Review of Scotland Bound, Charlie Brown!

Cover

A new adventure from the Peanuts Gang!!!! I remember sitting with my grandpa, sister, and cousins on a Sunday morning and he would read us Peanuts. I also remember curling up on the couch as my dad read the strips to my sister and I. Not only the comics but watching the Peanuts movies was a large part of my growing up. My family watches A Charlie Brown Christmas every year, at least once! So, when I saw that there was a new adventure, I picked it up immediately from the library where I work. Partly because I love Peanuts but a lot has to do with it being a rough summer and well why not see what “good ol’ Charlie Brown” is up to these days. 

Background to the Book 

A Warm Coo

This book did not disappoint, while not written by Charles Shulz readers can feel his ways in the comic. I love the interactions of the characters and the feeling of ‘being’ there the text and images bring. Though this may be nostalgia and my need for an easy familiar escape it was a delightful book. The story is based on an old storyboard for an unfinished movie that Schulz was a part of (McDonald, 2021; Peanuts, 2021). According to Craig McDonald (2021) in an article for the Sunday Post the work was adapted from a movie inspired by Schulz trip with his wife to Scotland. The spirit of Schulz is honored in the way the writer adapted the book. One of
many references to other works by Schulz is when Lucy is hugging a Coo and says “Forget Puppies, Happiness is hugging a warm coo!” in reference to the work titled Happiness is a Warm Puppy.  

The Story 

Pen-Crush

For once Charlie Brown isn’t acting very “Charlie Browny,” what could be the cause? Why is he so happy? Turns out he has a friend in Scotland that he’s been writing to and she makes him happy. While Charlie Brown is sharing with Linus, Lucy shows up and starts asking questions. In a series of Panels, it is revealed that not only are they friends but Charlie Brown has, according to Lucy, a “pen-crush!” After hearing about a talent contest in the pen pal's home town, the gang decides they should raise money to go. They hold a carnival to be able to attend, and actually get enough to go. 

 

So, things are looking up, that is until Charlie Brown opens a letter from his pen pal on the plane that explains she won't be in Scotland when they arrive. Now we see the familiar Charlie Brown we know and love, sad, upset and ready to give up. However, after a chat with Linus and the gang Charlie Brown is once again alright and they get off the plane in Scotland. Here they are greeted by their tour guide who takes them to her family Coo farm, as well as famous places in Scotland including Loch Ness to see Nessy! 

You ARE Someone

During these outings Charlie Brown is once again down and talks with their host. During this chat, while Lucy is hugging a Coo, he asks why no one likes him and if a girl might like him. The little girl gives him advice to be happy with where he is and that it should be a thing to be happy about, after all he is in a beautiful place with friends “...and Sheep” (Peanuts, Unnumbered, 2021). This leads her to say, “I am and you are someone a nice
country girl would like to get to know” (Peanuts, Unnumbered, 2021). The next panel shows them looking at one another, she with a happy smile and Charlie shocked. 

The story ends happily with them attending the show and performing, though not exactly as planned. Each panel is full of fun and excitement, until they leave for home and say goodbye to their new friend. 

Final Thoughts 

This ‘new’ adventure is for anyone who loves Peanuts but not just them anyone will find excitement and joy in this simple story. We can all relate to Charlie Brown and his luck, when nothing ever seems to go right. I found it delightful and familiar even without the true hand of Schulz, the team did a wonderful job. I recommend this book as a good read for Peanuts fans young and old, or just anyone looking for a good read! 

References 

Peanuts (2021). Scotland bound, Charlie Brown. McAllen, TX: Kaboom Comics. For more information see: Peanuts: Scotland Bound, Charlie Brown by Charles M. Schulz | Goodreads  

McDonald, C. (2021, March 20). Charlie Brown gang on how legendary cartoonist’s Scots trip inspired new book. Sunday Post. https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/charlie-brown/  

Images of Cover, Lucy Hugging the Coo, and You ARE Someone are taken by me of the book.

The image of Lucy talking to Charlie brown was featured in the Sunday Post article cited above.