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ABC of Opera: Romantic included in Summer Reading Challenge booklist

  • If you’re searching for a middle-grade book that blends adventure, education, and creativity, ABC of Opera: Romantic from Graffeg is hitting all the right notes—especially as part of the The Reading Agency Summer Reading Challenge 2026.

    Perfectly aligned with this year’s theme, Read to the Beat, this vibrant and imaginative title has been described as a “Horrible Histories of music”—and it’s easy to see why.

    What Is ABC of Opera: Romantic About?

    At its heart, ABC of Opera: Romantic is a time-travel adventure designed for curious young readers. The story follows Jack and Megan as they journey through the Romantic era of music, setting off on a quest to save the legendary composer Richard Wagner from the Ring of Fire.

    Along the way, they encounter some of the most famous composers of the era, including Giuseppe Verdi, Georges Bizet, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Giacomo Puccini, and Engelbert Humperdinck.


    Rather than presenting history as a list of facts, the book turns it into a living, breathing adventure—bringing music, culture, and storytelling together in a way that’s exciting and memorable.

    Why Does This Book Matter?

    In a world filled with screens and short-form content, ABC of Opera: Romantic proves that books can still captivate young imaginations—especially when learning is woven into storytelling.

    This book stands out because it:

    • Brings music history to life: Children meet composers as real characters with stories, not just names and dates
    • Builds cultural awareness: It introduces readers to the richness of the Romantic period
    • Encourages curiosity: Fiction and history blend to inspire exploration beyond the page
    • Supports cross-curricular learning: Music, history, and literacy come together seamlessly

    It’s not just about opera—it’s about helping children see how art shapes the world.
  • Three book covers of 'The Academy of Barmy Composers' series: Classical, Baroque, and Romantic, by Mark Llewelyn Evans and Karl Davies.

  • A Perfect Fit for the Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat

    The Summer Reading Challenge is delivered annually, encouraging over 700,000 children aged 4–11 to read for pleasure during the holidays. Funded by Arts Council England, the challenge is free to join through local libraries and is open to all reading abilities.

    This year’s theme, Read to the Beat, celebrates the connection between music and storytelling—and ABC of Opera: Romantic fits perfectly.


    The book doesn’t just explain music—it feels like music. Its pacing, drama, and emotional highs mirror operatic storytelling, making it an ideal summer read that is both fun and enriching.

    Children can sign up at participating libraries, where staff and volunteers help guide them through books, activities, and creative events—all designed to prevent the summer reading “dip” while keeping things engaging.

  • ABC of Opera: Romantic is more than just a children’s book—it’s an invitation to explore history, experience music, and ignite imagination through storytelling.

    As part of the Summer Reading Challenge 2026, it perfectly captures the spirit of Read to the Beat: energetic, imaginative, and deeply engaging. Whether a child already loves music or is discovering it for the first time, this book offers an unforgettable journey through time, sound, and story.

    If you’re looking to inspire young readers this summer, this is a title well worth adding to the list.
  • Middle grade book about opera history featuring composer Richard Wagner on the cover.
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Mark Llewelyn Evans and Karl Davies

Academy of Barmy Composers: Romantic

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  • Meet the Author


    Mark Llewelyn Evans is a Welsh baritone, performer, author and the creator of The Academy of Barmy Composers.

    For more than 25 years, Mark has performed on some of the world’s great opera stages, working with leading companies including Welsh National Opera and the Royal Opera.

    Ten years ago he created ABC – The Academy of Barmy Composers, an
    award-winning education project that brings classical music to life through storytelling, humour and unforgettable characters.

    The Academy of Barmy Composers has already inspired more than 40,000 children through workshops and performances across the UK, building confidence, creativity and a love of music and learning.

    At the heart of everything he creates is a simple belief:
    ANY BODY CAN / AMDANI BLANT CYMRU