Authors Robert Kraus (text) and illustrated by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey.

As the summary on the second page of the book states “Coward powered Noel changes to a hero with the help of Charlie’s School of Self Defense”. This A4 size book is a slim volume which is intended to be read by younger readers. With simple and easy to read text the story is told mainly via its very lavish illustrations.

The main character in the story is little Noel the Kangaroo.

Noel is picked on by most if the other inhabitants of his world, as a result he goes’s through life scared and afraid. Two of the characters in particular (Gus and Tony) seem to enjoy making his life miserable. Unfortunately his father is of no help because he too suffers from the same problem, not that they are cowards but because they don’t know how to fight back.

They both want to change this situation and so they enrol in “Charlie’s School of Self Defense”. This is a direct reference to the “Charles Nelson School of Self Defense” which was in operation in New York City at the time. Situated in a less affluent area of the city the crowded gym is filled with the tools of Charlie’s trade, from him they learn the arts of self protection. Boxing, Wrestling and Judo are taught and learned, in learning “Dirty Fighting” Charlie tells them that “It often comes in handy”.

Noel and his Father both learn as much as they can from Charlie until they graduate from his school. Confrontation with Gus and Tony comes quickly after and little Noel is able to defeat them without striking a blow. Causing them to defeat themselves he didn’t have to use violent action as he knew he could beat both of them if he wanted to.

Written in 1977 by a student of Charles Nelson the book wasn’t released until 1988 and had the following dedication.

Book Dedication

Charles Nelson

In a fiction follows reality way the book is based on not one but many of Charlie’s students lives. In my collection I have a photo of Chuck, a shy young man who was enrolled in Charlie’s school for lessons to ‘toughen him up’ as a teenager. The photo is of a young US Marine in his dress uniform having just passed the rigorous training required to join. Standing next to him is his proud Instructor Charles Nelson who himself had served with that force. Many other people who trained with Charlie had the same life changing experiences.

The book is perfect for children as a learning tool, for adults it’s also quite a heart warming tale.

Personal

Not being a child (I get called one at times but I pay taxes and everything!) and not having any of my own I had to “borrow” some of a friends to read this book to.

Children whom I’ve read this book immediately grasp the context of the matter. As one of them said to me:

“Because he knew that could beat them up he didn’t need to do it. He was a better person than Tony and Gus, I like Noel”.

Training is designed to make better persons out of us all, something which Noel and his Father discovered.

As a book it’s worth having as a resource for adult and younger reader alike. I really recommend it and if you e-mail me I’ll let you know where it’s available from. Just don’t be surprised if the readers develop an interest in self protection afterwards!

Take care,

Phil

© thebristolbloke@yahoo.com – 2006

Acknowledgements:

§ Carol Randall (Daughter of Charles Nelson) for sending me my copy of the book with its wonderful inscription, my humble apologies that the review took so long to complete.

§ Paul Gerasimchyk, a good friend to me and a former student of Charlie.

§ James Farthing, another good friend and a goldmine of relevant info.