The Beloved Dearly

Starred review from November 11, 2002
A winning group of young actors gives this audio production—based on Cooney's novel—a believable, spunky tone and an entertaining spark that will keep listeners tuned in. Spencer Murphy nails the role of Ernie Castellano, 12-year-old scammer/schemer extraordinaire. With a delivery that's slick, funny and sometimes even a bit smarmy, Murphy seems to relish his role as the entrepreneur behind a neighborhood pet funeral service. Ernie has been punished and amply warned about trying any more schemes to make money off of other kids, but he can't resist. Ernie's kooky eulogies, a girl named Swimming Pool who's the service's official "crier," and artistic "coffin" designs by resident artist Dusty are some of the elements that elicit plenty of laughs. But listeners will also find much to like beyond the silliness as Ernie begins to strengthen his relationships with his father and his newfound friends, and learns about what brings people together. As narrator, Cooney, who originally developed this story as a play at the Lincoln Center Institute, lends a steady, unflappable voice in the midst of occasional chaos. Ages 8-up.

September 1, 2003
A young entrepreneur known for his get-rich-quick schemes uses an empty parking lot to start a pet funeral business in what PW called "a likeable story with solid appeal." Ages 8-12.

December 10, 2001
Cooney recasts his stage play of the same name as a debut novel featuring a funny, offbeat premise. When Ernie Castellano is busted at school for one of his get-rich-quick schemes—hawking cheeseburgers on mystery meat day—he's grounded. The discovery of an empty lot proves irresistible to the young entrepreneur, however, and soon he's sneaking behind his father's back to start a pet funeral business. With the help of a handful of employees, including a scruffy nine-year-old artist who makes the caskets, and Swimming Pool, a professional mourner who can cry on demand, business is soon booming. But Ernie grows increasingly dictatorial and estranged from his new friends, and not until the death of his own dog does he learn there's more to value in life than cold hard cash. Cooney's background as a playwright is evident in the tight arc of the story and in the snappy dialogue. Some of the zaniness has an edge of forced hilarity, and some characters are clichéd—including the fast-talking Ernie ("Tell Mom and Dad you're going to a movie, you need the popcorn, score the ten bucks, and give little Frisky the send-off he deserves"). But the themes are credibly developed and the ending in particular has emotional resonance. This is a likable story with solid appeal. Ages 8-12.

August 1, 2003
A young entrepreneur known for his get-rich-quick schemes uses an empty parking lot to start a pet funeral business in what PW called "a likeable story with solid appeal." Ages 8-12.