A POODLE IN PARIS

A POODLE IN PARIS

2005 Juno winner --

Children's Album Of The Year

Welcome mesdames et messieurs to the world famous Le Bow Wow club located in the heart of beatuiful Paris. Our featured attraction of the lovely and talented La Grande Fifi will be out shortly accompanied by, of course, her band of Bichon Frise. But first, a few words about a new livre et disque that are simply magnifique from our host -- Pierre!

(a smattering of applause)

Thank you. Thank you. You're too kind.

I know you're all here to see Fifi tonight, so I know the news I have to share with you will have your tails wagging faster than an express Metropolitain train. I have here in my hand a brand new book chronicling a day in the life of none other than La Grande Fifi herself, as told by the world famous children's author and songwriter, Connie Kaldor in her book, "A Poodle In Paris."

No, do not worry. This is not an unauthorized, tell-all biography. We wouldn't find any "dirt" on Fifi even if we tried -- she is that charming.

Some of you may recall Connie's book from 2003, "A Duck In New York City", and the accompanying CD that won the 'Best Children's Album' Juno in Canada. "Poodle" brings back many of the same elements that made "Duck" a success -- an imaginative story, fanciful illustrations by Fil and Julie, and a CD full of fun songs and, of course, lots of animals.

One difference with "Poodle" is that the story is told in rhyme -- a format that is befitting for our beloved Fifi.

Now don't think for a moment that Fifi sleeps all day before coming here at night to perform. No, as Connie chronicles for us, she is up at the break of dawn, having croissants and chocolate at a little bistro down the street. In fact, Fifi makes many stops and visits many friends throughout her day.

Perhaps some of you, hoping to get Fifi's autograph, are hoping that this book might reveal where her home is in the city. Well, it does -- in a way. We wouldn't give out her private address, of course. However, as Connie discovered in accompanying Fifi for a day, in fact the poodle has many places that she calls home -- including of course, right here at Le Bow Wow! As dogs, puppies, humans and children will discover through the book, Fifi enjoys the company of the many friends she has around Paris, whether in a shop or on a boat. Younger readers especially will discover that one's 'home' is not just a house, but a feeling of the heart, and also -- especially with extended families or divorced parents -- that it is possible to feel at home in more than one place.

You know, it reminds me of a song that I used to waltz to with my old flame, Margaret at old-time country dances on hardwood ..... well, perhaps for another time.

As I mentioned before, Connie's book comes with a CD of original children's songs. Just as with "Duck", the nature preserve of Connie's mind is wide open again. Even the entire "Zoo Is Having A Party" this time around.

Of course, you'll love the title track because it is all about Fifi. Kids will love it because they'll see how fast they can sing and dance the Cancan (get ready to dance really fast!)

Connie's adeptness at presenting a variety of song styles has never waned. From the Latin feel of "Zoo" to a good 'ol country tune in "Thelma The Cow" to a soft-shoe ditty about "Rubber Boots And Raincoats" (which, now that I think about it, makes sense since rubber boots are indeed, soft shoes) to a bluegrass treatment of "She's My Sister", each song on the album stands out from one another. It will keep the kids engrossed and everyone thoroughly entertained.

I understand that there's even a "Dog" of a song that was recorded 'live' right here from Le Bow Wow. Sacre bleu! Did we ever receive the check for that?!

Oh -- anyway, not only are Connie's songs musically entertaining but they convey relevant children's issues (stubbornness, being active, accidental breakage of household items, etc.) in a subtle, playful manner. They might not even realize they're learning something!

The CD-Rom also features PDF files of lyrics and musical arrangements for each song.

So, for all of you in our audience tonight at Le Bow Wow, you can pick up your copy of "A Poodle In Paris" in the lobby after the show -- and for an extra fee, you can have it paw-printed by La Grande Fifi herself!

For the rest of you who are reading the transcript of tonight's show on the marvelous website of that American guy, you can purchase your copy online:

Click here for La Montagne Secrète

Click here for playcentric.com

Click here for CD Plus Online

And now without further ado, here she is, mesdames et messieurs, the one, the only, La Grande Fifi -- A Poodle in Paris!

Click on "&" for lyrics, click on "SONG CLIP" for an audio sample with lyrics:

A POODLE IN PARIS -- album and storybook by Connie Kaldor