FROM THE PUBLISHER

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 doggie opera. One evening, a disaster becomes Poochini's opportunity to save both his master's house and his own performance. A comic thriller, the story features color illustrations throughout.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Childrens Literature

Signor Poochini may look like an average dog--barking, burying bones, chasing cars--but by night, he is the famous opera-singing pooch. One evening Signor Poochini prepares to leave for the premier of the opera Dog Giovanni when he discovers the unthinkable--his owner has left the window locked and Signor Poochini is trapped in his own home. The opera star frantically searches for another way out but to no avail. When a cat burglar arrives unannounced, Signor Poochini finds opportunity in what could be a catastrophe. Scaring off the burglar and running to his performance, Signore Poochini is a star in every way. Although the clever canine puns will surely tickle the funny bone, this picture book is more for adults than for children. The humor of the story line depends completely upon an understanding of the word plays and the opera world. The illustrations hint of Clement's background as an editorial cartoonist and are infused with the same wry, subtle humor found in the text. Though clever and witty, The Great Poochini is not satisfying as a children's picture book. 1999, Groundwood/Douglas & McIntyre, Ages 8 to 12, $15.95. Reviewer: Leah Hanson

Library Journal

PreS-Gr 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 Cahners Business Information.