Welcome to the Opera: Discover the Enchanting World of Opera with Mozart’s The Magic Flute, by Carolyn Sloan and Kaly Quarles, Workman Publishing Company, Oct. 10, 2023, Hardcover, $29.99 (ages 4 and up)
Learn about the opera through one of the most famous music pieces in the world in Welcome to the Opera: Discover the Enchanting World of Opera with Mozart’s The Magic Flute, by Carolyn Sloan and Kaly Quarles.
Join three adorable dogs for a performance of Mozart’s beloved masterpiece The Magic Flute in this illustrated introduction to opera—with 12 sound buttons! As the story unfolds readers learn about the essential parts of opera—voice parts like soprano and tenor; vocal techniques like recitative and melisma; arias, the orchestra, the chorus, sets, costumes, plot, and more.
Plus, 12 interactive sound buttons let readers hear examples of the musical concepts as they read: a soprano sings a heartfelt aria, a powerful bass sings recitative, and the chorus harmonizes during the dramatic finale! —Synopsis provided by Workman Publishing Company
Welcome to the Opera is the third title in music educator Carolyn Sloan’s successful Welcome to… sound chip picture book series that introduces classic musical genres to young readers.
I’m not big on books that make noises, but there are a few exceptions, and Welcome to the Opera is one of them. Written by music educator Carolyn Sloan, Welcome to the Opera is the third title in her Welcome to… series. The sound chip picture book series introduces classic musical genres to young readers. The first two books Welcome to the Symphony and Welcome to Jazz are a big hit in my house, and my now-9-year-old can’t wait to get her hands on Welcome to the Opera.
Sloan introduces the genre through a story within a story. She begins with the audience arriving at the theater and learning that the opera is like a play with singing. As the show opens, the orchestra plays. This is where the second story — the story of The Magic Flute begins. Sloan gives readers the bullet points while still hitting on costumes, sets and plots. There’s a lot going on, but it all incorporates seamlessly. And bright illustrations featuring sweet guiding characters by Kaly Quarles take things over the top.
At nearly $30, Welcome to the Opera is not inexpensive, but it’s a book that will grow with your child. At first, the interest will come in making noise. Then it will be in the story. And finally, it will all come together. We’ve had Welcome to the Symphony for 7 years now, and it hasn’t gone out of style. I wouldn’t hesitate buying this for my child or as a gift for someone else.
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