The Great Poochini

by Gary Clement

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.

Genres: Picture Books, Music, Childrens, Animals, Dogs

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 9, 1999

About the author

Gary Clement is a Canadian artist, cartoonist, illustrator, and writer. He’s the author and illustrator of several children’s books, among them The Great Poochini, which earned Canada’s Governor General’s Literary Award in Children’s Literature—Illustration, and most recently illustrated My Winter City, written by James Gladstone. His illustrations have appeared in the New York Times, the Boston Globe, and many other newspapers and magazines across North America. K Is in Trouble is his debut graphic novel.

Reviews

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Signor Poochini was an ordinary and handsome dog named Jack during the day, although at night he was a famous opera singer known only among dogs. The night of a highly anticipated performance, Jack got locked in the house and couldn't get out as usual. Just when he had given up hope something unexpected occurred that fixed his problem. Great illustrations.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack, a mild-mannered dog who lives with Hersh, is also the great opera singer Signor Poochini. Unbeknownst to his master, Jack performs at the Muttropolitan Opera House by sneaking out of the house through an open window. On the day he is to perform Dog Giovanni by Wolfhound Amadeus Mozart, Hersh goes on a trip, locking the window. How will Poochini make it to the opera in time?

Love it.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute kids book about opera, but with a 2nd layer for adults reading along, as "The Great Poochini" tries to get to his opening performance of "Dog Giovanni". (And yes, I got paid to read this for work.)

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of puns and tongue in cheek humor that only a musically knowledgable adult would understand - makes it a pleasure to read to my classes because there is something in it for me and for them!

[Erroll Treslan · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have a huge library of childrens' books and this is one of my all-time favorites.

[Marshmallowlemonade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dog has secret life as an opera star. Deals with a burglar. Performs. Tongue in cheek. Cute.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites....