"Engaging. The text and illustrations exude the glamour, passion, and lyricism of opera."-- Publishers Weekly Jane Rosenberg's delightful retellings for children of the greatest operas--whether the tales are read as introductions to a opera or to relive a production already seen, art and text combine to give a clear understanding of plot, scene, and character. Young children in particular will enjoy reading the stories--or having them read--both as lovely fairy tales and to help them share in the magic of a real dramatic performance. Here are the gaiety of The Barber of Seville and the lavish spectacle of Aïda . Sets, costumes, and lighting are re-created to give the true flavor of authentic productions and to approximate, as fully as possible, the experience of attending the opera oneself.