Carl's Summer Vacation (Carl)

PreS-Gr 2Young Madeleine and her loyal pup, Carl, are up to their same tricks in this charming addition to a whimsical series. Mom and Dad are busy preparing the summer cabin for company later in the evening, and they leave the pair in a hammock on the back porch. Immediately upon hearing Mom say, "You two have a good nap so you'll be ready to go see the fireworks tonight," Carl and his devoted sidekick decide to go exploring. It is here that the text stops, for the most part. Richly detailed and beautifully hued illustrations depict the duo's adventures: a canoe ride that includes a stop by a flowering lily pad; a romp through wild blackberry bushes where they come upon a highly protective mama skunk; a stop at the playground where Carl joins a baseball game, and more. They return to the hammock just in time to be "awakened" by Mom. Madeleine falls asleep in her father's arms during the vibrantly depicted fireworks show, leaving her parents to wonder why she was so tired after having had such a long nap. A strong, solid addition."Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY" Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Carl . . . shows no signs of aging in the 11th book in a series that has 3 million copies in print. . . . It's vintage Alexandra Day: a few words of text driven by rich, expressive watercolors." —USA TODAY

"Young Madeleine and her loyal pup, Carl, are up to their same tricks in this charming addition to a whimsical series. . . . A strong, solid addition." —School Library Journal

"Carl the protective Rottweiler and Madeleine the charming toddler return for another playful adventure in this popular series. . . . Day's paintings are as charming as ever, particularly in the joyful scenes of Madeleine riding on Carl's back." —Kirkus Reviews

"The text is minimal and rightly so, as Day knows just how to make a story move through pictures alone." —Horn Book

"The painting's dreamlike quality captures the lazy summer day feel. Fans of Carl will delight in this summertime romp." —BookLoons

"The attraction, as always, is the evocative watercolor art, coupled here with the fantasy of having secret fun." —Booklist