KidStuff on Martha Stewart Living Radio


If you've ever been stumped by one of your kids' questions, you're not alone. Moms Marion Roach and Jodi Levine give you the tools to answer persistent questions and teach kids new things. Join them every Tuesday at 1 p.m. (ET) for an hour of learning, laughing, and great advice.

As reviewed on "KidStuff" on Martha Stewart Living Radio, Sirius 112, on December 12, 2006:

Topic: Opera

The Phantom Of The Opera
adapted by Kate McMullan
Ages 7-10
Random House
Children may find the famed book and musical The Phantom Of The Opera an appealing introduction to the opera. This Stepping Stones version simplifies the story for younger readers. Erik has the voice of an angel, but the face of a monster. When he takes off his mask, people scream and run away. So he hides himself away in the darkness below an opera house. There, he falls in love with a beautiful singer. But will she be able to return his love?

book coverPlay, Mozart, Play!
by Peter Sís
Ages: 3 and up
$16.99
ISBN 10: 0061121819
Greenwillow Books
Internationally acclaimed artist Peter Sís honors the spirit of creativity as well as Mozart's 250th birthday in a gorgeous picture book celebration of the young musician's life. Characters from various Mozart pieces and operas can be found throughout the book and at the heart of it all is a wondrous spread depicting The Magic Flute.


What I Had Was Singing: The Story of Marian Anderson
by Jeri Ferris
Ages 10-15
$8.95 paperback
ISBN 13: 9780876146347
Lerner Publishing
An insightful biography to celebrate how, at a time in America when racial prejudice denied black Americans a place in classical music, Marian Anderson forged a career as the greatest contralto of her time. In 1957, she broke the color barrier by becoming the first African-American to perform with the New York Metropolitan Opera.

book coverThe Young Person's Guide To The Opera: Book-and-CD Set
by Anita Ganeri and Nicola Barber
Ages 8 and up
$25.00 hardcover plus CD
ISBN 10: 0-15-216498-7
Harcourt Children's Books
Opera's colorful history is rich with exciting stories. Through conversational text, informative sidebars, and full-color photographs, young readers will learn about the talented people—composers, singers, musicians, stagehands, set and costume designers, makeup crews—and the technical wizardry that go into staging opera's lavish performances. There are even behind-the-scenes glimpses of many of today's great opera companies, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and the San Diego Opera. Created in association with London's Royal Opera House and the San Diego Opera, this hardcover book-and-CD package is a sumptuous introduction to the world of opera. The accompanying CD captures memorable moments from some of the most famous operas.