Watch Out, Charlie Brown

"Watch Out, Charlie Brown," by Charles M. Schulz, collects a group of comic strips featuring Charlie Brown and the rest of the "Peanuts" gang. According to the copyright page, these strips date back at least to 1969 and 1970 and previously appeared as the second half of a collection titled "You're Out of Sight, Charle Brown."Some plotlines included in "Watch Out" include Lucy's vocation as a "new feminist," Snoopy's term of office as Head Beagle (assisted by Woodstock), and Peppermint Patty's organization of a football team. The book features a number of familiar Peanuts motifs and themes, such as Lucy's psychiatric stand and her endless flirtation with Schroeder. Overall, there are a lot of Snoopy and Woodstock strips. The book also takes us through some of the high points of a Peanuts year: the first day of school, Halloween, Christmastime, etc.There are a few dated cultural references (Rod McKuen, Bobby Hull, etc.) but overall the strips have that timeless Peanuts appeal. There are some characteristically wonderful moments, such as Linus' epiphany after building a snowman. And of course, the Charlie Brown/Snoopy relationship remains one of the best "boy and his dog" relationships ever created.