Description

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A daring dog takes a whirlwind tour of Italy’s capital city in search of freedom in Paolo, Emperor of Rome, a picture book from beloved storyteller Mac Barnett and masterful illustrator Claire Keane.
 
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.
 
Readers will cheer the daring of this bighearted dog, whose story shows that even the smallest among us can achieve great things.
 
“Both Keane’s art and Barnett’s plucky hero give the big city of Rome an exciting and inviting feel, making it a delightful adventure for readers and travelers of all ages.” —Shelf Awareness (Starred Review)
 

About the Author

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Mac Barnett is the coauthor of the Terrible Two series and the author of many picture books, which have won multiple Caldecott Honors.

Praise For…

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**STARRED REVIEW**
"Bighearted tale that champions honor for honor’s sake."
— Publishers Weekly

**STARRED REVIEW**. 
"Both Keane's art and Barnett's plucky hero give the big city of Rome an exciting and inviting feel, making it a delightful adventure for readers and travelers of all ages."
— Shelf Awareness

“Joyful…Claire Keane’s illustrations evoke the noise and vitality of Rome at its most rewarding. [A] charmer.”
— Wall Street Journal

"Barnett's theatrical narrator works in tandem with the hilariously pompous pooch to carry this rib-tickling romp with infectious bravado. . .The beautifully textured architecture and action sequences harken back to classic picture-books artists. Molto bene!"
— Kirkus Reviews

"In a single day, Paolo wins over the dogs of Rome, its people, and the pope; he’ll just as easily endear himself to readers." 
— School Library Journal

"Readers will be endeared to Paolo instantly, with his lust for life and pluckiness in the face of adversity. Barnett’s text is simple but imbued with a sense of dramatic beauty and humor. Keane’s illustrations recall gorgeous pastel crayons swept across the page, capturing the elegance of Rome and the charm of the adorable pooch at the heart of the story."
— Booklist