Carl's Afternoon in the Park

The "Carl" books are almost entirely without words. There's just a line or two of dialogue at the beginning, and a line at the end. They are designed for reading aloud, and the reader makes up the words that go in between the few written lines. The pictures present a richly detailed story, and as "reader" you narrate the story based on what you see in the pictures. You can tell the tale simply at first, and then embellish it more and more every time you read it. (And you will, believe me, read it many many times.) Your kids may help tell it, too. If you change it a little every time you read it, then it keeps changing. If you read it the same way three times, your kids will insist that it always must be exactly that way.The story in all the books is basically the same. Mother leaves Carl, a huge rotweiler, to mind the baby while Mom does an errand. Instead of staying where they're supposed to, Carl takes the baby on all sorts of wild adventures, and just makes it back in the nick of time to fool mom into thinking that nothing at all happened. Mom never finds out. "Good dog, Carl."This particular one, Carl's Afternoon in the Park, is my favorite of all the books. It is the most beautifully illustrated of them, based on San Diego's lush Balboa Park. And look carefully for the hidden dogs in the illustrations.

children love these simple to read books. I have some others and it's easy for them to learn to read and the artwork in these books grabs their attention with the vivid colors and a big black dog romping about. I highly recommend all of the books,and the dogs as I've owned 3 over the years.

Not what the description said - the front cover had a tear; pages were worn and the binding was taped. The description was very good condition. This book is not in that condition.

This is a timeless treasure. My daughter has loved these books for a couple of years! I love listening to her tell the story. As a teacher, I love this book for toddlers and for elementary aged kids because it can help build inferring skills.

Such a strange series of books (the dog is left to babysit the baby and he lets the baby do all sorts of shockingly dangerous things), but that's also kind of the charm. My son loves the book.

Fabulous book. No words so you can make up your own story. The most gorgeous illustrations ever. This book is a piece of art. Love it!

Colton always loved this book so he chose this as his gift book to baby Sarah Nell.We are sure she will enjoy the colors and the playfulness of the book as much as he always did.

When Carl and the puppy pose for a plein-aire painting class, we see that each student has produced a portrait of the two dogs in different styles: pointillist, Cubist, and if I'm remembering correctly, like Mondrian. Hilarious! I love all these books, and the nieces and nephews for whom I bought them love them, too.I met a neighbor walking a Rottweiler who looked just like one of the Carls, and she reports that her dog has a sweet personality, just like his.Did not ask her about the dog's per-hour babysitting rate. [Pssst! It's FICTION, people!]

LOVE this book so much and a great present for children!

Excellent needed it join our collection of Carls books for our grandson.

You cannot beat the Carl series

Classic and Perennial Favourite-- beautiful illustrations make this the best first book for baby!

Good book.