5.0 out of 5 starsGood book for discussion of emotions and bullying...
ByVirginia Wrighton February 21, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
This cute story begins with Charlene the Star (a horse) who begins telling the story. She and her friends talk to other animals but not humans. Charlene the Star is preparing for a big jumping competition. She wants to win an award for being the best jumper in the whole state of Kentucky. She notices a bulldog (Bentley) on the sidelines and befriends him. Bentley turns out to be quite the sarcastic bully. He is invited to his first horse show, but Charlene hopes he will have good manners. But will he behave? Will Charlene win the award at her show? You will have to read this story to find out the answers. I recommend this book for introducing talk about what a bully is and how to respond in an uncomfortable situation where bullying is going on.

If you have not read Tails of Sweetbrier, it is a must do! Tails of Sweetbrier is a touching true story of determination about a little girl that was diagnosed with a condition Cerebral Palsy and was told by her doctor that she would never be able to walk. Her father would not accept that diagnosis and instills faith in his little girl, and he set out to teach her to ride horses and felt if she could do that, she would be okay. Loved this book!

-Virginia Wright, Author of
Buzzzzzzzz...: What Honeybees Do

5.0 out of 5 starsLife lessons with Charlene, the Star and bulldog Bentley
March 2, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I throughout enjoyed the story about Charlene The Star and Bentley the Bulldog.

Deanie Dunne has done it again. I first was reading Charlene the star and Hattie’s Heroes. I already loved that incredible story about the horse and the chicken with their thinking's and their conversations and there things they did, helping other horses and animals to believe in themselves. Horses that they can win races and chickens to believe in themselves.

Now in that story they are doing the unthinkable and organize a talent show. Everyone was invited, particular the chickens. The show was there to show the animals that everyone could do something and was good in it. And it was building up their self-esteem. They invited Bentley, the bulldog. He has to learn, that bullying, what he was doing and was very good in it, is not good and he learns his lesson. He learns the value of friendship and he becomes good friends with Charlene, the horse and Hattie the chicken.

Children can see that they can believe in oneself that they can achieve what they like to be. Building up their self-esteem.

Entertaining!
By J L. Mitchel lon January 3, 2015
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
Charlene the Star and Bentley Bulldog is the 5th book in Charlene the Star series. Illustrated by talented artist Holly Humphrys-Bajaj. Charlene is a champion jumper horse. It’s her dream to win the High Score Award. In the beginning, Bentley Bulldog is a little bully but, as time goes on, he quickly learns that it’s so much better to do the right thing! There are many wonderful life lessons in this well-written book. Get this one for your child’s library shelf along with Charlene the Star, Charlie the Horse, Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes, & Tails of Sweetbrier. Enjoy the questions at the end of story and see if Charlene won the big one!
Review by author of: 'Lulu's Green Luge' &
'Christmas with Grandpa'

0 out of 5 starsA Delightful Read
By tess on December 3, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Charlene the Star and Bentley Bulldog is a delightful story for children told from the point of view of the animals themselves, tackling such topics as bullying, how to help others and working hard to achieve your dreams. A young reader will be amused while grasping challenging concepts, children face every day.

out of 5 starsUnforgetable story about animals
ByKaren Smithon September 25, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
Charlene the Star and Bentley Bulldog by Deanie Dunne is really a awesome story about a horse an a dog called Bentley, as you read this book it is hard to remember that it is the animals that are talking to each other. Charlene is hopping to be the best of all at a horse show. I am so sorry I almost forgot to tell look at the pictures also and see what a great job they did with them, not many but very well done.
Things are going well until Charlene notices a beautiful black horse standing a short way from her and on account of him she made a mistake and felt so bad because she always wants to do her best for her owner. I really don't want to take any more away from you having such a great time reading this story.
You will just fall in love with all the animals in this story so please go to amazon and get the book and then take the book and your child or children an sit down on the floor an read to them this awesome story, you will come away with a very happy time reading this book and even more from spending special time with your child.
When you are finished and you have gone over the questions an answers that are at the end of the story, take another few minutes go on face book click on messages Deanie Dunne and send her a message letting her know what a great story she has written for you all to enjoy, then please go to amazon or where ever you like to do reviews an leave a review letting others know about what a great time this story gave you. Tell you friends also how to be able to read.
Now I also want to remind you that there are three more of these stories for you to get and enjoy with your child or children. You know these would make a very good gift for your children to give for either a Halloween treat or any special reason. I also want to thank you for sharing about this story an then for the others I will also be leaving a reason on the others hope to see your reviews there also.

An Engaging Story About a Horse and a Dog
ByAmazon Customeron March 28, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
A fun book with lessons for kids and adults too. I found the relationship between Charlene the Star Horse and Bentley the Bulldog engaging. My nieces and nephews read me these books and we laugh and learn together.

5.0 out of 5 starsDelightful Story with Charming Characters and Valuable Life Lessons!
ByYosef Lapid on December 16, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
A charming and perfectly paced story with splendid hand-drawn illustrations! Beneath the charm, there are valuable life lessons about hard work, sportsmanship, bullying and teamwork. A horsewoman and a champion jumper herself, Deanie Humphrys-Dunne delivers the story in a humorous and credible style. The writing is child-friendly and absolutely delightful. Another winning story from an inspirational author. Highly recommended!

I received this book from the author for an honest review.

5.0 out of 5 starsAnimals show kids how to help each other.
BySusan Brougheron October 23, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
Charlene the confident hard-working horse, Hattie the brave caring chicken, Elliott the faithful dog friend, and Bentley the reformed dog bully go a long way to show children about teamwork, how to plan, and how to feel good about accomplishments. Lots of learning to go around in this story as the animals talk to each other showing their sense of humor. We ride in the jumping competition as the excitement builds and Charlene the horse shares her nervous thoughts trying to meet her goal of most points earned. The story unfolded nicely and the questions posed at the end will help children think about what they comprehended. It will help parents understand what their children are thinking. There is even a little horse romance which was especially sweet. I had some difficulty remembering who was who in the beginning as characters were introduced. I had to go back and read to see what animal was talking. If more beautiful illustrations were shown early on I could have visualized the characters and attached to them more quickly. This was the first book of the series for me to read, so I didn't already know the characters. I wanted to see what Elliott the dog looked like since he was a big part of the story too. Maybe he should have been included in the illustration with Charlene's friends at the end

0 out of 5 starsOne more "5 Stars" for Deanie Humphrys-Dunne!
By Camy on July 28, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
This is the third book that I have read from the author and I keep enjoying these wonderful stories and the cutest drawings.

I highly recommend this book which will teach children important values such as friendship, acceptance and encourage bullies to show kindness for one another.

The animal talent show is a great example for children to believe in their talent and never give up.

I love the fact that at the end of each book there is a questionnaire about the story. This gives the opportunity for teachers to engage children into discussions.

5.0 out of 5 starsI love this book!
By Carla Burke on January 27, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
Author Deanie Humphrys - Dunne has written another entertaining children's book. It is beautifully illustrated by her sister Holly Humphrys - Bajaj. It teaches a great life lesson that no matter who you are you can be yourself. I highly recommend the book as you will fall in love with Charlene the Star and Bentley the Bulldog ~ and Hattie the chicken too!

5.0 out of 5 starsCharming Story with Valuable Life Lessons
BySherry EllisVINE VOICEon January 25, 2015
Format: Paperback
Charlene the Star and Bentley Bulldog is the fifth book in author, Deanie Humpheys-Dunne's, Charlene the Star series. Like the other books, it is filled with valuable life lessons. Charlene the Star is a champion jumper horse. It is her dream to win the High Score Award. By setting goals and working hard, she accomplishes her dream. The new character in the book is Bentley, an English Bulldog, who in the beginning, is quite a bully. He learns, however, that being a bully isn't the right thing to do. Helping and encouraging others is much better.

Ms. Humpheys-Dunne cleverly puts these life lessons into a story where the animals are the protagonists, sharing their points of view. Children will enjoy this type of story telling, as well as the pencil illustrations which compliment the text nicely. Charlene the Star and Bentley Bulldog is a good book for children ages six to ten, which will teach them about setting goals, teamwork, and good character.

