This Italian / English dual-language book tells the story of a stray dog named Adriano who lives inside the archaeological site of Pompeii. One evening, Adriano chases a group of nefarious artifact robbers away from the Villa of the Mysteries, and the next day, he becomes something of a local canine celebrity. In addition to the main narrative about Adriano, the introduction and epilogue of the book include a map of Italy and some notes about Mount Vesuvius and the historical significance of Pompeii.

Adriano, il Cane di Pompei is a delightful read, and it is refreshing to find a book about Pompeii that does not focus on the horrors of the eruption and the ensuing destruction of the city and its hapless residents.

As for the Italian text, my proficiency in this language is limited, but I nevertheless enjoy reading it alongside the English. And my daughter certainly enjoyed listening to me stumble my way through the exclamatory dialogue (e.g., “E il dio Dioniso! Stavamo proprio prendendo la sua testa!”). – Ryan Sellers