Silver Moon: Stories from Antonin Dvorak's Most Enchanting Operas

Lisa Arsenault is an elementary-school teacher in Ajax, Ontario.

The three folk tales and the poem in this book are based on 19th-century
composer Antonin Dvorak’s interpretations of the ancient stories of
his Czech (specifically Bohemian) heritage.

“Rusalka” is the story of a water nymph betrayed by a witch and
loved by a human prince. The prince is faced with a choice: forsake his
kingdom and join his love beneath the waves, or leave her and resume his
life in the castle. He chooses love. “The King and the Charcoal
Burner” is the story of a king who learns about his subjects when he
moves among them unrecognized. One faithful subject is rewarded with a
knighthood. “Kate and the Devil” is a comic opera about an
outspoken, bossy, and brave village girl who bullies one of the
devil’s minions and effects social change when her actions compel the
Queen of Bohemia to free the serfs. The beautiful poem, “Silver
Moon,” is based on an aria created by Dvorak that he based on a
poet’s libretto.

Also included in the book is a biography of Dvorak that establishes the
link between the subjects of his operas and his Bohemian roots.

Unfortunately, the illustrations do not measure up to the romantic,
ethereal tone of the folk tales. Interspersing rather brash
black-and-white line drawings among liquid, flowing colour illustrations
that are evocative of classic fairy-tale scenes detracts from the
latter. Nevertheless, this book would make a fine choice for educators
wishing to introduce young readers to the beauties of Dvorak’s work.
Recommended.