Opera Time for Schools

Decibella and Her 6-Inch Voice

Ideal for K-2 Grade | Written by Julia Cook & illustrated by Anita Du Falla
Lexile: AD630L
Isabella is a spirited girl who enjoys shouting out her thoughts, ideas and feelings. In fact, she loves using her loud voice so much; it's earned her the nickname "Decibella"! Young readers will be entertained as they see how Isabella learns the "five volumes" of voice and discovers that different situations require a different tone.

Great for classroom expectations, practicing the “five volumes” of voice or any time of the year.

Dragons Love Tacos

Ideal for Pre-K–2nd Grade| Written by Adam Rubin & illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
Lexile: AD720L
The award-winning team of Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri has created an unforgettable tale of new friends and the perfect snack.

Dragons love tacos. They love chicken tacos, beef tacos, great big tacos, and teeny tiny tacos. So if you want to lure a bunch of dragons to your party, you should definitely serve tacos. Buckets and buckets of tacos. Unfortunately, where there are tacos, there is also salsa. And if a dragon accidentally eats spicy salsa . . . oh, boy. You're in red-hot trouble.

Great for any time of the year.

Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World

Ideal for Pre-K–2nd Grade | Written & Illustrated by Laurence Anholt
Lexile: AD580L
When a little girl named Mariana is sent to have her portrait painted by Frida, she is scared. "Well, that's okay," Frida tells her. "Everyone feels scared sometimes. Now take my hand and let's go inside." Soon, Mariana meets all of Frida's pets, from a handsome parrot and funny spider monkey to a little dog, baby deer, and beautiful eagle. Frida's home is full of wonders, and her studio is brimming with strange but beautiful paintings. As Mariana sits for her portrait, she learns all about Frida's life, and begins to think of her as the bravest woman in the world. Frida thinks Mariana is very special too&emdash;and she's got a wonderful surprise in store for her!

Great for Women’s History Month, Arts history, and for any time of the year.

Lily's First Trip to the Opera

Ideal for 1st—3rd Grade | Written by Dr. Christine Jobson
Lexile: AD770L

Lily thinks that the opera is boring. However, her mother takes her on an adventure that she’ll never forget! A trip to the opera! Lily learns all about the opera and the people that make it happen. Featuring one of the most legendary opera singers, Leontyne Price!

Great for any time of year.

Mortimer

Ideal for Pre-K–2nd Grade | Written by Robert Munsch & Illustrated by Michael Martchenko
Lexile: AD680L
"[Mortimer is the story] of a little boy who won't go to sleep at night and who drives his family crazy with his rowdiness ... [It] reads as though it was written by a parent driven frantic by one of the contemporary but compulsive stages of childrearing ... [It is] of tremendous appeal to kids and parents at the same stage." -Globe and Mail

Clang, clang, rattle-bing-bang
Gonna make my noise all day.

Great for any time of the year.

Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo

Ideal for Pre-K–1st Grade | Written by John Lithgow & Illustrated by Leeza Hernandez
Lexile: AD820L
This lively and lyrical jaunt is from actor and author John Lithgow.

Oh, children! Remember! Whatever you may do,
Never play music right next to the zoo.
They’ll burst from their cages, each beast and each bird,
Desperate to play all the music they’ve heard.

A concert gets out of hand when the animals at the neighboring zoo storm the stage and play the instruments themselves in this hilarious picture book based on one of John Lithgow’s best-loved tunes.

Great as an introduction to instruments and for any time of the year.