The Great Poochini Book

By day Signor Poochini is a dog, lying peacefully in his master’s living room and listening to music. But by night he is the Great Poochini, the most acclaimed singer in all opera — dog opera that is. One evening, when Poochini is ready to leave home and the opera hall is filling with dogs excitedly awaiting his performance, Poochini’s master leaves the window locked, and Poochini cannot get out. He is in despair, until suddenly a cat burglar appears, and what might have been a disaster becomes an opportunity. This beautiful and hilarious book works on two levels — the exciting story of Poochini’s adventure is accompanied by wonderful punning jokes on the world of opera, which run through the text and pictures.

Children's 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