Carl's Halloween (Carl)

What better time than Halloween for rottweiler babysitter Carl and his human charge, Madeleine, to get up to a little mischief? In this holiday addition to Day's long-running series, when Madeleine's mother steps out to visit Grandma, she invites daughter and dog to pass out Halloween candy at home. They have other ideas, donning costumes (a necklace for Carl, a feathered hat for Madeleine) and setting out to acquire candy of their own and attend a Halloween party. Day's paintings exude a tender, homespun charm, underscoring the idea that Madeleine is safe as can be with her stalwart protector. Cozy details abound--vintage-looking paper decorations adorn the party where costumed children (and Carl) bob for apples and play a toilet-paper mummy-wrapping game--and Day concludes with a zinger, as Madeleine's mother returns to tell them, "Next year, you two will be able to go trick-or-treating yourselves." Ages 3-7. (Aug.)

PreS--In this addition to the long-running series, the lovable Rottweiler takes his young companion trick-or-treating throughout their neighborhood. To make the rounds, Carl is decked out in colorful beads from Mom's jewelry box and Madeline wears a fancy hat with red feathers borrowed from the armoire. As in the previous books, most of the action is relayed through wordless spreads. Day's luminous watercolor illustrations capture the magic of the evening's festivities, with glowing jack-o'-lantern decorations and sidewalks full of costumed children. The pair attend a party where they bob for apples and Carl briefly gets wrapped up in a toilet paper "Mummy" game. Before darkness falls, they race home and return all evidence of their escapades. VERDICT Carl fans will enjoy this latest adventure.--Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada