Carl Pops Up

by Alexandra Day

Carl and the baby embark on an adventure when Madeline's mother leaves the loveable rottweiler in charge while she is gone for a while

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

20 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 1992

About the author

Alexandra 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.

Reviews

[Therese Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much cooing and babbling from Parker on this one! He was absolutely transfixed by the pop-ups and all the moving parts this pop-up re-do of the classic Good Dog Carl.

Once more, Mom heads out to shop, leaving Carl responsible for Baby. In the dialogueless pages to follow, the humorous illustrations are now bolstered by many moving parts. Instead of the picture of baby at the top of the laundry chute, a small paper lever allows you to make Baby disappear down same chute. When Carl checks the time, a small lever makes the cuckoo bird pop out of the clock. There’s only one failure for me, a super creepy affect of Carl’s and Baby’s eyes open and close while they stare into a mirror after using mom’s make up I’m playing dress up. (Actually, don’t show the kids before bed, it’s nightmarish.)

Huge hit for Parker and Grandma and good for 3 read throughs and no torn paper effects!!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is simply adorable.