Charlie and the Tire Swing
Discover how Charlie’s adventures begin on the tire swing!
Charlie and the Tire Swing – How It Began!
Published by: OC Publishing
Charlie and the Tire Swing is a beautiful intergenerational story told from the perspective of Charlie and his Grandpa Jack. Over a cup of hot chocolate, Charlie’s grandfather tells the story of how he planted an acorn with his grandfather, Charlie’s Great-Great Grandpa George, and how he tenderly cared for it and watched it grow from one season to the next. He shares how, over the years, as the acorn grew into a mighty oak tree, each generation enjoyed the shade of the tree, climbing it, reading under it, and gathering together as a family around it. It’s a story of growing strong family ties, sharing stories from generation to generation, and appreciating nature and the simple things in life, like swinging on a tire swing. The learning opportunities range from the science of growing things to interpersonal relations, the health benefits of outdoor activity, innovation, problem-solving, and creative play.
“What People are Saying!”
Charlie and Grandpa looking at the big oak tree.
Great Grandpa and Jack plant the acorn.
October is here and still no tree. Charlie is beginning to worry! Great Grandpa George says to have faith.
Individual Reviews
*The Readers Entertainment Magazine Article by: Joice McKade – Full Article
Snippet review: “ It’s a story of growing strong family ties, of sharing stories from generation to generation, and of appreciating nature and the simple things in life, like swinging on a tire swing.”
A Snippet Review: What A Loving LegacyThis tale is loving and warm. There’s a charming legacy of simple joys in life – of the ones that truly help us to grow and unite. In it, there’s a beauty that will reveal itself differently at various stages one’s life.”
Reviewed in Australia on 8 October 2022
A Snippet of the review – “This luminous story shares many levels of pleasure, not the least of which is admiration for older generations – respect and loving! Very highly recommended.”
* Scribble’s Worth Book Review – Full Review
A snippet of the review – “Floyd Boehm and Gaudet captured my imagination and provoked my nostalgia with the words and illustrations used to tell this simple story—which felt like it was passed down within the family.”
* Midwest Book Reviewer – Full Review
Deb Greenberg
Reviewer
A Snippet of the review – “Grab a cup of cocoa and listen to the story within a story told by little Charlie’s grandpa about him planting an acorn with his own grandpa, then witnessing it grow from each season after repeatedly telling it: “Acorn, don’t forget to grow.” The story gently captures the ways that each generation enjoyed this mighty oak tree that started from an acorn. Strong family ties, sharing stories from generation to generation, and enjoying nature are all part of this endearing tale about the simple things, like swinging on a tire swing. (Ages 3-7)”
* Let’s Talk Knowledge – Full Review
A Snippet of the review – “My children and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, as our bedtime story over the last couple of weeks. The colours are so superbly vibrant they seem add to the excitement of the increasing (and increasingly funny) ‘Charlie and the Tire Swing’ is spot on – yet it seems quite natural and effortlessly engaging.”
* EBookbug – Full Review
“We bought this book for home learning for our four year old. Really good book that we’ll use for years to come. Touched on a lot of subjects relevant to us and really helped her to explore the relationships in her own life.”
* Amazon purchase – Full review
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2022
* Amazon purchase Full Review
J. M. Northup
A Snippet of the Review – “This tale is loving and warm. There’s a charming legacy of simple joys in life – of the ones that truly help us to grow and unite. In it, there’s a beauty that will reveal itself differently at various stages one’s life.”
* Amazon purchase Full Review
Vine Voice
A snippet of the review – “Charming and heartfelt, this story of one boy’s relationship with his grandfather is sure to inspire intergenerational conversation between readers and their family members, as well.”
* Author Anthony Avina’s Blog Full Review
Thoughtful, heartwarming, and entertaining, author Diann Floyd Boehm’s “Charlie and the Tire Swing” is a must-read children’s book. The heartfelt delivery of these themes and the emotional connection the author created between readers and the characters as they explored the past, present, and future of this family allowed for a rich and impactful story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on October 8th, 2022!
Readers Choice Awards
- Readers Choice Awards Final 5 Stars
- Readers Choice Awards Reviews
- Readers’ Choice Book Awards
- Review Completed by Readers’ Choice Book Awards
Author: Diann Floyd Boehm
Title: Charlie and the Tire Swing: How it Began
Review completed: January 2023
A charming story about the special bond between grandparent and child, by author Diann Floyd Boehm
Charlie looks at the big oak tree outside his grandparent’s kitchen window, and asks his Grandpa Jack, how did the oak tree grow so big? Grandpa Jacks tells Charlie a story from his own childhood, when he found a little acorn and with the help of his own grandfather, planted it in the garden. Young Jack waited patiently for the acorn to grow and visited his grandparents every weekend to check the trees progress. Over many weeks and months, there was still no sign of a tree, and Jack feared the little acorn had been washed away in the rainstorms, or frozen in the winter snow. Until one spring day, a little sapling sprouted from the ground. Jack took very good care of the little tree, watering it, talking to it, and protecting it from the frost in winter. Over several years, the little sapling grew into a magnificent tree, and became home to many creatures, including cardinals, owls and hawks. The tree was enjoyed by the whole family for many years, as the house and beloved tree were passed through the generations. Grandpa Jack asks Charlie to take good care of the tree and he ties an old rope and tire to the branches, so Charlie can play and enjoy the splendid specimen.
Charlie and the Tire Swing: How it Began by author Diann Floyd Boehm is a sweet and wonderful picture book about a young boy and his exploration with nature with his grandfather. It shows the beauty of the relationship between child and grandparent, as Grandpa Jack lovingly tells the young boy a story from his own childhood over a mug of hot chocolate. In an age of gaming, technology, high energy entertainment and social media, this is a reminder of the simpler things in life, and the importance of nurturing relationships through conversations and storytelling. I hope this book will encourage both young children and adults to explore nature in their own backyard, and beyond.
Star rating: 5 Stars
Summary: A sweet, wonderful and warm intergenerational story and exploration of nature.
