Backstage with Clawdio

Catrow, David J.

3.46

13 ratings by Goodreads

ISBN 10: 0679917632 ISBN 13: 9780679917632

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 1993

Clawdio the thespian cat guides a tour of the backstage of a theater production of Peter Pan, introducing the actors, showing off the stars' dressing rooms, and explaining the props, scenery, and lights.

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From School Library Journal:

Grade 1-3-- Clawdio, a theater cat, takes readers backstage where he explains what goes into a Broadway production of Peter Pan. He describes scenery, costumes, props, light, sound equipment, last-minute makeup touches, and his role in calming the lead actor's opening-night jitters. As a multiethnic audience looks on, the stage comes to life, the actors are transformed, and readers are transported to Neverland. Those who know the story will easily be caught up in the magic of opening night. Using fine-line drawings awash with bright watercolors, Catrow effectively captures the activity and excitement of the stage crew and actors as they go about their work. His Clawdio is a plump, red-striped self-assured feline. While the cat's dialogue is at times a little too cute, the scarcity of easy books on the subject and the engaging artwork make this an enjoyable performance.
- Marianne Saccardi, Whitby School American Montessori Center, Greenwich, CT
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews:

Schwartz debuts with a character created to dramatize the theatrical world in which she grew up. ``Clawdio,'' a cat who lives in a theater, confides theatrical practice and lore while describing his own activities--helping the doorman fend off autograph hunters, comforting the young lead in Peter Pan when she gets stage fright on opening night, raising ire when he gets underfoot. The device works: Clawdio insinuates himself everywhere, reporting fascinating details leading up to the magic of the performance. Catrow (a political cartoonist whose credits include Southey's The Cataract of Lodore, 1992) depicts a complacently plump cat stalking his unusual territory, affectionately caricatures the humans, and zeroes in on the theater from some remarkable vantage points. Not really a story, but an amusing introduction to stagecraft. Glossary. (Picture book. 4-9) -- Copyright �1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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