Carl's Birthday

by Alexandra Day, Alexandra Day (Illustrator)

Overview

Happy birthday, Carl! But can Mom surprise him? No way. As hard as Mom tries, Madeleine and her canine babysitter extraordinaire are hot on her trail, tasting the party punch, peeking at presents, and adding some of their own favorite decorations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780374311506
Publisher:	Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication date:	09/01/1997
Series:	Good Dog Carl Series
Pages:	34
Sales rank:	295,611
Product dimensions:	4.75(w) x 5.80(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	3 - 6 Years

About the Author

Alexandra Day is the author and illustrator of Good Dog, Carl and the rest of the beloved Carl books, including Carl Goes Shopping, Carl's Christmas, Carl's Birthday and Carl's Snowy Afternoon. The Darlings' own dog, a Rottweiler named Toby, was the original model for the main character of Good Dog, Carl. Since then, two other Darling Rottweilers have posed as Carl in the sequels: the late Arambarri, who was named for one of the Darlings' favorite jai alai players; and Zabala, who currently moonlights as an Our Best Friend therapy dog, visiting hospitals to cheer patients.

Editorial Reviews

Another winner.” —School Library Journal

From the Publisher

PreS-Gr 2-This nearly wordless picture book continues the fantasy of the renowned Rottweiler and his wee ward. The lovable dog and his toddler mistress sneak back home from a neighbor's house, where Madeleine's mother is preparing a birthday party for Carl. From hidden vantage points they check on or assist with preparations for the festivities. The clandestine pair escape to their rightful place, taking a nap together just in time to put on party attire and return home to be greeted by guests yelling ``Surprise!'' Party scenes contrast brightly with everyday life in another winner for Carl's fans.-Marsha McGrath, Clearwater Public Library, FL

School Library Journal

Beloved from many previous escapades, Carl, the gentle rottweiler, and Madeline, the mischievous toddler, are sent to nap at the neighbors' while Mom prepares for the surprise birthday party. But the two buddies sneak back home through Carl's doggie door and watch undetected as Mom tidies and decorates the house. Of course, Carl and Madeline must add their own touches to the preparations, flavoring the punch, hiding and even undoing the carefully wrapped presents, and sampling the beautiful birthday cake, though Carl thoughtfully camouflages the gouge Madeline's hand makes in the frosting. As the guests arrive, Carl, with Madeline riding him bareback, gallops back to the neighbors' house, where the pair are found stretched out side by side, feigning sleep. Characteristically, Day uses brief text only at the beginning and at the end of the story, allowing her luxuriantly colored, expressively detailed paintings to convey the humor and joyful companionship of Carl and Madeline's latest adventure.

Ellen Mandel