★A soul-stirring picture book about the legendary life of Maria Callas, the most influential opera queen of the 20th century.
★This biographical picture book presents Maria Callas's extraordinary life and her deep love of art in an artistic format. The combination of exquisite illustrations and touching text allows readers to travel across time and space to experience the trajectory of her life and her inner world. As a symbol of music and culture, Callas' story inspires every dreamer.
★Suitable for ages 5+ and up, English sample available.

Maria Callas, the famous Greek-American soprano, is a representative of the revival of Italian ‘American Opera’. She is considered one of the most influential sopranos of all time, with a combination of superb vocal technique and extraordinary stage presence, and has performed in a wide range of operatic styles, from the early classical operas to the more recent works of Verdi and Puccini.

She was born Cecilia Sophia Anna Maria Kalogropoulos in December 1923 to Greek immigrants in New York City. From an early age, she showed a keen interest in music and especially a love of opera. At the Greek National Conservatory, Maria's talents were further nurtured and enhanced. She began her operatic career in Greece, however, due to the outbreak of war, she decided to travel to the United States in search of a wider stage and development opportunities. In New York she faced challenges and misunderstandings, however, in a short time she earned the awe and admiration of the Italians and ultimately an international reputation.

Maria's singing voice and dedication to opera earned her high acclaim in world-renowned opera houses such as La Scala in Milan, where she was dubbed ‘La Divina’ (The Diva). Her personal life was equally notable, with her affair with Aristotle Onassis becoming the centre of media attention. However, regardless of the ups and downs of her personal life, she always remained steadfast in her pursuit and love of art.

Maria Callas died at her home in Paris in 1977 at the age of 53. In accordance with her wishes, her ashes were scattered in the Aegean Sea, a gesture that symbolised her infinite love of art and her elegant farewell to life. Maria Callas' life was a testament to her boundless love of music and the stage, and her story and musical legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

[Author]Despina Souyioul
Despina was born one summer morning in a piano. Notes swirled above her head and asked her persistently: “What do you want to be? What do you want to be when you grow up?” She shook her head left and right, shouting: “I want to be a musician, a musician!” And it was at that moment that she climbed onto a paper moon and began her journey.
On her way she met Muscat, who taught her how to hug all the children and make up songs and dances together. Then came Odysseus, who filled her pockets with words and taught her how to spread them out on paper to make stories. And it was at that moment that she learned to dive into the imaginary world of radio and tell them those stories. And there has been no end to this journey since then, because that›s how it is... with a paper moon you travel everywhere, you travel around the world and meet the giants of Art. So, the journey continues... Goodbye!

[Illustrator]Christina Dimitra
Christina is an illustrator from Athens. She lives together with her black and white dog next to a blue sea. She draws day and night, forgetting sometimes to eat! She likes fantasy stories, strawberry jam, swimming and the tall, bushy and green trees. She is inspired by everyday life, by stories and urban legends, the tv news and music. If you are looking for her, she will be wearing colourful clothes, floral shoes and pink square glasses.