About Us
The Story of Pansy
Pansy the Poodle: Dog Detective
Investigate. Explore. Excite.
When it comes to solving big mysteries and high-end crimes, never count out the littlest one!
When we first find Pansy, she is lonely and hoping to find a forever home – and her life is transformed when fun-loving Avery sweeps her off her feet and into the lap of luxury. While she explores her new world with her loyal new best friend, Pansy stumbles onto mystery after mystery and solves each one by following the trail, boundless curiosity and a never-give-up attitude!
From the luxury and bustle of Beverly Hills to the enchantment of Parisian lights to the whimsy and history of Venice, Pansy learns about the joy of travel, the satisfaction of a job well done and the utter importance of friendship.
The Pansy the Poodle series is geared to children 3-7 years of age and exposes them to geography, culture, problem solving and life lessons. With vibrant illustrations and a fun fast-paced plot, Pansy the Poodle is a perfect addition to the libraries of families.
When I spotted a little brown dog in a cage, whose face looked like a pansy, and brought her home - I never expected she would take me on a new adventure.
Cynthia Bardes, Author
About The Author & Illustrator
This story of hope, perseverance and the power of friendship was crafted to delight and encourage, but was born of rather devastating misfortune
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Crossing a street in Beverly Hills, author Cynthia Bardes was struck by a car, requiring surgery and a lengthy recuperation. While bedridden at the hotel, Cynthia drew family closer and passed time by creating vivid and enchanting stories for her granddaughter, Avery, during her frequent visits. Her tale-weaving inspiration was drawn from the family’s beloved chocolate poodle, Pansy – named as such for her sweet flower-like face – after seeing the joy the curious little pup brought to the hotel guests and staff, making for a perfect setting and story.
Pansy the Poodle Series of children’s books was created to show that anyone can make a difference, no matter how small and has grown into a cherished series for children and adults alike. With six books in on shelves and a hit musical production, Pansy has left her paw print on all of our hearts… The moral of the series is that one should never give up and always keep reaching!
A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, Cynthia is a former dress designer and interior decorator. When not in Los Angeles, she and her husband, David, reside in Vero Beach, Florida with their darling Pansy.
The Pansy the Poodle series is iIlustrated by Virginia Best, an artist whose paintings and photographs have been exhibited nationally. She lives with her husband and two poodles in Derby, Vermont.
Poodleful! Musical & Animation
Enjoy the classic rags to riches story of Pansy the Poodle and her sleuthing – now from the front row! Featuring upbeat songs and vibrant fun, your favorite chocolate puppy brings her lessons and enthusiasm to the theatre. Follow Pansy from her humble, tough beginnings on the streets; experience her joy at finding her forever home; get excited to solve mysteries with Pansy and her best friend, Avery.
Having returned to Riverside Theatre stage in February 2016, after a successful debut in 2015, “Poodleful!” the Musical is staged by Riverside Theatrical. Poodleful marks Riverside Theatrical’s first original script-to-score tour and is helmed by resident musical director, Ken Clifton. Clifton has conducted musicals up and down the East Coast and Disney uses his writing in Orlando and Tokyo.