Carl's Sleepy Afternoon    by Alexandra Day Order:  USA  Can Farrar Straus & Giroux, 2005 (2005) Hardcover Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson I enjoyed looking at the Carl series of books with my kids when they were small, and sharing the surprising adventures (always hidden from adults) of toddler Madeleine and her remarkably intelligent, large black dog. Early tales, like Carl's Birthday, were light in text, but their gorgeous illustrations told a story all on their own. In Carl's Sleepy Afternoon, Madeleine and her mother shop for 'a new dress for Aunt Anne's wedding', and suggest that Carl take a nice nap. When the thrift shop man shows up, Carl gives him a hand (or should that be a paw?) Then the clever dog hitches a ride to find Madeleine - unbeknownst to her mother of course. He delivers medicine and assists the vet, escorts a little boy to a magic show, rescues puppies from a fire, and returns home just in time ... but he doesn't have that nap. As always, kids will like sharing the secret of the canine's delightful adventures, while all ages can enjoy the beautiful illustrations of Carl's not so sleepy afternoon. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews