ANNOTATION

Carl, a large dog, and the baby in his charge fit right in when they follow Mom and Dad to a masquerade party.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

To Carl and his young charge, a masquerade party proves an irresistible invitation to fun.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Just when you thought Day had issued the dernier cri on the subject of Carl the capering canine (Carl's Afternoon in the Park , et al.), she tops herself by producing her most atmospheric book yet. Here, the rottweiler is bidden to mind the baby while the grown-ups attend a masquerade ball. Carl and baby, of course, tail the party-goers and join in the fun (``Oh! They must be Beauty and the Beast. Great costumes!'' say the doorkeepers in one of the three spreads bearing text). Day has all but abandoned the small, multiple scenes used to convey a particular narrative development in the earlier Carl books--instead, settings are sumptuously evoked, fully peopled and lushly colored, packed with witty details (e.g., Carl and baby encounter a guest tricked out as Carl-and-baby; Carl and baby solve the problem of cutlery by feasting on popsicles; a bullfrog brass band keeps everyone hopping). Meanwhile, the party itself, with its site gaily festooned, its guests gotten up in magical guises and its many diversions, could be everybody's fantasy fiesta. All ages. (Oct.)

Children's Literature - Susie Wilde

Happy news for Carl fans-he's back and ready for Halloween in Carl's Masquerade. This time baby and dog follow the parents to a costume ball. Author/illustrator Day fills the near-wordless book with clever costumes, visual humor and the tension of possible discovery. Young fans who enjoy following the exploits of this dog and heroine will learn that a costume party is a fine way to celebrate the Halloween season. Older fans may discover some great new Halloween disguises.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2-- Fans of the Rottweiler guardian/companion to a family's baby will enjoy this fourth adventure of the intrepid pair. When the parents go off in full costume to a masquerade party, Carl and his young charge soon follow. Admitted to the party, they enjoy the festivities, food, music, and games. They escape detection, possibly because among the invited guests is one garbed as a baby riding on a black dog. By the time the evening is over and the parents arrive home, the child is safely in her crib and Carl innocently stands guard. The full-page, richly colored, realistic paintings that make up this almost wordless book are full of visual humor and entertaining situations, as baby and dog mingle with party guests. And though the idea of a masquerade ball is nostalgic, and the nursery dog is reminiscent of Nana in Peter Pan , the book has appeal, especially for adults, for its sweet and gentle fantasy, and for the delightful pictures of handsome dog and enchanting child. --Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ

BookList - Ellen Mandel

To the delight of Carl's fans, Mother and Dad once again go out--this time to a masquerade ball--leaving the rottweiler in charge of the baby. With Baby aboard his back, Carl follows the parents to the party, where the lights, decorations, and costumed guests enthrall the dog and his charge. The humor that flavors Carl's previous care-giving adventures--"Carl Goes Shopping" (1990), "Carl's Christmas" (1990), and "Carl's Afternoon in the Park" (1991)--is again evident: for example, in Carl's bewildered expression when a white cat turns out to have hands and a human face with false whiskers, and in the dog's bemusement upon seeing someone dressed as Carl with Baby on his back. As always, Carl speeds home, getting Baby back into bed just before her parents return to praise him for taking such good care of their child. Baby's true-to-life exuberance, the wealth of realistic details in the faces and costumes of the party goers, and the glowing lamplight illuminating the festive scenes make this one of Carl's most memorable romps.