The Random House Book of Opera Stories

This book retells eight well-known opera stories. Most are of the fairy tale variety, while a couple, (Carmen, Aida) are more mature in nature. Generally, the stories are told well, in a way that would be understandable to children. Some of the more complicated stories are told in the first-person and I think these are the best stories in the book. I wasn't completely thrilled with the illustrations but I did like very much the small picutres that showed and described characters' costumes. This added an interesting touch to the book.