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Good Dog, Carl facts for kids

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Good Dog, Carl
GoodDogCarlBookCover.jpg
Good Dog, Carl book cover

Author Alexandra Day
Country United States
Genre Children's literature
Publisher Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Published 1986–
Media type Print, audiobook

The Good Dog, Carl series is a collection of popular children's picture books. These books were created by Alexandra Day, who wrote and illustrated them. The main characters are a friendly Rottweiler dog named Carl and a little girl named Madeleine. Carl is known for taking care of Madeleine and going on many adventures with her.

What makes these books special is that most of them have very few words, or sometimes no words at all! The stories are mostly told through the detailed and expressive pictures. This allows readers to use their imagination to understand what is happening. The first book, Good Dog, Carl, was published in 1985. Since then, it has always been available for people to read.

About the Carl Books

The Good Dog, Carl series includes fourteen books after the first one. Most of these books were published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. The versions of these stories that are printed on thick cardboard, called board books, are very popular. They are great for younger children because they are durable.

These books are enjoyed by many different people. Children love the adventures of Carl and Madeleine. Dog lovers, especially those who like Rottweilers, also enjoy them. Beyond just entertainment, the books have been found helpful in a few ways:

  • They can help people who are learning English as a second language.
  • They can be used with older adults, such as those with Alzheimer's.
  • They can assist children who are finding it hard to learn to read.

Who is Carl?

Carl is the star of the series. He is a large, gentle Rottweiler dog. In the stories, Carl often acts like a babysitter for Madeleine. When her parents leave, Carl watches over her. He makes sure she is safe and has fun. Their adventures often happen when the parents are away. Carl and Madeleine explore the house, play games, and sometimes even get into a little mischief.

The Author: Alexandra Day

Alexandra Day is the talented author and illustrator behind the Good Dog, Carl books. She created the stories and drew all the detailed pictures. Her real name is Sandra Louise Woodward Darling. She is known for her beautiful artwork that tells a story without needing many words.

Why These Books Are Special

The unique "wordless" style of the Good Dog, Carl books is a big reason why they are so loved. Instead of reading a lot of text, readers look closely at the pictures. They can then imagine what the characters are thinking or saying. This encourages creativity and helps children develop their own storytelling skills. It also means that people of all ages and language backgrounds can enjoy the books. Everyone can understand the story through the pictures.

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