Carl's Summer Vacation by Alexandra Day
We love Carl and this book is another reason why we do. Carl and his family have headed to their cabin for summer vacation and the parents don’t realize how lucky they are, that they brought Carl along with them. With only a few pages containing actual words, the illustrations tell the story of what actually transpires in the story.
My grandson (he’s almost 3-years-old) and I like to read stories about Carl as his stories give way to conversations, Carl sets a great example, and the stories are upbeat and cheerful. Carl is a large, rottweiler who is mindful of his family’s young daughter, Madeleine. In the series, the two of them have wonderful adventures together, for which the adults have no idea what, the two of them have been up to. Carl is her protector.
While the parents get the cabin cleaned up, they set Madeleine and Carl down for a nap. Immediately, they set off to see the sights. I love the way that Carl tends to Madeleine and how she follows his lead. They do get into an empty boat which isn’t a good idea but she’s wearing a life vest, so she’s safe and this scenario brings up a good conversation for my grandson and I. I’m surprised that her parents don’t check-in on the two “sleeping” youngsters, for Madeleine and Carl have quite the adventure while her parents clean and tidy up the cabin. Their excursion finally comes to an end as they scramble back up onto the porch. They arrived just in time, for Madeleine’s parent’s call out to them, supposedly waking them up. Dinner is about to be served and the rest of the book is super cute.
The illustrations in the Carl books remind me of some books I used to read from in the 1970’s. The vivid colors, the way the faces are drawn, and how the illustrations just pop off the pages. I like how the illustrator paid attention to some details while blending in others. I highly recommend Carl books by Alexandra Day. 
