Charlie the Tramp by Russell Hoban

Charlie the Tramp, a classic by Author Russell Hoben is back in print in a 50^th Anniversary edition.  This is a sweet story about Charlie the Beaver who wants to be a tramp when he grows up. He likes the idea of freedom and not having to learn how to build dams and chop down trees. Mom, Dad, and Grandfather all talk to him about making life choices, but let him have some freedom. He tied a handkerchief to a stick and took off.  He learned many lessons during his adventure – which included chopping trees and building dams. It ends with a talk between Charlie and his dad.

Some of the terms are a bit outdated, so you may have to explain that years ago tramps worked when they had to and traveled the rest of the time.  Other than that, it is a nice family story that will make a good early reader.

"Tramps just tramp around
and have a good time.
They carry sticks
with little bundles tied to them.
They sleep in a field
when the weather is nice,
and when it rains they sleep in a barn."