The magic flute

In this delightful picture book, the celebrated and award-winning author-illustrator Raschka demonstrates exactly why he's received all those awards. In one slim offering, he manages to capture the grandeur, complexity, humor, drama, and sheer joy of opera. He tackles a piece that is perennially popular, often performed, and has a pretty convoluted plot, even for opera: Mozart's The Magic Flute. Hopefully readers will refer to the brief introduction, where Raschka explains what opera is and what it tries to do, before he goes on to muse about what the message of this particular opera might be. Thus prepared, audiences turn the page, the curtain rises, and we're off! Horizontal panels evoke elaborate stage settings as the principals sing their way through various dilemmas and the action progresses scene by scene (look for the succinct and very helpful key to the cast of characters). Raschka's distinctive illustrations splash across the pages, as heroes and villains alike mug and emote and mutter illuminating asides and background choruses echo the prevailing distress or rapture. By the time readers come to the jubilant finale, they will feel like they've been on a magical ride. This is an excellent introduction to opera, and a whole lot of fun for everyone.--Kathleen McBroom Copyright 2019 Booklist

Dreamy signature spreads by Raschka (New Shoes) capture Mozart's famous opera scene by scene, explaining the action with simple text and peppering it with speech-balloon exclamations. A beginning note introduces the characters: Sarastro, the ruler of the day, and his adversary, the Queen of the Night; her daughter Pamina and her suitor, Prince Tamino; and their comic counterparts, the birdcatcher Papageno and his true love, Papagena. As the story begins, Pamina has been captured by the evil Sarastro from the Queen of the Night, and Tamino must rescue her. Raschka's ribbonlike panels unfurl like the Bayeaux Tapestry, embellished with loosely washed creatures and patterns. Some of the opera's elements may baffle young readers, such as its talk of love and virtue, and the temple priests who compel Tamino and Papageno to undergo mysterious trials. But moments of comedy ("You busted, bozos!"), video game-like magical items (the flute, an enchanted lock), and a gentle conclusion ("And even she is forgiven, because in these temples there is only friendship") offer plenty of satisfaction. With guidance and, if possible, the soundtrack itself, it should prove a friendly entrée into one of Mozart's most beloved works. Ages 4-8. (Aug.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

A favorite Mozart opera presented in a retelling by a master of the picture book who is also an opera lover.Nobles fall in love, and commoners fall in love. A Queen of the Night and a king of the day rule their kingdoms. Snakes and lions appear, as do Wise Boys and Temple Priests. Characters face trials and tribulations in order to prove their worthiness. Folk are not necessarily what they first appear to be. The titular instrument, bells, and horns sound their beautiful notes. And at the conclusion of this frequently performed and very melodic musical comedy, "Beauty and wisdom are crowned!" In this labor of love, Raschka begins by (thank goodness) providing a cast of characters. Each scene of the two acts is introduced in regular typeface while graphic panels in fluid watercolors, replete with hand-lettered conversation bubbles, provide close-ups of the quickly moving action. The performers vary in color from stark white to green to midnight blue. Raschka's art, in vibrant yellows, blues, and greens, is more than an accompaniment, turning his staging into a stellar performance of dialogue and scenic design. This last opera composed by Mozart, really a singspiel, is often presented with colorful costumes and a host of puppets. Reading this title and listening to the music are the perfect introduction to an enjoyable family outing.Love, adventure, and enchantment artfully cast their spell. (Picture book. 8-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.