Charlie Wags has already had a busy year—and there are new adventures on the horizon.

Charlie Wags is the star of a charming new picture book series by sister duo authors Ali Barclay and Sofie Wells. 

The Tales of Charlie Wags debuted on January 6. The rhyming picture book series features a curious world-traveling dog. Charlie is seemingly an ordinary pup with an extraordinary secret: his wagging tail can whisk him away to cities around the world. In the debut book, Charlie travels to New York City where he explores the bustling streets of the big city. 

On the pages of the book, young readers are introduced to iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Broadway. Charlie’s day wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a classic New York pizzeria, and when the adventure winds down, Charlie wags himself back home to dream about his next big adventure—leaving readers excited for more.

Barclay and Wells moved to Chester County during their high school years and still call the area home today. They are both raising their families in the area. It was Wells, an entrepreneur at heart, who had an idea for a children’s book about a globetrotting dog. When she and her sister later became mothers, they fell in love with the magic of story time with their children. They realized the importance of reading books to their kids that were as educational as they were engaging.

Knowing that not all children had the chance to explore the world firsthand, Wells and Barclay finally decided to put pen to paper and create the story they had in their minds so many years ago. They saw an opportunity to write the exact type of book they were looking for with their own children—a book that is educational, fun, and appealing to both kids and parents.

Wells and Barclay want Charlie Wags to provide a conversational understanding of the world’s most famous cities through charming stories that make far-off places accessible to every child and family.

The Tales of Charlie Wags: New York City was followed by two other adventures—The Tales of Charlie Wags: London and The Tales of Charlie Wags: Paris.

The books, which are perfect of readers between the ages of three and seven, received critical acclaim when they were published. 

“A perfect preview of New York City for early childhood readers.” Is how Kirkus Reviews described the first book.

Written in lively rhyming verse, the book is easy for early readers to enjoy aloud with parents. The story is paired with stunning digital watercolor illustrations by acclaimed artist Sanna Sjöström, whose vibrant artwork captures the energy and charm of Charlie’s travels.

The book includes a whimsical map and a paw print trail marking Charlie’s stops, making it perfect for real-world exploration or imaginative play. To deepen the learning experience, the story concludes with “Paws and Learn: Landmarks Unleashed,” a two-page spread filled with historical tidbits and thought-provoking questions to spark meaningful conversations.

Barclay and Wells grew up as the daughters of immigrants with family roots in Argentina, Greece, and the U.S. They value cultural diversity and the educational power of travel. Through Charlie’s adventures, they aim to bring the magic of travel and the wonder of new places into every home.

“We understand that not every child has the opportunity to explore the world firsthand. Picture books are tiny windows into different worlds,” the sisters said in a press release promoting their first book. “They offer children the chance to explore new places, experience diverse cultures, and expand their imaginations—all from the comfort of home. Growing up as daughters of immigrants, we understood the value of cultural diversity early on. This inspired us to create a series that fosters a love of travel and learning for all families.”

Charlie Wags will enjoy more adventures in 2025. There are plans to release a festive European Christmas Adventure this fall.

The Tales of Charlie Wags books are available now in hardcover and e-book formats on Amazon and at www.charliewags.com, where additional merchandise is available, including children’s books and greeting cards.

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