Story Time with Sara: Good Dog, Carl by Alexandra Day

Good Dog, Carl
written by Alexandra Day
published by Little Simon, 1985

find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Book Depository, Goodreads

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange  for an honest review.

Did I enjoy this book: I have to admit that I was expecting not to like this book. The cover is a bit of a drab brown, and it didn’t seem like it was going to be very fun . . . but BOY was I wrong!

My three-year-old ATE THIS BOOK UP! We were at my mother’s house and “Oma” pulled out this book (given to her by her student teaching mentor Mrs. York in 1992) and told my son that this was a book he could “read” to us. My son replied sadly, “But, Oma, I don’t know how to read yet . . .” Oma promptly informed him that this was a special book that even he could read! His face lit up as though the stars were shining through his sweet little eyes! (I may have been a bit teary . . . and yes, please take your time to stop gagging on my shmaltzy-ness before you go on).

He had so much fun “reading” the story to Oma; he was so proud of himself that as soon as his Daddy came home he had to “read” it to him several times as well. I was a very proud mamma!

Now here it comes. You are probably thinking, “Wow. This chick is a hard a**. She just said this book made her son’s eyes glow like stars and even that didn’t warrant a 5-star rating.” Well. After I got over the initial awe of seeing my baby reading a book by himself, I noticed what it was about.

For the love of PETE, this lady leaves her BABY home alone with a DOG!?!?! I mean a real dog with four legs, fur, who licks his . . . erm . . . himself . . . All I can think is,”Holy Crap, someone needs to call CPS on this woman!” Seriously. I can’t get over it. I went back to the publication information and saw that it was originally published in 1985. I took a deep breath and tried to remind myself that this is fiction from 30 years ago and a children’s story. I can’t believe that this a children’s story! Wait. I think I already said that. OK, so I don’t care if my kid loves it, I can’t condone a story where a baby is left home alone. Wait. Who am I kidding? My little boy thinks he can actually read this book. OK, well at least I can dock it half a point on the review . . . that will show my anti-support! I feel much better now.

Would I recommend it: I really would! It’s a sweet little story with which children can practice their storytelling skills. While it might make my Mom Spidey senses tingle about a baby left home alone, it really is a cute little adventure story that I’m sure my son will read to me again and again!

About the book – from Goodreads: The original, bestselling Good Dog, Carl is now a board book. This classic, wordless story will find a new audience in a chunky board format which includes the complete story and the original full-color illustrations. Children follow with delight as Carl leads his infant mistress on a wild adventure–the instant after her mother has left the house. (Baby/Preschool)