Romeow and Drooliet [Hardcover]

Nina Laden (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 31, 2005 | Grade Level: 3 and up

Author-artist Nina Laden has taken her trademark wit and applied it to one of Shakespeare's best-lovedplays. Adults familiar with the classic love story will delight in the many references to the original play,all of which make this a rarity: a children's book they want to read again and again. And young children who know nothing of the Bard will be riveted by this funny yet touching tale about Romeow the cat and Drooliet the dog, two star-crossed lovers who meet by chance, marry in secret, and are kept apart by a snarling rottweiler, appalled owners, and the animal control warden. The clever details throughout the book belie the careful research behind this homage to true love won and lostand in the case of this book won againproving once and for all that dogs and cats can be friends.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-6–A delightful parody of Shakespeare's most famous love story. Romeow (the Felinis' favorite cat) and his brothers decide to attend a costume ball at the home of the cat-hating Barkers, where Romeow, of course, instantly falls madly, passionately in puppy-love with the beautiful Drooliet. Starry-eyed, they gaze at one another, dance, and enact the famous balcony scene, finally marrying in secret. Of course, their joy is short-lived as Turbo, the Barkers' rottweiler, decides to defend his family's honor and attacks Romeow and his brothers. At this point, the animal control warden leaps into the fray, catching Romeow and forcing the other animals to scramble for cover. Later, when Drooliet tries to run toward her imprisoned lover, she is struck down by a car, and only Romeow's selfless act of giving up one of his nine lives allows her to survive. No funeral, no gloom and doom–the families unite, and the loving couple goes off on a glorious honeymoon. As in When Pigasso Met Mootisse (Chronicle, 1998), Laden has created a spoof that is sure to delight its intended audience. Moving smoothly between humorous poetry and fast-moving, witty prose, she has successfully fashioned the story into a modern, happy tale. The gouache illustrations are well rendered, brightly colored, and filled with realistic details to frame the ironic twists of the story.– Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI
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About the Author

Nina Laden lives in an old farmhouse in Seattle, which she renovated with her husband. She is the author of many books for children.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 44 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; Library Binding edition (March 31, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811839737
• ISBN-13: 978-0811839730
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 10.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #107,337 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Nina Laden grew up in the New York City area. She now lives in an old farmhouse in Seattle, which she renovated with her husband. She is the author and illustrator of many books for children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

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" (Dana Point, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

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, November 3, 2011

By 

Dottie "Katie's mom" (Converse, IN) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

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.