Opera Cat

I have used this book the last several years to reinforce the short /o/ sound to First Graders. They love this book. The illustrations are so cute, especially the kitty. It also introduces kids to an opera setting. Good book for cat, opera, and short /o/ fans!

Our new favorite! What a wonderful story about a cat who secretly learns to sing opera while her owner practices her singing. Alma, the cat saves the day when her owner get laryngitis and Alma sings on opening night in place of her owner. My 5 year old daughter loves when I "sing" the operatic part. Cleaver illustrations and humorous writing. Bravissma!

One of the best ways for children's books to introduce youngsters to the wonders of classical music and opera is to use loveable animals as heroes, and Tess Weaver's "Opera Cat" is one of the best in this genre. Not only will children be delighted by it, but any adult who likes opera or cats (or both!) is bound to greatly enjoy it. Alma is a Siamese cat who lives in Milan with the great opera diva Madame So-So. Shut up in the soprano's apartment since her kittenhood, she longs to go outside and experience the wonders of the city, but can only watch enviously from the window. Everyday Alma watches as Madame So-So practices for the opera with the Maestro, and is always delighted when the Maestro kisses Madame's hand and calls her 'cara'. Unbeknownst to the humans, Alma herself sings along quietly behind a curtain during these rehearsals. Then one night Madame So-So comes down with laryngitis, and Alma reveals that she, too, has a magnificent voice. Will Alma be able to save the opera, have her moment in the spotlight, and break free of her apartment prison? Weaver clearly loves opera as much as her characters do and the passion and occasional silliness of this world fill every page. Alma is a sweet and kind-hearted feline heroine, as well as an adventurous and musically gifted one. I am also very happy that in contrast to the stereotype of the operatic soprano as a horrendous egomaniac, Madame So-So does turn out in the end to be a very nice and gracious person. In addition, Andrea Wesson's vibrant watercolor illustrations are delightful, full of little details and capturing both the wonder of the opera house and the energy and bustle of Milan. One very picky point - Madame So-So is supposed to be singing Gilda in "Rigoletto", and her elaborate costume and wig (admittedly necessary for Alma's sake) is like nothing the sweet, simple teenage Gilda would wear. Of course, this probably takes place at a time when the diva could wear whatever she darned well pleased! Besides "Opera Cat", another wonderful book to introduce children to opera is 'The Great Poochini', written and illustrated by Gary Clement, about a dog who is an opera star. By the way, I wonder if there is any significance to the fact that 'Alma' is the Italian word for soul...

Although I am fond of neither cats nor opera, Opera Cat left me begging for an encore! The story is perky, fun and deceptively sophisticated. Readers of any age will identify with the dreams and yearnings of Alma, the cat, and will enjoy the multi-leveled humor of this charming tale set in Milan. As a retired early-childhood educator, I was attracted by the stunning style and vocabulary of Opera Cat and by the lyricism and whimsy of its illustrations. Definitely a Read Aloud for the grandchildren!

This is a charming and refreshing story about a clever cat who finally gets her day in the spotlight. The detail of the illustrations which accompany this humorous tale is sure to maker readers of all ages laugh with surprise and delight. It is wonderful to read a fresh, new story that will surely become a classic!