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Good Dog, Carl #11
Carl's Summer Vacation
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!
Told mainly through Alexandra Day's gorgeous oil paintings, this summertime romp will make readers long to bring Carl along on their own vacations!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published May 27, 2008
About the author
Alexandra Day
75 books96 followersAlexandra Day, the beloved creator of Good Dog, Carl, is the literary persona of Sandra Louise Woodward Darling—an artist and storyteller devoted to the deep, joyful connection between children and animals. The beloved children's book author, Alexandra Day, is the literary persona of Sandra Louise Woodward Darling, an artist and storyteller passionate about connecting children and animals.
Born in 1941 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Alexandra Day emerged from a creative family where painting was a cherished pastime. Four formative years on a hundred-acre Kentucky farm nurtured her deep connection to animals and literature, fostering the seeds of her future artistic vision.
Day and her husband, Harold Darling, founded Green Tiger Press in 1970, marking the beginning of their publishing adventure. Her breakthrough came in 1985 with Good Dog, Carl, a book inspired by an antique German illustration she discovered in a Zurich bookshop. The story was based on her own Rottweiler, Toby, and featured her granddaughter, Madeleine, as the baby.
Over the past four next three decades, Day has published twenty-four Carl books, selling more than six million copies. The series, featuresing a gentle Rottweiler caring for a baby and their adventures, is a beloved staple of children's literature. Beyond Carl, she also created the Frank and Ernest series, The Teddy Bear’s Picnic, and many other books.
After selling Green Tiger Press in 1986, Day and Harold started Blue Lantern Publishing. In 1993, they moved to Seattle and founded Laughing Elephant Publishing. Following Harold's passing in 2016, Day continues to run the company with her family.
When not painting Carl or working at her publishing company, Day can be found spending time with her grandchildren and tending her garden. Alexandra Day often visits libraries and schools with her dogs, promoting reading and the benefits of therapy animals. Her life's work celebrates the magical bond between children, animals, and storytelling.
Born in 1941 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Alexandra Day emerged from a creative family where painting was a cherished pastime. Four formative years on a hundred-acre Kentucky farm nurtured her deep connection to animals and literature, fostering the seeds of her future artistic vision.
Day and her husband, Harold Darling, founded Green Tiger Press in 1970, marking the beginning of their publishing adventure. Her breakthrough came in 1985 with Good Dog, Carl, a book inspired by an antique German illustration she discovered in a Zurich bookshop. The story was based on her own Rottweiler, Toby, and featured her granddaughter, Madeleine, as the baby.
Over the past four next three decades, Day has published twenty-four Carl books, selling more than six million copies. The series, featuresing a gentle Rottweiler caring for a baby and their adventures, is a beloved staple of children's literature. Beyond Carl, she also created the Frank and Ernest series, The Teddy Bear’s Picnic, and many other books.
After selling Green Tiger Press in 1986, Day and Harold started Blue Lantern Publishing. In 1993, they moved to Seattle and founded Laughing Elephant Publishing. Following Harold's passing in 2016, Day continues to run the company with her family.
When not painting Carl or working at her publishing company, Day can be found spending time with her grandchildren and tending her garden. Alexandra Day often visits libraries and schools with her dogs, promoting reading and the benefits of therapy animals. Her life's work celebrates the magical bond between children, animals, and storytelling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 11, 2023
I just so much and totally aesthetically adore Alexandra Day's evocative illustrations for her Carl's Summer Vacation, and the plot-line of this "almost wordless" picture book is basically (in my humble opinion) almost too sweet and touching for my poor words to adequately show. And yes, Day's storyline for Carl's Summer Vacation, it delightfully and nostalgically brings back all kinds of fond and homey personal memories, as I do well recall using our own dear (and first) Rottweiler as a pony when we were toddlers (we could do almost anything with her, and she was the most wonderful and loyal playmate) and with me also absolutely loving and equally really laughing aloud at the scene in Carl's Summer Vacation where Alexandra Day has Carl and his "mount" Madeline jump over the family of skunks (so very cute, but also perhaps a trifle terrifying, for if those skunks had actually sprayed Carl and Madeleine, potential humour would have quickly and odiferously dissipated). And although our mother would of course never have left us alone with any of our Rottweilers, if she had, my siblings and I would actually have been in good hands (as they were totally trustworthy and massively protective of us children). A wonderful picture book story is Carl's Summer Vacation for anyone who loves dogs, and it is indeed so sweetly refreshing to see Rottweilers depicted as the wonderful, loving and fun animals they so often are and not as horrid and lethal monstrosities (I am bathing warmly in the scented and tenderly caressing waters of nostalgia, for Carl's Summer Vacation is just so wonderful and sweetly, lastingly wonderfully endearing).
