When it is David’s turn to choose a book, he does not want me to “read” to him. He wants to show me a book.
So what book does he choose to show Grandma?
Good Dog, Carl.
Even better, Good Dog, Carl as a board book!
Summary
At the book’s opening, there is a woman next to a baby in a crib. The woman leans down and gives instructions to a large dog:
“Look after the baby, Carl.
I’ll be back shortly.”
What follows is a wordless story of the dog’s day as he cares for the baby: playing, dressing, feeding, cleaning, and finally, tucking the baby back into her crib for a nap.
Carl is a Rottweiler, a large dog breed noted for its intelligence and its protective nature. As he “looks after the baby”, Carl is also unintentionally hilarious.
So, adult readers, please put off your concern as Carl entertains the baby by playing with Mom’s makeup or as he pushes the baby down the laundry chute. Don’t flinch when Carl teaches the baby to swim in the fish tank.
All will be well in the end.
Audience
The board book is ideal for children 1-3 years old.
NOTE: David’s father also loved Good Dog, Carl which came out the year he was born.
Perhaps it is genetic? But dogs are generally considered responsible caregivers (remember Lassie? Balto? Dug? Toto?)
That universal belief makes this a picture book that can be enjoyed by all ages.
Author/Illustrator
Good Dog, Carl was written and illustrated by Alexandra Day (aka: Sandra Louise Woodward Darling) in 1985. Carl was based on her own dog, Toby; the baby was based on her daughter, Madeleine. There are 36 pages with detailed illustrations.
She has written 14 more Carl titles since then.
Reading Opportunities
The sequence of events in this picture book does not matter to David. Instead, he finds the individual illustrations that he likes. He will pause at Carl opening the refrigerator to feed the baby. He will chuckle at the mess Carl makes dropping milk on the floor. He’ll turn several pages to point and explain to me that Carl is using the “bath”. Then, he will return to the pictures with food on the floor. He will chuckle again.
For David, Carl’s action are entirely believable. He will sit, focused on turning the thick pages for several minutes. The board book withstands the constant back and forth of his small fingers.
That quiet interaction is a bit of a miracle, and a testament to the power of this picture book to entertain one very active toddler!
Good dog, Carl!
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