Carl's Birthday [Hardcover]

Alexandra Day (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1995 | Age Level: 3 and up | Series: Carl

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.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 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
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 2^-7. 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

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); 1st edition (November 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374311447
• ISBN-13: 978-0374311445
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #42,713 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

In addition to The Christmas We Moved to the Barn, Cooper Edens has writted many ppular children's books, including If You're Afraid of the Dark, Remember the Night Rainbow, and his popular Santa Cow books. Mr Edens lives in Seattle, Washington.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Birthday "trouble" keeps life in perspective..., August 15, 2000

By 

bethlovesbooks (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Carl's Birthday (Board book)

All of the Carl books are thoughtful and creative, though this one is my favorite so far. I love making up the words for each of the books. The format definitely encourages analysis and discussion in a fun way. Little ones must look carefully and closely at each picture and think about how they choose to interpret the events. This book would make a timely birthday gift as well.

The basic premise is that "Mom" sends Carl and the baby girl (now a toddler) next door for their naps so that she can prepare for Carl's surprise birthday party. Of course, mischievous Carl and the baby sneak back and get into everything before the party.

This story is full of sweet little details (Carl receives a toy sized Rottweiler which they can't seem to get rewrapped quite right. Carl takes a bite out the cake and disguises it with a carefully placed flower. Somehow, all the toys that Mom picked up end up back out and under the party table....what Mom can't relate to that one!)

But most of all, I appreciate the free spirited theme that underpins these books. For me, they are a reminder that all of the details that seem so critical are really just a means to a bigger end. In the end, it's the spirit and joy of childhood that is important, a spirit that Carl and that little girl epitomize without saying a single word.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love that Carl!, October 17, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Carl's Birthday (Board book)

I'm a mission to purchase all the Carl books. I think it's a great way to show children how wonderful animals and pets can be. I especially like the board book format. It will allow my baby to enjoy it for a long time.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most beautiful children's book ever, February 5, 2006

By 

M. Gent "book lover" (Parkesburg, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Carl's Birthday (Board book)

This is just the most beautiful children's book. The watercolor pictures are magical. The story is told mostly in these wonderful pictures. You can tell it slightly differently each time, and your child can make up words when old enough. The pictures tell a story that is full of love, humor, and happiness. It just warms my heart. My son and I love it equally. We received it as a gift and plan to buy the rest of the Carl books. What a joy of a book.