Most of you are probably familiar with author/illustrator Don Freeman from his gentle classic, "Corduroy" (1968). But long before that little bear came along, Freeman and his wife wrote and illustrated the exceptional "Pet of the Met" (1953), a gorgeous, thrilling picture book that has stayed with me (both physically and in my heart) for a good 40+ years. 📚📙📗 This tale of Maestro Petrini the mouse, who works as a page-turner at the Metropolitan Opera House, his nemesis Mefisto the cat, and the exciting performance that changes their lives, is unforgettable! Referencing Mozart's Magic Flute, it introduces kids to one of the world's greatest opera houses and its music in a way that is beautifully accessible...and teaches something about embracing new things and people along the way! Highly recommended! ⏺ ⏺ ⏺ #noodlenutsclassickidlit #noodlenutskidsbooks #petofthemet #donfreeman #donfreemanart #lydiafreeman #vikingpress #vikingjuvenile #seafarerbooks #vikingseafarer #opera #operabooksforchildren #themagicflute #mozart #mozartforchildren #operaforchildren #metropolitanopera #metropolitanoperahouse #mice #cats #music #1950schildrensbooks #oldbook #oldbooks #oldchildrensbooks #picturebook #childrensbookillustration #authorillustrator #vintagechildrensbooks #vintagepicturebook https://www.instagram.com/p/B0t1aAenMZe/?igshid=1gxu6pcv2qlds