The Great Poochini - Hardcover

Clement, Gary

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0888993315 ISBN 13: 9780888993311

Publisher: Groundwood Books, 1999

Synopsis

By day, Signor Poochini is just a dog sleeping in front of his master's fire. But by night he is the Great Poochini, the most acclaimed singer in all of doggie opera. One evening, a locked window threatens to keep Poochini from the opera house where his eager fans await. When a cat burglar appears, the disaster becomes Poochini's opportunity to save both his master's house and his performance.

About this title

From Library Journal:

PreSchool-Grade 2-Signor Poochini lives with his master in a large city. By day, he is Jack, an ordinary dog, but by night, he is the Great Poochini-the famous canine opera star. But trouble occurs on the evening of the premiere of Dog Giovanni. Poochini, who has the starring role, is locked inside his house when his master leaves for the night. When a cat burglar breaks in, the dog frightens him away, jumps out the window, and makes it onstage just in time. While it is doubtful that a picture-book audience will get all of the wordplay that is at the core of the story ("Dog Perignon," "Maestro Pawvarotti," "Muttropolitan Opera House"), they will be able to appreciate some of the puns. ("Dog-gone-it!" howls Poochini when he realizes he's trapped at home.) Likewise, phrases like the "nefarious prowler" and "voluminous cloak" may trip up some independent readers. However, children will enjoy the drama of the story, the ostentatious pooch, and the amusing and detailed full-color illustrations. Mary Jane Auch's Bantam of the Opera (Holiday, 1997) and Arnold Sundgaard's The Bear Who Loved Puccini (Philomel, 1992; o.p.) are similar stories enjoyed by young children.
Carolyn Stacey, Jefferson County Public Library, Golden, CO
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review:

By day, he's Jack, a regular dog who lives in the city. By night, he's Signor Poochini, the great canine lyric opera singer. Tonight is the premiere of Dog Giovanni and he will be singing, until he realizes his usual escape route-the window-is locked! Our hero manages to find a way out and thwart a burglar at the same time. He makes it to the show with only seconds to spare. Writer and illustrator Gary Clement offers a sophisticated setting for a pun-filled, fun-filled tale.

Reviewed by Ann and Don Oldenburg, Parents' Choice® 2000 -- From Parents' Choice®

About this edition

• Publisher: Groundwood Books
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0888993315
• ISBN 13: 9780888993311
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32