5.0 out of 5 starsTalking Animals Have Something To Say!
ByFlojo on January 23, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
Bentley, the English bulldog, is exactly what his name suggests, a bully! However, when rescued by Mary, Charlene the Star's trainer, he learns that his behavior is unacceptable and decides to make some very important changes. After several missteps, Bentley becomes friends with not only Charlene but Elliott and Hattie, the bonnet-wearing chicken as well.

You might be inclined to question what young children can learn from talking animals who do extraordinary things. Learning to deal with both winning and losing, being true to who you are, using the talents one has to the best of your ability, and engaging in worthwhile causes for the good of others are only four valuable lessons Ms. Dunne teaches in yet another Charlene the Star adventure. Her unique way of having animals present real life situations and how they deal with coming up with positive solutions is entertaining and believable. Dunne's latest tale certainly can be utilized by parents and teachers alike. Great read!

5.0 out of 5 starsA highly recommended book for all
ByAbbe Reichman on January 19, 2015
Fo rmat: Paperback
A cleverly written story involving the relationship of animals with humans qualities. The characters learn about the value of friendship, self esteem, acceptance and apologizing. They are also exposed to bullying and how through acts of kindness, generosity and encouragement growth and change takes place. Deanie's knowledge of horses was intriguing. Her witting sense of humor shined throughout the story. A highly recommended book for all.

starsChildren Will Learn Life Lessons with Bently Bulldog and Others
ByCold Coffeeon January 14, 2015
Format: Paperback
Charlene The Star and Bentley Bulldog - by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne is the newest release in her children’s adventure books.

Among some of the characters in this enchanting adventure include Charlene The Star (a horse) from Jumping For Joy Farms who is a competitive jumper, Mary Harris who is Charlene’s owner and rider, Hattie the chicken who loves to wear bonnets, and Bentley the bull dog who learns a valuable lesson about bullying.

Charming animals with unique personalities teach children life lessons on having proper manners, the value of friendships, sportsmanship, accepting and owning our mistakes, apologizing and making amends when we have hurt someone, and even when winning there is always room for improvement.

Parents and teachers should know that at the end of the book there are 8 questions and answers that challenge the child to remember what they have read (enhancing reading comprehension) and congratulates them for what they do remember.

Delightful hand drawn illustrations by Holly Humphrys-Bajaj bring the story and characters to life.

Other adventures that are available include Charlene The Star, Charlie The Horse, Charlene The Star and Hattie’s Heroes and Tails Of Sweetbrier.

‘Charlene The Star and Bentley Bulldog’ along with author Deanie Humphrys-Dunne other books as educational tools with pure reading enjoyment for young impressionable minds. The review was completed by Cold Coffee Press on December 26, 2014.

5.0 out of 5 starsYou Must Have This In Your Home Library!
By kidztales on January 13, 2015
Format: Paperback
I highly recommend Charlene The Star and Bentley Bulldog for your home library. This is the fifth story of The Charlene The Star series from her. This entertaining book teaches kids self-esteem and that everyone has a talent, no matter who or what they are. Like Hattie the Chicken does when she forms a talent show for her animal friends. It also covers the subject of bullies and shows how they can change and how non-violent people or animals can teach them to be good friends.

5.0 out of 5 starsA great barnyard adventure.
By Linda Pennington Black on January 11, 2015
Format: Paperback
There's nothing so exciting than making a bully see himself for what he is, and that is exactly what Hattie does to Bentley in this lively animal story. Deanie Humphrys-Dunne did a great job in making all the characters interact and come alive, even if they only talked to other animals. Charlene, the horse is the main character and her job is winning races; her friends jobs are to cheer her on, but there are a few other big surprises throughout the book. Does Charlene win that big one? You'll have to read to find out. This one is a must have for animal lovers, for those who like barnyard excitement and for anyone who has been bullied or is a bully. You won't be able to put it down.

0 out of 5 starsTeamwork Works!
By Ann (Ana) Morris on January 5, 2015
Format: Paperback
This is a cleverly written story that juggles humans and animals that speak. The animals speak among themselves and also have thoughts. There are puns and quips shared by the animals that are cute, and their personalities are easy to recognize. The story is an original way to deal with bullying and teamwork. It shows friends (human or animal) encouraging each other and reinforcing positive behaviors. The story is a wonderful read for children to enjoy and learn more about teamwork.