9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
"With a wag of the tail to William Shakespeare", April 17 2005
By Luan Gaines "luansos" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Romeow and Drooliet (Hardcover)
Author/artist Nina Laden has written a new (children's) take on a familiar Shakespearean theme- true love won and lost, only for Romeow and Drooliet, the star-crossed cat and dog kept apart by a growling rottweiler, their astonished owners and the auspices of Animal Control, true love wins out in the end.
Cleverly writing in iambic pentameter, Laden structures a humorous, romantic tale of the lovers parted by circumstances (and snarling dogs) beyond their control. Parents will appreciate the Shakespearean rhythms, even if the children do not pick up on this connection. But the rhyme and meter are what make this book so enchanting, combined with dramatic, vividly colored illustrations, a celebration of the power of good literature to inform and endure, easily transformed for enjoyment by the younger generation.
The Cast of Characters at the beginning of the book hint at the hilarity ahead, the Felini's, a cat-loving family, the Barker's, dog lovers, Turbo, the Barker's guard dog (the infamous rottweiler) and Officer Prince, the Animal Control Warden. Look for such treats as the books on the Felini's coffee table, a paean to Shakespeare, "Much Ado About Napping" and "As You Lick It", or the phrasing of the lines spoken by the principals: "Oh Romeow, where is that fur-faced Romeow?" The happy couple is married by Mousignor Mouse, who pronounces: "You may now lick the bride!"
A quality hardbound book published by Chronicle, this charming and witty tale is a welcome addition to a child's library of favorites, a subtle introduction to iambic pentameter and rhyme, as well as the spirited retelling of a beloved tale, made child-size by this talented author/artist. (Age 8 and up). Luan Gaines/2005.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A cat tale, Nov 3 2011
By Dottie "Katie's mom" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Romeow and Drooliet (Hardcover)
My 9 year old really wanted this book. It was a good book obviously based on Romeo & juliet. It was way below her reading level but she enjoyed it so much and is one of those books she likes to reread. I am glad we got it and would recommend it to others. Nice intro to Shakespeare.