"¡Dídola Pídola Pon! cuenta las peripecias de la perrita Jennie, que tenía todo lo que puede desear una mascota pero, sin saber muy bien por qué, decide abandonar la casa donde vivía rodeada de comodidades que le resultaban extrañas. Sospecha que fuera de ese hogar hay otra vida más interesante y, persiguiendo sus anhelos, decide emprender un viaje lleno de aventuras".

A dog named Jennie has everything she wants, but it's not enough. She packs up her belongings and leaves one day in search of adventure. When she sees a sign advertising a spot for a leading lady in a new play, she wants that but is disappointed to learn she needs experience. She continues along her way looking for experiences, and some madcap adventures ensue.

If I recall correctly, Sendak wrote this book after the death of his beloved dog (also named Jennie). As an adult, it's easy to see this book as an allegory for death and the afterlife. For a child, however, it seems that it will just appear that Jennie is a bit selfish -- she has everything yet she wants more. That is a big downfall to the book for me. Again, for adults, it's a charming story envisioning a happy end for a much-loved pet. It just doesn't seem to work as a well as a children's book, in my opinion.

The rest of the book reads like a fairy table, with obscure riddles, talking animals, and mysterious castles. The final play at the end is a fun and clever twist on the titular rhyme. Sendak's black-and-white illustrations clearly show artistic talent and mostly serve as visuals that replicate the text, with the big exception being that final performance in which the illustrations add humor. ( )

Thanks to Alice's review, I now 'get' it. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1919415?book_show_action=true&page=1. But I'm still not crazy about it. Otoh, you might. Check if your library has a copy and judge the creativity for yourself. ( )

How have I not rated this before? This is one of those glorious books of childhood that will never ever leave my mind. I still go to it when I need a bit of comfort or just some quirky fun. The play at the end has been forever etched into my memory and I will find myself reciting it in my head at the most random moments. Perhaps I'll write more later on this. I was just shocked to see I hadn't given it any stars, though I reference it often (even though I may be the only one who gets it). Also, there are moments when Jefa (the cat) looks so like Jenny after too many sandwiches! Highly recommend for all ages! Thanks to Aunt Laverne who gave us this book. ( )

The book that made me the person I am today. ( )