Paolo: Emperor of Rome

by Mac Barnett, Claire Keane (Illustrator)

A daring dog takes a whirlwind tour of Rome in search of freedom.
 
Paolo the dachshund is trapped. Though he lives in Rome, a city filled with history and adventure, he is confined to a hair salon. Paolo dreams of the sweet life—la dolce vita—in the Eternal City. And then, one day, he escapes! Paolo throws himself into the city, finding adventure at every turn. Join our hero as he discovers the wonders of Rome: the ruins, the food, the art, the opera, and—of course—the cats.
 

Genres: Picture Books, Dogs, Animals, Childrens, Adventure, Fiction, Italy

48 pages, Hardcover

First published March 31, 2020

About the author

Born to non-farmers in a California farming community, Mac Barnett now lives near San Francisco. He's on the board of directors of 826LA, a nonprofit writing center for students in Los Angeles, and he founded the Echo Park Time Travel Mart, a convenience store for time travelers.

Reviews

[Prabhjot Kaur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paolo is a dog and he lives outside Rome and dreams of visiting Rome and having adventures there. One day he actually gets a chance to enter the city and take over the cats and other dogs of the city. Rome turns out to be even better than he imagined. He is given a special place to stay by the Pope but Paolo leaves as his spirit was boundless and he could not be contained.

I liked the story but other than that I honestly didn't like anything else. Illustrations were not that good either.

Rounding it to 3 stars

[La Coccinelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm really not a fan of children's books in which dogs run away and never return home. Sure, that might be a happy ending for a dog... but it could be a terrifying prospect for a kid who loves their furry companion.

The language in this book is also a bit mismatched with its audience. I don't think young children would understand a good deal of what's being said. At times, this almost reads like a book for adults:

The cat hissed and swiped her claws. Pain spread across Paolo's face. He had been cut, and deeply. But rather than flee, Paolo stood and barked. The cat, frightened by Paolo's indifference to injury, disappeared into the grass.

Paolo hopped from column to column till he stood upon the tallest. "I am Paolo," he said. "The biggest among you has scratched my cheek, and I did not flinch. Will any other cat challenge me?"

The cats were cowed.

(I can already imagine parents having to explain to their kids that, no, the cats were not turned into cows.)

The illustrations didn't impress me much. Rome looks scribbly.

I haven't had a lot of luck with Mac Barnett's books. I know his stuff is popular... but I'm just not seeing why.

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has the feel of a much older picture book: something mid-twentieth century. Evokes Madeline a bit but WOW does Keane nail the mid-century look without any of the drawbacks and with textures and more than three colors. Also, I love that Paolo is inspired by the wolf who suckled Romulus and Remus.

Library copy

[Dest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paolo is a dog who yearns to roam around Rome. This is just the kind of armchair travel we needed while isolating at home during the pandemic. I felt transported to Italy! We watched the video version of the book on hoopla and the narration and animation were superb.

Lots of rich vocabulary and ideas to talk about with my kindergartener: curs, cowed, barbarism (Paolo goes to the Colosseum and knows thousands of years ago men and dogs were forced to fight there), indifferent, tumult, boundless, opera. And I had to explain to her who the Pope is, which was interesting.

I'm not sure exactly why, but this reminded me strongly of Madeline. Maybe it's the style of the illustrations. Maybe it's the allure of a great European city. Maybe it's that Madeline and Paolo share a similar spirit. Maybe I'm thinking of Madeline's Rescue when the dog Genevieve rescues Madeline from the River Seine (like Paolo rescuing the nuns from the Trevi Fountain). Oh! Of course! Nuns make me think of Miss Clavel.

Overall, delightful.

[Moonkiszt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Featured in a grandma reads session.

Do you ever feel trapped??? Like you don't get to do ANYTHING FUN???? Paolo did. He lived in the greatest place on earth - could see it right through the glass doors of the hair salon he lived in as he shared his dachshund-self with every customer that came in and he'd never been out once.

This book memorializes that fantastic day the door was left open just a little too long, a perfect opportunity, and a moment long-waited for. . . .everything he'd ever wanted to see, hear and do, he takes the Readership along as he presents himself as "Paolo, Emperor of Rome."

