Carl's Summer Vacation by Alexandra Day, Alexandra Day (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

Carl and Madeleine are supposed to be napping while Mom and Dad get the summer cabin ready for company, but this lovable canine and his charge have better things to do. They escape from the hammock to do some canoeing, pick blackberries, and enjoy a picnic. Carl even plays a little baseball! That night, Mom and Dad wonder why the two are so tired ? little do they know that Carl and Madeleine have been busy exploring all that a summer vacation on the lake has to offer.

Told mainly through Alexandra Day?s gorgeous oil paintings, this summertime romp will make readers long to bring Carl along on their own vacations!

Children's Literature

Carl, the rambunctious Rottweiler, who is featured in each book of the "Carl" series, is back in doggy action, exploring the sunny outdoors with his favorite playmate, Madeline, the young daughter of his owners. Very little text is featured throughout the book, placing the focus primarily on the beautiful watercolor illustrations that tell the story in a whimsical, old-fashioned way, which makes the reader wistful for childhood summers. Carl and his human buddy Madeline spend their day paddling in a canoe, swimming in the lake, blackberry picking, playing on the playground, and joining in a game of sandlot baseball before returning home, too tired to even watch the nighttime fireworks. Though leaving a young child in the care of a hundred pound Rottweiler is not my idea of model parental care, Carl does a good job of keeping Madeline safe. Each brightly colored illustration captures the expression of both child and dog, from dawn's excitement to dusk's exhaustion. The pictures have many details that can be discussed, enhancing the interaction between child and reader, which makes this book a joy for all ages. Reviewer: Carly Reagan

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2- Young 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

Kirkus Reviews

Carl the protective Rottweiler and Madeleine the charming toddler return for another playful adventure in this popular series. The very brief text explains that the family is arriving at their lakeside cabin to prepare for a picnic dinner and to take in a fireworks display with friends. Madeleine and Carl should settle down for a nap, but they take off on another independent escapade, away from any watchful parents. The daring duo begin by canoeing together on the lake, an activity that may give safety-conscious parents pause, especially when the canoe tips over. (Responsible Carl made sure Madeleine was wearing her life jacket and even tightened the strap for her.) They move on to a full afternoon of play at the park and beach, returning home in time for dinner but too tired to stay awake for the fireworks. Day's paintings are as charming as ever, particularly in the joyful scenes of Madeleine riding on Carl's back, but one must wonder when Carl will be ready to retire. (Picture book. 3-5)

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