The Love for Three Oranges

by Sergei Prokofiev, Elzbieta Gaudasinska (Illustrator)

The magical surrealism of the famous opera The Love for Three Oranges is vividly depicted in this pictorial adaptation, designed to create an awareness of classical music among young children. Combining humor, sorrow, fantasy, and a bit of the grotesque, this fanciful story tells the tale of a prince whose melancholy can only be cured by a hearty laugh. In order to break through his gloom, the king plans a splendid feast and orders the court jester, Truffaldino, to appear and cheer up his son. When the prince finally lets out a guffaw, he incurs the wrath of Fata Morgana, a malicious witch who curses him with an undeniable passion for three oranges—oranges that he must chase to the ends of the earth.

Genres: Picture Books

40 pages, Hardcover

First published May 18, 2005

About the author

Sergei Sergeyevich Prokofiev (27 April [O.S. 15 April] 1891 – 5 March 1953) was a Russian composer, pianist, and conductor who later worked in the Soviet Union.

Reviews

[Monique]

The opera this story was based on must be where the Acmeist poets got the name for their journal. But the picture book was a disappointment: the illustrations were mediocre and the story just plain silly.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book. Can’t use for my classroom.

“Whether there are tears of joy or sadness, we move on. A good play must reach an ending to allow the next one to begin.”

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very long story more suitable for an older audience
Retells the story from a Prokofiev opera of a prince who is cursed by a witch to fall in love with three oranges, which he then must obtain from the giant who guards them in a desert castle.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hypochondriacs, princesses in oranges, prat-falling witches, hangings, burnings and a wedding. This shit is crazy.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Based on the Opera. Great pictures.