Carl's Christmas
(Carl)

"We're going to Grandma's and then to church. Take good care of the baby, Carl' " is the opening and sole text for this wordless story of the canine Carl and his babysitting talents. In the parents' absence, Carl gives the baby a ride downstairs where they decorate a potted plant. Then, the unflappable dog gets the baby into his outdoor outfit and they're off to town. Once home again, Carl greets the cow-faced reindeer, ushers Santa through the door, helps disperse gifts, and sees the jolly old fellow off up the chimney. Day's paintings are fond renderings of the rottweiler and his baby charge in their modern-day, old Victorian mansion. Readers may wonder how a dog gets a baby into sleepers and up on his back for the ride to bed, but no matter in this fantasy. Carl lovers don't ask questions—capable Carl can do anything.

Copyright 1990 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission

The words "Take good care of the baby, Carl"—practically the only words in Day's books about the lovable rottweiler—trigger giggles of delight from readers of all ages. And though Carl's Christmas has much in common with its predecessor, Carl Goes Shopping, the new book has charms all its own. Carl is imbued with enough "good will towards man" to warm a whole town, and on Christmas Eve he and his infant charge venture forth to spread holiday cheer. Carl donates a basket of goodies to the needy (the baby contributes his hat), then lends his "voice" to a group of carolers. Back at home, awakened by strange sounds, Carl investigates; his expression as he comes face-to-face with his first reindeer is priceless. While this may not be Carl's most original adventure, it's still a delight, bound to please the good dog's old friends—and win him plenty of new ones. All ages. (Oct.)

Copyright 1990 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission