Amahl and the Night Visitors

The honored composer tells the story of his most famous opera, inspired by his own miraculous recovery from lameness as a child. A poor, crippled boy Amahl and his mother are dazzled by the three kings on the way to Bethlehem on the first Christmas Eve. Amahl's mother welcomes the royal sojourners who rest in the small, bare house where love and faith work miracles during the night. Wonders appear to mesmerize the reader on every page, glorified by Lemieux's paintings. In color, in feeling, the illustrations are so right that one all but sees and hears the opera in performance. Menotti's wit and reverence are reflected in the artist's visions, creating a classic Christmas book. (All ages)