Hey there! Welcome to a fun story from BookPALS Storyline Online. Today, we’re going to read a tale called “Romeow and Drooliet,” written and illustrated by Nina Laden. It’s a story about two families who don’t get along very well, but their pets have a different idea!
In a city where there were sometimes disagreements, two families lived next to each other. The Felinis loved cats and didn’t like dogs at all. The Barkers loved dogs and weren’t fond of cats. But this story is about their pets and a special adventure they had.
Romeow had two brothers, Benny and Marky. They were best friends and loved to nap. One day, Benny said he was bored, and Marky suggested they go to the park. Romeow, however, was dreaming about finding love. So, off they went to the park for some fun!
The park was full of exciting things like trees to climb and birds to chase. Marky wanted to play with the dogs, but Romeow was more interested in finding love. Suddenly, a dog named Turbo came running towards them, and they decided it was time to leave.
Later, Marky told his brothers about a costume party in the neighborhood. They decided to dress up and go. The party was at the Barkers’ house, but they went anyway because the sign said “All Welcome.” Romeow was nervous but curious.
At the party, Romeow saw the most beautiful dog named Drooliet. He asked her to dance, and they had a wonderful time together. But Turbo wasn’t happy and tried to chase Romeow away. Romeow promised Drooliet they would meet again.
That night, Romeow heard Drooliet calling for him from a balcony. He jumped up to meet her, and they decided to get married. They planned to meet at a church the next day to be wed by Mousignor Mouse.
Romeow and Drooliet met at the church and promised to love each other forever. Mousignor Mouse declared them husband and wife, and they were so happy!
While walking in the park, Turbo found them and wasn’t happy. A crowd gathered, and there was a bit of a scuffle. Officer Prince, the animal control warden, took Romeow away, and Drooliet ran off.
Everyone chased after the animal control truck. Drooliet ran across the street to find Romeow, but something scary happened. Luckily, Romeow gave Drooliet one of his nine lives, and she was okay!
In the end, the Felinis and Barkers became friends, and cats and dogs played together happily. Romeow and Drooliet’s love brought everyone together, and they all celebrated with a big party.
And that’s the story of Romeow and Drooliet, a tale of love, friendship, and adventure. Remember, sometimes even the most unlikely friends can become the best of pals!
Pet Observation Journal: Spend some time observing pets in your neighborhood or at home. Write down or draw what you notice about how they interact with each other and with people. Do they get along well, or do they sometimes have disagreements? Share your observations with the class and discuss how pets can teach us about friendship and getting along with others.
Create Your Own Story: Imagine a story where two different animals become friends, just like Romeow and Drooliet. Draw pictures of your characters and write a short story about their adventure. Think about what makes them different and how they learn to get along. Share your story with a friend or family member.
Role-Playing Game: With a group of friends, act out a scene from “Romeow and Drooliet” or create your own scene where animals from different families meet and become friends. Use costumes or props if you have them. After the role-play, talk about how the characters felt and what they learned about friendship and understanding.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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Welcome to BookPALS Storyline Online, brought to you by the Screen Actors Guild Foundation. I’m Haylie Duff, and today we’re reading “Romeow and Drooliet,” written and illustrated by Nina Laden.
In a city where there were sometimes disagreements, there lived two feuding families. The Felinis were cat lovers and didn’t appreciate dogs or their antics. The dog-loving Barkers felt the same way about cats. But we have a story to tell about their pets—a tale of love and adventure.
Now here is “Romeow & Drooliet.” Benny, Marky, and Romeow were brothers and the best of friends. One fine morning, they were taking a break from their naps. “I’m bored,” said Benny with a yawn. “Let’s go to the park,” suggested Marky. “What for?” asked Benny. “To look for trouble,” replied Marky. “No,” said Romeow, dreamily, “to look for love.” “Yuck,” said Benny and Marky, “go back to sleep.” But Romeow was already on his way out the door with his tail held high.
The park was a great place for adventure. There were trees to climb, birds to chase, and dogs to watch. “Let’s head to the off-leash area,” Marky suggested. “Can’t catch me,” he called to a large husky behind the fence. “What do you think?” he asked Romeow. “Should we play Dodge Dog?” Just as Romeow was about to reply, a dog charged at them. The excited dog barked and jumped around. “Here, Turbo,” someone called. Turbo reluctantly left, and the cats decided they should, too.
“That was a close one,” said Benny. “Marky, one of these days you’re going to get us into trouble,” Romeow said, scowling. “Come on, guys!” Marky replied. “There’s a costume party in the neighborhood tonight. I hear they are having delicious food. Shall we groom ourselves? What do you say?” “I say we go home and get ready,” Benny cheered. “Okay, Marky, but no tricks,” Romeow warned.
Back at the Felini house, the cats rummaged through bags and drawers. When they were done, the room was quite messy. Dressed in their flashy outfits, they dashed out the door into the night. It was easy to find the party. Sounds of laughter, music, and delicious smells filled the street.
