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.<br /><br />Here are the gaiety of <em>The Barber of Seville</em> and the lavish spectacle of <em>Aïda</em>. 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.