June 23, 2022
Carl never fails to charm me and the illustrations are marvelous, as always (my favorite is of him going down the slide at the playground -- love the expression on his face and those ears flying behind him!) As usual, the premise is slightly problematic for me as a parent because Carl and the little girl don't do as the mother says and take a nice nap -- instead, they go off on all sorts of adventures. I try to suspend my grown-up qualms and see this through the child's eyes where Carl is a perfectly good "nanny" for the little girl, though I do sometimes still feel they do things they oughtn't such as disrupt a baseball game or eat food from someone else's picnic lunch. Still, it has a lot of summertime charm, including a picnic and a fireworks display.
January 22, 2011
So, what’s with this situation?! Years ago I read (to young children) Good Dog, Carl, Carl Goes Shopping, and Carl's Afternoon in the Park. Have these gotten even better or I do like these books better when I’m simply reading them to myself? I came very close to giving this book 5 stars. 4 ½ stars.
This is a very funny story about Carl the dog and Madeleine the little girl, who go off on a multi-part adventure, and end up puzzling the adults in the family.
The illustrations are so striking! They’re beautiful and do a wonderful job of capturing Carl (play position and all) and of the summery weather and lake area; I was somewhat less impressed with the way the people’s faces were depicted, although their bodies and body language are done very well. From the cover on though, the pictures are shiny, in a good way.
This is a nearly wordless picture book, but the words that are there definitely enhance the story. I liked the story/words parts of this book. However, even pre-readers will be able to read this book on their own; they will definitely understand the course of events.
Charming!
This is a very funny story about Carl the dog and Madeleine the little girl, who go off on a multi-part adventure, and end up puzzling the adults in the family.
The illustrations are so striking! They’re beautiful and do a wonderful job of capturing Carl (play position and all) and of the summery weather and lake area; I was somewhat less impressed with the way the people’s faces were depicted, although their bodies and body language are done very well. From the cover on though, the pictures are shiny, in a good way.
This is a nearly wordless picture book, but the words that are there definitely enhance the story. I liked the story/words parts of this book. However, even pre-readers will be able to read this book on their own; they will definitely understand the course of events.
Charming!
November 3, 2021
Carl goes on vacation and has more adventures. See reviews on the Carl books. Don't miss them.
June 22, 2022
The illustrations are glorious, and even though the parents are oblivious here, Carl and the little girl get up to their own mischief when they're supposed to be napping, instead of being temporarily abandoned in an unsafe place. That made this installment seem a lot cuter to me.
August 9, 2013
This is another fun book featuring a dog named Carl. We've read a few of these stories, and while I cringe when I see an unsupervised child (by an adult), I know that the story is just meant to be a fun tale.
Since the story is mostly told through pictures, with little narrative, our girls took turns telling the story as we flipped through the pages. The story is entertaining and the ending, while predictable, is humorous. Although the story wasn't specifically about Independence Day, the fireworks at the end allude to that time of the year, and it would be a perfect time to read this book. We enjoyed reading this book together.
Since the story is mostly told through pictures, with little narrative, our girls took turns telling the story as we flipped through the pages. The story is entertaining and the ending, while predictable, is humorous. Although the story wasn't specifically about Independence Day, the fireworks at the end allude to that time of the year, and it would be a perfect time to read this book. We enjoyed reading this book together.
July 18, 2017
Carl and his charge are supposed to be spending the afternoon napping so they can stay awake for the big fireworks display, but instead they're boating, swimming, and playing baseball. Will they both be too pooped to party later? Another adorable chapter in Carl's very active life.
