The Children's Art Carnival (CAC) Creative Reading Program combines instruction in reading with art activities, as well as providing the services of a social worker and psychological externs. Operating in sites in Manhattan and Queens, New York, the program served 319 second to sixth grade students during the 1985-86 school year. Students who scored poorly on the California Achievement Test, many of whom came from troubled homes, were given the opportunity to better their reading and writing skills in the CAC program by learning the vocabulary of art, listening to stories and talking about characters, and working on art projects related to the stories. Student achievement in reading generally exceeded levels set as indicative of program success, with 61% of second grade students mastering three or more targeted skills on the McGraw-Hill Prescriptive Reading Inventory; 88% of third to sixth grade students mastering three or more targeted skills; and 46% of second to sixth grade students mastering five or more skills. Student achievement in writing did not meet targeted levels, with only 48% increasing their proficiency, but student achievement on the art vocabulary test exceeded criteria for program success. Though their role in the program was not well defined, social workers and externs succeeded in referring children for counseling when needed, and obtaining eyeglasses and meals for students who needed them. (Tables, sample tests, criteria, and questionnaires are included.) (JC)