Good Dog, Carl by Alexandra Day


By Tanya Turgeon

Review by Tanya Turgeon

Little Simon (imprint of Simon & Schuster), 1996
40 pages
$7.99

A few weeks ago a small board book was handed to me by my sister-in-law.  It was called "Good Dog, Carl."  Turns out this book is a favorite of my niece who is approaching two years old.  Since I've been delving into the children's book realm a lot lately, I definitely don't want to exclude this one, which proved to be an oldie but a goodie.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  In this case, that couldn't be more true.  These are only three sentences (twelve little words) in the entire book.  Yet the story could not be more clear.  A mother leaves her baby under the care of a rottweiler named Carl.  While she is gone baby rides the big black and tan dog all around the house, sharing in many silly and mischievous adventures.  Carl has baby washed, blow-dried, and back in the crib just in time for mother's return, earning him those two little words all dogs long to hear, "Good dog."

It's simple, funny, imaginative, cute and brings to mind the much-loved class character Nana, the children's guardian dog in Peter Pan.  For dog lovers fighting the ever frustrating battle against breedism, the choice of rottweiler is perfect.  The images completely counteract the stereotypical tough, aggressive qualities into the more accurate sweet, child-loving, obedient, and responsible ones.

Originally copyrighted in 1985 by Alexandra Day, this story is timeless.  I may be the last to have discovered it, but in case you're with me, you'll be happy to know Carl was so popular with readers, he has a whole series of books for adults and children to enjoy together.

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