Hello readers! After some time away, I am back with a new review for an interactive children’s non-fiction title called Welcome to the Opera: Discover the Enchanting World of Opera with Mozart’s The Magic Flute written by Carolyn Sloan and illustrated by Kaly Quarles. Thank you to the kind folks at Book Publicity Services for the chance to review this musical book!

A new entry in the popular non-fiction series, joining Welcome to the Symphony and Welcome to Jazz, Welcome to the Opera brings readers up close (and right into the music!) of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. As an introduction to opera for children, Carolyn Sloan, in the Author’s Notes, explains that the choice of “Mozart’s beloved classic…was the best option. Its fairy-tale nature, larger-than-life characters, and remarkable score make for an unforgettable experience…/…And the struggle of good vs. evil…is as universal as time itself”.

Author Carolyn Sloan and illustrator Kaly Quarles lead readers through the story via three dogs excitedly attending the opera. Through their dialogues and curious questions with each other, readers learn key terms and concise explanations, while larger rectangles of text provide lengthier and more precise definitions of major terms referred to on the page. For example, as the dogs settle into their balcony seats, they chat about what an “opera” is- “like a play set to music”- while boxes of text outline the historical beginning of opera, as well as terms such as libretto and singspiel. Certain pages also contain a note prompting readers to press corresponding numbers on the musical sounds box (clearly numbered one through twelve). For instance, readers learn that “the flute is the oldest woodwind instrument…”, and “to hear the magic flute” they are asked to press the corresponding number six.

Alongside the dog’s chatter and definitions, there is a through line of text which serves to explain, in brief sentences, the story of The Magic Flute as shown in the book. At times, it can feel slightly frenetic on some pages- there is so much for the eye to behold, what should a reader or listener of the story focus on?- but Welcome to the Opera is ultimately at work on multiple levels. One can enjoy the overarching storytelling via our canine narrators, search for corresponding numbers, and enjoy the beautiful sounds; and in another reading or two (or three), focus on the highlighted vocabulary or details of the play itself and its characters, and replay the music. Or, one might simply (and happily) listen to the sounds on repeat while perusing the pages! Much as with the earlier series titles such as Welcome to the Symphony (which is a book my children and I have read, reread and loved since its publication), the beauty in these interactive books lies in the exploration, the pleasure in hearing and experiencing a multitude of new sounds and voices, and, of course, in the joy of learning.

Welcome to the Opera is a delight to explore and pore over. Sloan and Quarles have created a robust, highly enjoyable book with invitingly warm and lively artwork, that is sure to be enjoyed by children and readers who adore non-fiction titles, as well as by those who enjoy books with an exciting additional interactive component (e.g. music buttons!). Additional material: Back matter includes a Short introductory biography of Mozart, “Opera Words” definitions, credits to characters and musicians, and more!

I received a copy of this titles courtesy of Book Publicity Services in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. Welcome to the Opera is published by Workman Publishing and is currently available.