Did you know this is National Opera Week? I love opera’s glorious ability to tell a story through song, dance, with rich orchestra and majestic sets! That’s partly why I decided it would be fun to write a picture book set in an opera house. And did you know that reading DIVA DELORES AND THE OPERA HOUSE with your littles ones can be a fun and engaging way to introduce them to this great art form? But why limit the fun to just one picture book! In celebration of sharing a little opera love with our little ones, here are EIGHT picture books with delightful, kid-friendly opera themes. Enjoy! (And if you can think of any I missed, please add them in the comments section.)
DIVA DELORES AND THE OPERA HOUSE MOUSE
written by Laura Sassi and iIlustrated by Rebecca Gerlings
(Sterling Children’s Books, 2018)
The humorous tale of a new diva who needs all the help she can get, and the mouse who has offered to help (but she thinks she deserves bigger help than a mouse!).
OPERA CAT
written by Tess Weaver and illustrated by Andréa Wesson
(Clarion Books, 2002)
The charming story of a cat (who can sing) and a diva who has laryngitis!
ENCORE, OPERA CAT
written by Tess Weaver and illustrated by Andréa Wesson
(Clarion Books, 2009)
In the charming sequel to OPERA CAT, Alma and Madame SoSo travel to Switzerland!
THE GREAT POOCHINI
written and illustrated by Gary Clement
(Groundbooks, 1999)
Full of opera wordplay and doggy-transformed operatic names – such as the protagonist, Poochini- this is the fun story of a dog who seems ordinary by day, but at night he becomes an opera star!
PET OF THE MET
written and illustrated by Don Freeman
(Viking, 1953)
A charming classic by the author of CORDUROY about a family of mice who live at the Metropolitan Opera House… oh, and there’s a cat!
BRAVO! BRAVA! A NIGHT AT THE OPERA: BEHIND THE SCENES WITH COMPOSERS, CAST, AND CREW
written by Anne Siberell
(Oxford University Press, 2002)
An engaging, kid-friendly introduction to opera, full of fun facts and whimsical illustrations.
A SOUP OPERA
written by Jim Gill and illustrated by David Moose
(Jim Gill, Inc.; Har/Com edition, 2009)
A fun introduction the feel of opera using a silly soup story. CD included. Hear Jim read it here – with music and voices!
THE DOG WHO SANG AT THE OPERA
written by Marshall Izen and Jim West and illustrated by Erika Oller
(Harry N. Abrams, 2004)
Humorous tale based on a true story about a dog who sings with the Diva on opening night at the Metropolitan Opera House!
Laura Sassi Tales 
I love Diva Delores, but had no idea she was in such divine(ish) company :D— I grew up with two opera loving parents, so it flows in my veins. Sing!
What fun company for Diva Delores to be part of!
Great list. It’s a great topic, as most kids probably are not familiar with opera.
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