This dear book is by Mac Barnett, a favorite of my crew - so of course this was going to be read! We loved it!

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always say that any book with a dachshund on the cover will win my heart!

This delightful story of a brave and curious little dog will make you wish for further adventures of Paolo.

[Dash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paolo is a good boy and the Pope wanted to make him a saint!

The audiobook is brilliant and has an ost in the background too.

[Halina Hetman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Мила книжка про італійського таксу, який досліджував Рим та свій характер (виявилося, що він прекрасний лідер). Мені було приємно побачити знайомі місця на ілюстраціях.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an old-fashioned story--a dog's adventures on the streets of Rome, with wonderful, retro illustrations that perfectly matched the style of the story. The illustrations reminded me of the styles of Paul Galdone, H. A. Rey, Robert Bright, and Ludwig Bemelmans.

[Deepika · Rating 5 out of 5]

PSA: Paolo meets the pope, and becomes the only candidate for sainthood, but Paolo's heart is after other things. Nope. That was not a spoiler.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a dachshund's-eye view of the city of Rome, its people and sights. The book's wordiness and illustration style have a retro, classic feel. I'm with the other reviewers who say that writing a story about a dog who runs away from home and whose life on the streets is depicted as a grand adventure seems rather out-of-place in 2020, even if there are plenty of elements to remind us that it is fiction.

[Victoria Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun story for anyone who has ever been to Rome or wants to go there. So many features of the modern city of Rome are discussed in this book, along with illustrations. The Coliseum, the Trevi Fountain, various statues, the Pope, as well as other more generic features of the city like streets, shops and restaurants make appearances. Felt some nostalgia from a trip that I took back in grade 12. Would be nice to go back and explore a bit more, until then, I can read this book. Haha.

[Kellee Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read on IG Live by the author! On its book birthday!

[Sonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a delight!

[Elora Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome illustrations!!

[Elizabeth☮ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paolo can only see Rome from the window in his owner's beauty shop. It's only when a customer leaves the door ajar that Paolo can roam Rome!

He is smitten with being free and learning his place in the world.

I love the artwork and the adventures that Paolo experiences. What a fun read.

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

Illustrations are lovely, story is meh.

[Shandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the illustrations, and the exploration of Rome. The story wasn't quite as amazing as I've come to expect from Mac Barnett, though it was enjoyable. I think I'm a little biased against it as a person who would really miss their dog, if the dog decided to explore a city and never, ever come home... Still, I think kiddos would enjoy this book being read to them, and it has lots of great vocabulary!

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

An absolutely beautiful picture book with stunning full-bleed art (rendered digitally) of Rome. I really think that adults will enjoy this most, as they'll recognize the architectural landmarks. As an enthusiastic adorer or Rome, I recognized the cats from Largo di Torre Argentina and LOVED those spreads! (Although Paolo wouldn't have shaken them IRL, the cats own that place.)

Five-star illustrations, but the text is too verbose for the intended audience to stick with it, in my opinion.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paola, a dog, escapes to freedom from a rather unhappy and boring home, and wanders the streets of Rome, soon earning the trust and respect of different humans and animals that he encounters. If your kids like learning about different cities and countries, this book offers a fun sightseeing tour of Rome.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5 - A cute story that makes me want to go to Rome. Loved the art!

Before reading: I walked past this book so many times and thought it looked adorable (a dog + Rome = me sold) without actually realising it was illustrated by Claire Keane, whose work I love. Actually going to read it soon!

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely illustrations are, somehow, going to support a story about a little dog who becomes "Emperor of Rome."

Clearly, this story is designed to pull on your heartstrings. Early on, we learn that Paulo wasn't happy living at a hair salon. Granted, it is hard when dogs are kept indoors all day. My neighbor used to keep her mid-sized dog locked in a crate all day. Not good!

Still, negligent dog owners don't make a dog a tragic victim. Not to this adult, anyway.

And from there, the story only becomes increasingly melodramatic.

LET'S FACE IT

Achieving an animal story that seems credible? Harder than one might think. I have a LOT of respect for Mac Barnett, but this book shows he is no E.B. White.

