Good Dog Carl and the Baby Elephant

Readers familiar with the escapades of Carl the Rottweiler and his independent-minded human friend Madeleine will have a good idea of what to expect from this book: lots of mischief, with Madeleine’s mother none the wiser. After letting themselves out of the zoo, Madeleine and Carl are joined by a baby elephant, and together they get ice cream cones, take a dip in a local kiddie pool, and visit a playground before bringing the elephant home. Scenes of Madeleine pulling the elephant by the tail and ear might raise eyebrows and lead to conversations about treating animals with respect, but for the most part, Carl and Madeleine’s fans will find plenty to enjoy in this outing. Ages 3–6. (Sept.)