With vivid language, lots of facts for music lovers and beautiful illustrations, this expansive gift book introduces youngsters to seven of the world's best-loved operas in a delightful way. AGES: 6-10 AUTHOR: Shahrukh Husain is an author and psychotherapist who specialises in film, women's studies and myth. She has also written Stories from the Opera for Barefoot Books. Shahrukh lives in London, England. ILLUSTRATOR: James Mayhew is an award-wining illustrator and a passionate opera fan. His commissions inlcude a number of programs for the Kirov Opera, St Petersburg and a series of T-shirts for the Metropolitan Opera Guild, New York. James lives and works in Hertfordshire, England. NARRATOR: Miranda Richardson has many film and television credits to her name.

She has won two Golden Globe Awards, for her roles in Fatherland and Enchanted April. SELLING POINTS: * Storytelling on Stage: Featured operas include "The Magic Flute" (Mozart); "The Little Sweep" (Britten); "Hansel and Gretel" (Humperdinck); "The Flying Dutchman" (Wagner); "La Cenerentola" (Rossini); "Orpheus and Eurydice" (Gluck) and "Christmas Eve" (Rimsky-Korsakov) * Critical Acclaim: "Children need music! This anthology introduces them to opera in an unforgettable way!" -- Placido Domingo * Educational Extras: This book not only features seven great stories, it also describes the way in which opera houses run and includes biographies of the composers and recommended recordings REVIEWS: "A spectacular anthology of exciting, accessible and action-packed stories" -- The Guardian **Includes 2 CDs***.