Carl's Nose

Schmidt, Karen Lee. Carl’s Nose. Illustrated by the author. Harcourt, Inc., 2006. ISBN- 13: 9780152050498. $16.00. Ages 4-8.

What is a dog to do when his famous ability to sniff out storms and alert his neighbors of danger is no longer needed? This is the question that Carl, of Carl’s Nose, a quirky yet heart- warming picture book written by Karen Lee Schmidt, must figure out. In the small town of Grimsville, where the weather is “perfectly awful,” lovable Carl and his one of a kind nose are heroes. But when the temperamental atmosphere of his hometown takes a “sudden fancy to sunshine,” Carl finds himself at a loss and in a fit of despair. Children and adults alike have no choice but to root for the gloomy pup and his failing sniffer, as well as, feel overwhelming joy for him when he finally gets a chance to redeem himself. Through colorful and unique watercolor illustrations, that bring the town of Grimsville to life, Schmidt tells this hero’s tale in a wonderfully comedic dialogue that will appeal to children of all ages.

Katie Antoszewski, BGSU student