THE DOG WHO SANG AT THE OPERA

Pasha is a beautiful Russian wolfhound, and she knows she’s beautiful and perfect and a queen. When her owner Shirley, a pianist at the Metropolitan Opera House, comes home with the news that they need Pasha onstage for a crowd scene, Pasha is not surprised; she belongs at the center of attention. At rehearsal, she looks down her nose at Sluggo, the clown dog in the show, and later dreams of wearing the diva’s red dress and winning applause. On opening night, Pasha breaks into song with the Diva and is dragged off stage. Sluggo comforts her, and she realizes there’s more to life than pedigree. Her performance also garners the Met its best publicity in years. Based on a true story, West and Izen’s second collaboration is a well-told tale. Oller’s signature dreamy watercolor washes and pudgy, spindly-legged people bring the story to life. Pictures of the real Pasha and Renée Fleming (the Diva) as well as a newspaper article and letter (from Fleming to the real Pasha) appear after the text. A most excellent and humorous introduction to the world of opera. (Picture book. 4-10)