Before you rush out to buy this book, see how this first quote sits with you. It comes from Paolo, a runaway dog who has just found a statue of the mother of Rome:

How like this wolf I am," said Paolo.

"But whereas she is made of stone,
I am made of muscles,
and can go wherever I please."

Really? Long before I got to the word "whereas," Paolo (and Mac, as author of this book) had lost credibility for this reader.

MEANWHILE THE FANTASY GROWS AND GROWS

Before you know it, Paolo rescues six nuns from drowning. How lovely that the Pope of the Catholic Church, plus the enthralled nuns rescued by Paolo, fall in love with the dog.

Just to give you the sense of the tone for this book, here's a second quote for you, Goodreaders:

The Pope scratched Paolo's ears.
"I should make you a saint," he said.

A sour cardinal frowned.

"Your Holiness," he whispered,
"it is impossible. He is still living.
And besides, he is a dog."

"Surely," said the pope, "we could make an exception..."

THERE'S ANOTHER PROBLEM, ACTUALLY WITH MAKING THIS DOG A SAINT

And I'm not referring to portraying the Catholic Pope as a simpleton. No, I'm referring to this:

Three separate, documented miracles. They're required for canonization.

But don't let reality get in the way of a happy picture book about Paolo. For the sake of this book's enthusiastic readers (a group that does not include me), let's give this title FIVE STARS.

[Lagobond · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I actually quite enjoyed this book on my first read-through. Paolo is a spirited Dachshund who sets out to explore Rome, in what appears to be about the 1960's. Our hero, along with the city and its people, were marvelously brought to life by illustrator Claire Keane. The story also feels pretty mid-20th century to me: there's a fairly predictable narrative arc, sprinkled with a few moments of off-the-rails quirkiness and storytelling genius. Paolo's speech to the dogs is a thing of perfection!

Sadly, sprinkles is all we get... overall the story is an odd mix of forgettable and hare-brained. And the reason I'm giving the book a low rating is that, well, we don't live in the mid-20th century anymore. Dogs and cats roaming the streets, fighting each other, and eating from trash cans isn't a fun adventure. It's not safe or healthy for the critters or, for that matter, for us humans. A book published in 2020 should not be perpetuating such outdated notions of pets "living their best life."

For those who want something similar but less problematic, I recommend Eve Titus' Anatole series, published in the 1950s-1970s, about the adventures and travels of a Parisian mouse. Coincidentally, Anatole in Italy is one of the best in the series.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Paolo’s proud spirit was boundless. He could not be contained.”

Paolo is trapped in an unsatisfying life. He lives in a small hair salon and Signora Pianostrada won’t let him out to explore. She even hates when he looks out the window because he smudges the glass. But one glorious day, a customer leaves the door open and Paolo is FREE! He enjoys the sights of Rome: the cathedrals, plazas and bridges; busy cafes, statues, the opera house and even the Colosseum. He takes on a group of cats living among the ruins and he becomes the leader of a pack of dogs. “I am Paolo, that escaped from his prison and is like the wolf come to life. I have drunk from the mouth of a lion. I have stared down cats who live in the ruins. And I will lead you ...” They make Paolo their leader and “That night, Rome belonged to the dogs.”

Paolo’s courage and confidence soon lead him to save nuns who are drowning in the fountain and he is cheered by many, earning a room in the Vatican for his heroism. But though he is surrounded by beauty, Paolo longs to be out in the city and finally he leaves his luxurious apartments and returns to the street. “For walls are walls, even when papered in gold and hung with Caravaggios.”

There’s always plenty to think about when reading a Mac Barnett book and this one is no exception. Sumptuous vocabulary makes this a great read aloud for older students, too.

[Brona's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard not to love Paolo!
He's a little dog with whole lot of attitude and a huge sense of adventure.

Living the quiet life inside a hair salon is not his idea of fun.
Outside, the streets of Rome, are calling his name. Tempting him with their allure, their history and their cats! When Paolo finally sees an opportunity to escape, he does.

