The Great Poochini (by Gary Clement)

Young listeners will be entertained by the relationship between Hersch and his dog during the day, and both children and adults -- especially experienced readers familiar with drama and the book's cultural setting -- will enjoy the high opera of the nighttime action. Jack's hidden life as Signor Poochini is appealing and a bit scary, but he manages the adulation of his opera audience and the fright of the unexpected (but useful) burglar with quick-thinking aplomb. Children will be empowered by seeing that a little fellow like Jack/Poochini can accomplish so much by expressing himself creatively.

Cartoonish illustrations add to THE GREAT POOCHINI's appeal. Though some puns may go over kids' heads, it's fun to learn that The Barker of Seville is a goof on The Barber of Seville, and it might be fun for them to bark their way through some opera music by way of introduction.