Good Dog, Carl is a genuine classic that's earned its place on many family bookshelves. The nearly wordless format is both its strength and limitation—it invites conversation and imagination, but also requires an engaged adult to make it come alive.
The illustrations are beautiful and detailed, and there's something genuinely charming about the gentle Rottweiler caring for baby Madeleine. It's wholesome without being preachy, sweet without being cloying.
That said, this is a 1985 book that feels like a 1985 book. The pacing is glacial by modern standards, and kids raised on high-energy picture books might not engage. It's perfect for calm bedtime reading or quiet lap time, but don't expect it to compete with today's more dynamic stories.
If you're a nostalgic parent who loved Carl as a kid, your toddler will probably enjoy it too—especially if you bring energy to the narration. If you're looking for something fresh and exciting, this might feel like a museum piece.