May 25, 2021
A fun picture book. I love the Carl books.
October 10, 2010
One in a series of Carl books, this particular picture storybook depicts a day in the life of Carl, the big dog, and a little girl who vacation with their family at a cabin during the summer. The beautiful illustrations tell the story of the little girl and her dog’s adventures over the course of a summer day. Cultural experiences typical of an early July day are evident with a canoe ride on the lake (Of course the girl is wearing a lifejacket!), a doggie-back ride through a berry patch, fun on slides, etc. in a playground, baseball games, a picnic and a fireworks finale. Some humor is evident because the parents who have been working in the cabin later wonder why Carl and the little girl are so tired because they have been napping in the hammock all afternoon. This book works well for 2-4 year olds as it illustrates physical skills typical for this age group like splashing in the water, climbing on jungle gyms and eating cupcakes at a picnic. The easy-to-understand characters and the simplicity of the plot along with the pleasant experiences of a beautiful summer day make this a wonderful choice for pre-schoolers.
Ages 2-4 years
Using as an example of situational irony
Study of holidays
Writing prompt for summer vacation
Ages 2-4 years
Using as an example of situational irony
Study of holidays
Writing prompt for summer vacation
May 14, 2013
I've always had reservations about Carl--my innate unease about really big dogs meant I've always felt a little nervous about leaving the baby with a Rottweiler. However, Carl has always proven trustworthy (about the baby's safety, at any rate!) and now my kids have discovered and fallen in love with him.
This is a newer Carl adventure, and the baby has grown up to be a preschooler named Madeleine. Aside from the joy of skipping out on naptime to play with the dog, I think part of the appeal of this particular book is that Carl and Madeleine do many of the things we did last summer--go out in a canoe, pick berries, play on a playground and at a lake, and stay at a cabin. I personally feel like the pictures are brighter and more interesting than some of the older Carl books.
This is a newer Carl adventure, and the baby has grown up to be a preschooler named Madeleine. Aside from the joy of skipping out on naptime to play with the dog, I think part of the appeal of this particular book is that Carl and Madeleine do many of the things we did last summer--go out in a canoe, pick berries, play on a playground and at a lake, and stay at a cabin. I personally feel like the pictures are brighter and more interesting than some of the older Carl books.
February 28, 2018
I like all the Carl books we've read so far and how the illustrations tell the story more than the words. I also like the way they place a kinder light on a stereotyped breed of dogs. These storylines do encourage mischief; however, I'll keep renting Day's books from the library because the illustrations are gorgeous and my boys sit and watch me turn the pages as if they are watching a video.
May 19, 2022
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.
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.
February 4, 2020
Carl's Summer Vacation by Alexandra Day
Wordless books can be tricky, you may not figure everything out until the end of the book. Carl (who is the dog) is best friends with the small girl in the family. They are supposed to be napping before the fireworks tonight instead they spend the day in a canoe, running from skunks, and chasing balls at the park. By the time they get back to the house to nap it is time to get up and go watch the fireworks. Both Carl and the young child are so exhausted they sleep through the whole thing. This book has very minimal words, but the illustrations do all the work. This book displays one of the best watercolor illustrations I have ever seen. The colors are nice and bold and well detailed, it does of a great job of "painting a picture" literally. Recommended for ages 4-8.
Wordless books can be tricky, you may not figure everything out until the end of the book. Carl (who is the dog) is best friends with the small girl in the family. They are supposed to be napping before the fireworks tonight instead they spend the day in a canoe, running from skunks, and chasing balls at the park. By the time they get back to the house to nap it is time to get up and go watch the fireworks. Both Carl and the young child are so exhausted they sleep through the whole thing. This book has very minimal words, but the illustrations do all the work. This book displays one of the best watercolor illustrations I have ever seen. The colors are nice and bold and well detailed, it does of a great job of "painting a picture" literally. Recommended for ages 4-8.
May 12, 2018
Stupid parents leave child unattended with large breed dog. Child gets into all kinds of trouble, dog is a dog. It all works out in the end.
4 stars because I love Rottweilers and anything that portrays them in a positive light.
4 stars because I love Rottweilers and anything that portrays them in a positive light.
