The Random House Book of Opera Stories - Hardcover

Geras, Adele

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0679993150 ISBN 13: 9780679993155

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers, 1998

Synopsis

This spellbinding collection of eight well-known stories was created and designed especially for children. Acclaimed author Adèle Geras has dramatically retold familiar operas such as The Magic Flute and Aida, giving us timeless tales filled with magic, love, war, friendship, and a host of larger-than-life characters. Eight popular illustrators have brought these splendid stories to life in a colorful array of styles. Additionally, each opera is accompanied by spectacular costume sketches and a brief biography of the composer. The end result is a truly beautiful, fresh, entertaining, and child-friendly collection for the whole family.  

About this title

About the Author

Adèle Geras is a highly regarded children's author, with more than forty novels, retellings, and picture books to her name.

Reviews

Grade 3-7-Geras has succeeded in capsulizing the basic plots of eight operas that have the potential to interest a young audience. She has chosen those that are based on familiar stories or that include fantasy, magic, and spectacle. Aida, Carmen, Hansel and Gretel, and The Love for Three Oranges are among the selections. With a storyteller's voice, she relates each complicated tale so that performances will be meaningful and exciting to children. The lively prose is inviting, and these eight offerings can be enjoyed as intriguing tales on their own. Each story is preceded by a brief comment on its composer and is enhanced by the artistry of a different illustrator. Colors suit the individual selections, and additional page decorations add to the book's festive nature. Labeled costume illustrations offer yet another insight into opera production. While the scope is obviously far more limited than Clyde Robert Bulla's Stories of Favorite Operas (1959) and More Stories of Favorite Operas (1965, both Crowell; o.p.), what is offered is more exciting in its presentation.
Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 4^-6. Originally published in Great Britain as The Orchard Book of Opera Stories, this large-format book presents the stories of eight operas: The Magic Flute, Aida, Carmen, The Cunning Little Vixen, Turandot, Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, and The Love for Three Oranges. Each selection begins with an introduction to the composer and the opera, followed by a simplified retelling, complete with pictures and conversation. Each opera story is illustrated by a different artist, such as Emma Chichester Clark and Jane Ray. A colorful painting, border, or costume design appears on nearly every page, giving the pages an appealing look. A useful and attractive book. Carolyn Phelan

Edition details

• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0679993150
• ISBN 13: 9780679993155
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 136