Everything is wondrous and worth exploring. He sees the sights and smells the delicious aromas. He ponders the meaning of life at the Coliseum and amongst the ruins of the Forum. He conquers the cats with an act of bravery and fearlessly brings democracy to the street dogs.

He is heroic far beyond his size. Paolo is not afraid to act alone, to do the right and noble thing.
Rewards and attention and a life of luxury comes his way, but, ultimately, the freedom of the streets exercises a stronger pull.

Paolo is a city dog. He loves the hustle and bustle. A bon vivant of the canine world, who is living his life!

Suspend your disbelief and follow Paolo into a world of sensation and winding cobbled streets.
If you get lost, you can always pour over the end paper maps of Rome, the Eternal City!

[Lauren Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

So a couple times, I felt like the verb tenses were incorrect. Instead of saying "Paolo snuck into the opera," they went with "Paolo sneaked into the opera...." Then they say that the carabinieri was ashamed to be outshined by a small dog. Isn't it outshone? Google says both can be used, but it's just comes off as clunky, which honestly, describes the entire prose in this book, if I'm being fair. Paolo speaks in a flowery, expansive and sophisticated manner which I guess is in holding with his grand views of freedom but the juxtaposition and back story of having this small dog who grew up in a beauty salon expound in this way just doesn't make sense. Truly, the pictures are gorgeous, chalk-like homages to Rome, and you can sense the love the author has for the City, but the vehicle of a fiercely independent little dog roaming about Rome just seems to be the easiest way to navigate a tour of the main attractions in the Eternal City. In the end, I felt mostly sad for Paolo, living on the street alone. The conclusion made me want some kind of resolution that was more profound or satisfying then that of just naked freedom being obtained.

[Abigail Veillon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paolo was a curious little dog who lived in a small salon. He wanted nothing more than to go on adventures through the beautiful city of Rome, but each time the door opened he was blocked in by the old woman who stood watch at the door. One day, when the old woman was distracted, Paolo zoomed out onto the street. Each page is a new scene and a new adventure for Paolo. The landmarks and architecture are brilliantly illustrated. Claire Keane uses such fun colors and textures that bring so much life to this story.

As an adult, I loved this book! It was playful and odd which is the trademark of Mac Barnett. However, I think the vocabulary and structure of this book would be far too difficult for the earlier grade levels--especially with the incorporation of some Italian words and phrases. Maybe not a book I would keep on the classroom shelf.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Paolo, Emperor of Rome (2020) by Mac Barnett, with illustrations by Claire Keane, is a wonderful story about a dog named Paolo, who's living in Rome. He's owned by a haircutter who never lets him outdoors. But living in Rome and being cooped up indoors doesn't seem like the way of life Paolo knows he's meant to live. So he escapes and goes on an adventure all around Rome, running into many famous landmarks, and meeting other animals along the way. It's a fun story about being the animal you know you're meant to be, not what others think you should be. The illustrations are brilliant and really give this story a pop! I felt like this story would make a wonderful film, short or full-length. My rating - 4/5

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This feels so much like the classic picture book story from the fifties and sixties- like Make Way for Ducklings, or Veronica, or the one about the crocodile that goes out on the town and wears clothes or something. I gotta say, Mac Barnett is doing some great stuff in children's literature, and even though he's popular, I still don't think folks are really getting what he's bringing to the genre- pushing boundaries of acceptable storytelling in terms of plot and characterization. And yet, as we see here, he understands fully his roots and this feels like an homage to them. The last sentences give me chills: "And Paolo's proud spirit was boundless. He could not be contained." Perfect.

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paolo, a dachshund who lives in a ladies hair salon in Rome longs to explore the city outside the doors. When a little old lady distracts his owner, Paolo makes a break for it and sets out to live it up big in the city.

This is a work of pure fantasy. Several of Paolo's conquests/heroic acts are just ridiculous if you try to really picture a dachshund accomplishing them, so go into this thinking of it like a Disney or Dreamworks cartoon adventure of a dog and you'll know better what to expect. I did like the tour of Rome you get via Paolo's adventures. I was there just last summer and this took me back minus the crowds (which were CRAZY intense) so this was a more pleasant visit.