“But that’s the house of the Barkers,” Romeow protested. “The sign says All Welcome,” said Marky. “Besides, we’re in disguise.” “And I smell something tasty,” Benny purred. “I smell trouble,” Romeow mumbled, looking at Marky. But the Felini cats followed their noses. At least Benny and Marky did. Romeow followed his eyes. Gazing across the room, he thought he saw an angel. As he got closer, he felt warm all over. She was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen.
“May I have this dance?” Romeow nervously asked. He was delighted when she gave him her paw. As they danced, Romeow smiled, and she smiled back. They twirled and dipped. Romeow had never felt so happy. He looked at her collar. “Drooliet, now there’s a name I like,” he said. “And what shall I call you?” Drooliet asked. But before Romeow could answer, Turbo growled from out of nowhere, “You can call him a freeloading Felini cat! Now scram before this party turns into a disaster.”
“My name is Romeow,” Romeow called as he escaped. “We shall meet again, dear Drooliet.” “Not if I can help it,” Turbo barked. “Good boy,” said the Barkers. Romeow drifted through the Barkers’ yard in a dreamy fog. He couldn’t get Drooliet out of his mind. Then suddenly, he heard her voice coming from a balcony above. “Oh, Romeow, where is that fur-faced Romeow? I do not care that you are a cat or a Felini. If you were a creature of any other name, it would still make my tail wag.”
With a running start, Romeow jumped onto the balcony and landed next to Drooliet. “Call me any name you want,” Romeow purred, “Just call me yours.” That moonlit night, cat and dog fell in love. They had no cares, just the stars above. Romeow licked Drooliet on her face. His whiskers tickled, but she smiled with grace. “We shall be married,” said young Romeow. “I will be with you forever, starting now. Meet me at the church. Sneak out of your house. There we will be wed by Mousignor Mouse.”
But will the world accept what happened next to our dear Romeow and Drooliet? They met the next day in front of the church. Romeow took Drooliet to a small chamber in the back. Mousignor Mouse entered, his robes flowing. “Are you ready to be joined together as husband and wife?” he squeaked. “I will love you and fetch you anything you desire,” Drooliet promised Romeow. “I will love you and groom you,” Romeow promised Drooliet. “You may lick the bride,” pronounced Mousignor Mouse.
Happily married, Romeow and Drooliet went for a walk in the park. The sky seemed bluer, the sun seemed brighter. Suddenly, a large shadow ran towards them. It was Turbo! “Drooliet, we’ve been looking for you. What are you doing with that cat?” he howled. “And you, Felini cat, will soon be in trouble.” “Let’s not fight,” Romeow pleaded with Turbo, “We are family now.” “No cat is kin to me,” Turbo bellowed.
A crowd started to form. The Barkers arrived out of breath. Benny and Marky ran to Romeow’s side. “This is foolish,” Benny told Romeow, “She’s a dog. She’s not worth it.” Marky hissed at Turbo, “Roll over and play dead.” Turbo exploded and attacked Marky. “Stop,” cried Romeow, “It’s me that you want.” Romeow drew his claws as Marky crawled away. With all his might, Romeow swiped at Turbo’s massive muzzle. In seconds, Turbo sank to the ground with barely a whimper.
Romeow wanted to run to Drooliet, but suddenly he was grabbed from above. “Okay, stray, you’re coming with me,” said Officer Prince, the animal control warden. “And get that dog on a leash,” he yelled at the Barkers. Romeow turned to see what was happening to Turbo, but it wasn’t Turbo he was talking about. Turbo was sitting quietly. It was Drooliet! Before the Barkers could collar her, Drooliet took off running.
As the animal control truck sped off with Romeow inside, everyone scrambled out of the park. The Felinis pursued the van. The Barkers chased after Drooliet. The truck skidded to a stop at its destination. There was a huge commotion as people, cats, and dogs arrived. Officer Prince opened the door to Romeow’s cage. A split second later, Romeow spied Drooliet across the street. She didn’t even look for traffic before she crossed.
Before Romeow could call out to her, he heard a terrible sound. First there was screeching, then a dull thud, and last a silence as big as the universe. Everyone looked on in disbelief. Drooliet lay still in the middle of the street. No one moved. Then Romeow ran towards her. “Drooliet,” Romeow cried, “my love, my wife.” “His wife?” the crowd gasped. “We haven’t even been married a day,” he sobbed as he rubbed her head. “I still have to give you your wedding present.” Then Romeow licked Drooliet. Slowly, Drooliet opened her eyes. She whimpered, “Oh, Romeow, it’s you!”
“Were you expecting a cat in a hat?” Romeow teased. The crowd cheered. The Barkers hugged the Felinis. The Felinis hugged the Barkers. Turbo, Benny, and Marky even high-fived. Officer Prince said it was a miracle, and the charges were dropped. A celebration was planned for that evening. And this time, all were truly welcome.
So how is it that our heroine lived? From a gift only her true love could give. This cat gave this dog one of his nine lives. They shared all the rest at each other’s sides. Felinis and Barkers became fast friends, and cats and dogs played together again. Now stories will come and stories will go. Some wither and die. Some blossom and grow. Some live in your heart. So don’t you forget the tale of Romeow and Drooliet.
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