of Parents’ Choice and ALA awards. He won a 2007 Grammy Award for his children’s storytelling album Blah Blah Blah and a 2009 Grammy Award for his children’s spoken-word album Yes to Running! Bill Harley Live. He lives in Massachusetts. You can visit his website here.

Adam Gustavson is the illustrator of more than twenty books for children, as well as numerous periodicals. He holds a master of fine arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York, and teaches at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in New Jersey. You can visit his website here.

“This pleasant blend of melodrama and fantasy will make youngsters frown over Darius’s misery and then smile in anticipation of the predictably happy ending.” ―School Library Journal

“Harley’s easygoing storytelling style will engage readers who like a mildly intrusive but not overly clever ironic narrator. Suspense builds steadily for the perennially appealing put-upon orphan, beset on all sides by the vicious injustice of mean people, and the climax is spectacularly delivered by a miraculous trip on a flying bicycle built in a basement workshop; oh, yeah, this taps into some classic mechanic-geek fantasies.” ―Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2007

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2007

Georgia Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―University of Georgia, 2008-2009

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Keystone to Reading Book Award (Intermediate Nominee) ―Keystone State Reading Association, 2007-2008

Volunteer State Book Awards (Master List, Grades 4-6) ―Tennessee Association of School Librarians, 2008-2009

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Bill Harley is a two-time Grammy Award-winning storyteller, musician, and writer who has been writing and performing for kids and families for more than twenty-five years. He is the recipient of Parents’ Choice and ALA awards. He won a 2007 Grammy Award for his children’s storytelling album Blah Blah Blah and a 2009 Grammy Award for his children’s spoken-word album Yes to Running! Bill Harley Live. He lives in Massachusetts. You can visit his website here.

“Harley has as good a handle on tumultuous family relationships as he does on school-day mishaps…” ―Publishers Weekly

Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2015

Land of Enchantment Book Awards (Nominee, Grades 3-5) ―New Mexico Library Association, New Mexico Council of ILA, 2017-2018

Club Tome It List (Nominee) ―Tome Student Literacy Society, 2016

Bill Harley is a two-time Grammy Award-winning storyteller, musician, and writer who has been writing and performing for kids and families for more than twenty-five years. He is the recipient of Parents’ Choice and ALA awards. He won a 2007 Grammy Award for his children’s storytelling album Blah Blah Blah and a 2009 Grammy Award for his children’s spoken-word album Yes to Running! Bill Harley Live. He lives in Massachusetts. You can visit his website here.

Adam Gustavson is the illustrator of more than twenty books for children, as well as numerous periodicals. He holds a master of fine arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York, and teaches at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in New Jersey. You can visit his website here.