Paolo, Emperor of Rome
Paolo, Emperor of Rome
4.5/7
Bookroo
3.8/5
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Paolo, Emperor of Rome

Written by Mac Barnett & illustrated by Claire Keane
Hardcover
$17.99
$16.97
4 - 8
Reading age
48
Page count
25
Words per page
~619L
Lexile measure
Mar 31, 2020
Publication date

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What Does Bookroo Think of This Book

A spirited wiener dog whose remarkable, richly-illustrated adventures read a bit rushed.

Paolo’s small size doesn’t keep him from being a dog with big dreams. So when he sees an opportunity to break free of Signora Pianostrada’s salon, he escapes into the “eternal city,” Rome, and begins to bask in its glory. He takes in an opera and visits the Colosseum, where he marvels at its beauty while mourning its use as a stage for “barbarism.” He bravely defies a tabby cat and becomes the unanimously selected leader of a pack of dogs, with whom he enjoys a glorious night roaming the city. As the pack breakfasts the next morning, he sees six nuns who have fallen into Trevi Fountain, and he heroically jumps in to save them. While he is rewarded with an audience with the pope and an apartment “papered in gold and hung with Caravaggios,” he turns down the confinements in favor of a “boundless” life. The story includes clever references to Rome—like when the dogs are howling at the moon from inside the Pantheon—and a humorous, ironic premise—a boundless, noble spirit inside a small dachshund (aka “wiener dog”), but it also feels shallow and hurried, creating a sense of randomness. Apparently, Paolo’s limitless life is difficult to meaningfully, substantively cover in a short picture book. Keane’s rich digital illustrations succeed in depicting Rome wistfully and playfully while still including realistic, recognizable details.

What Kind of Book is Paolo, Emperor of Rome

Topics

freedomheroesfamous placesItalydogsadventure and adventurersculturecity life and urban livingcourage

Locations

What Questions Should I Ask My Child

  • Paolo lives in the city of Rome, Italy, and the story includes illustrations of famous landmarks in Rome, like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain. Use a map and encyclopedia articles to help your young reader understand where Rome is and learn more about it.
  • Paolo has a very noble spirit, and he doesn't want to feel caged in, whether it's in Signora Pianostrada's salon or in a papal palace. Have you ever felt trapped? How do you feel when you can go and explore new things?

Reviews

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The Creatives Behind the Book

What Has Mac Barnett Said About This Book

Nothing yet! Let Mac Barnett know that you want to hear from them about their book.

What Has Claire Keane Said About This Book

Nothing yet! Let Claire Keane know that you want to hear from them about their book.

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Book Details

ISBN
9781419741098
Publication Date
March 31, 2020
Publisher
Abrams Books for Young Readers
Illustration Details
The illustrations in this book were made using Photoshop and Procreate.
Page Count
48
Words Per Page
25
Audience
Picture
Reading Age
4 - 8 years
Est. Lexile® Level
~619L
Est. Fountas & Pinnell Level
~O
ATOS® Book Level
4
Accelerated Reader® Points
0.5
Accelerated Reader Quiz
508634
Accelerated Reader Interest Level
LG

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