The Random House Book of Opera Stories [Hardcover]

Adele Geras (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Series: Random House Book of...

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.  

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

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.

From Booklist

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 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 136 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679893156
• ISBN-13: 978-0679893158
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,710,576 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I was born in Jerusalem in 1944 and educated at Roedean School, Brighton and St Hilda's college, Oxford.
I've been writing books for children and young adults since 1976 and have published more than 90 titles.
I've also written four adult novels, published by Orion Books.
My website is at http://www.adelegeras.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Opera Stories For Children, July 1, 2000

By 

"narya58" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Random House Book of Opera Stories (Hardcover)

This book retells eight well-known opera stories. Most are of the fairy tale variety, while a couple, (Carmen, Aida) are more mature in nature. Generally, the stories are told well, in a way that would be understandable to children. Some of the more complicated stories are told in the first-person and I think these are the best stories in the book. I wasn't completely thrilled with the illustrations but I did like very much the small picutres that showed and described characters' costumes. This added an interesting touch to the book.