June 12, 2022
I just can't get into these. I def. can understand their popularity, but not for me. And it's a pity there's no diversity. Still, this is a terrific exploration of many of the joys of summertime.
June 26, 2026
Loved Good Dog Carl board book as a baby and we really enjoyed this one too. Loved that there were a few wordless pages, beautiful illustrations, sill yhumor and definitely captured the summer vibe we were looking for. Would recommend buying this one.
February 14, 2018
Carl takes baby for a summer adventure boating and playing ball and playing on a playground. At dinner and fireworks that night they are too tired to eat or watch.
June 17, 2018
I read this story to my first grade class and they liked the mixture of pictures with the story.
July 2, 2018
A wordless book with amazing illustrations can be a good thing to stimulate imagination.
May 23, 2019
A practically wordless picture book that chronicle the adventures of a dog and a little girl.
July 19, 2019
I love all of the Carl books beautiful illustrations with a cute fun story. Though if u want a lot of words this is not the book for you most of it is illustrations.
August 21, 2019
Carl and his girl go on their own adventures while Mom is busy.
July 8, 2021
We love Carl books! This one is all about Carl and little Madeline’s adventures during a summer vacation at a lakeside cabin. Such a fun book!
September 12, 2021
I love Carl and Madeleine's adventures, at home or on vacation.
May 18, 2022
Not a favorite. Pretty pictures though.
July 15, 2025
Perfect for the summer. Definitely would recommend it. Loved these books as a kid.
June 26, 2026
did a picture walk-loved the wordless pages, stayed engaged and loved the boat splashing
January 2, 2024
A wordless book that inspires storytelling with older kids but the beautiful illustrations are still very enjoyable for little kids. My only complaint about the book is that this seems to be the 4th of July but there are hydrangeas and blackberries which don't come into season until August.
August 25, 2008
Wordless Narrative
I love all of the Carl books. Since they only contain words on the first and last pages, they are good for all ages, even adults. This story begins with the woman needing to clean and prepare dinner, so she puts the little girl and Carl down for a nap. When the woman leaves, the little girl and Carl go for a canoe ride, a walk to pick some berries, the park to play, and the beach for a bite to eat. Then, they race home just in time for the woman to wake them for their nap and then she doesn't understand why neither of them ate and they both fell asleep early.
Act. 1: Sing Me A Song - the students in small groups or as a class could write a song / ballad about the story, a character, or an event in the book. They could then present their song to the rest of the class.
Act. 2: Words - there are few words in this book (like all Carl books) but the words that are there, could be put on the class word wall; or some words could be chosen from the book and then the children could come up with rhyming words and they could talk about word families.
I love all of the Carl books. Since they only contain words on the first and last pages, they are good for all ages, even adults. This story begins with the woman needing to clean and prepare dinner, so she puts the little girl and Carl down for a nap. When the woman leaves, the little girl and Carl go for a canoe ride, a walk to pick some berries, the park to play, and the beach for a bite to eat. Then, they race home just in time for the woman to wake them for their nap and then she doesn't understand why neither of them ate and they both fell asleep early.
Act. 1: Sing Me A Song - the students in small groups or as a class could write a song / ballad about the story, a character, or an event in the book. They could then present their song to the rest of the class.
Act. 2: Words - there are few words in this book (like all Carl books) but the words that are there, could be put on the class word wall; or some words could be chosen from the book and then the children could come up with rhyming words and they could talk about word families.
September 9, 2012
My shelf of "wordless books" is not very deep. I do not have a broad horizon as far as wordless picture books go. I read "Carl's Summer Vacation" and I thought it was a good wordless book. It was very detailed in it's illustration and the illustrations were very life like. It had very few words, which made the story line up to you to figure out through illustration. Madeleine and her dog Carl were supposed to take a nap, but when the mom left, Madeleine and Carl snuck out for an adventure. They went canoeing, swimming, to the park, they ran from a skunk, and they made it back in time for the mom to wake them up. But because they didn't take a nap they started falling asleep at dinner and didn't make it through the family activities that night. I thought it was cute and would be good to have the kids fill in all the details according to the illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews