Carl's Snowy Afternoon

Carl and Madeleine enjoy a winter's day in this addition to Carl's long string of escapades. Following her series' winning format, Day sets the scene for the duo's shenanigans with minimal text—the toddler's mother announces that she and her husband are going to the Pond Party and the TV-watching babysitter suggests that Madeleine eat her snack—and then lets lush paintings do the storytelling. They succeed splendidly, revealing cherubic Madeleine and the resourceful rottweiler escaping outdoors via the doggy door, helping neighbors make snowmen, sledding down a hill and catching snowflakes on their tongues. A highlight of their antics involves the two boldly cavorting on the frozen pond close by the girl's oblivious parents, a kid-tickling hallmark of Carl adventures. Pleasingly true to form, the pair manages to sneak back inside minutes before Madeleine's parents return. Among the fun flourishes are views of Carl purloining hot dogs from a vendor's grill and Madeleine, perched on Carl's back, removing a snowman's carrot nose for a hungry bunny. Despite its setting, it's a decidedly warm adventure. All ages. (Nov.)