The book that
inspired the musical

The original illustrated Opera Cat book by Weaver and Wesson has become a powerful tool in the musical education of children in the U.S. and abroad, especially in opera houses. The Manitoba Opera has translated the story into French and an indigenous language of the region.

Honors & Awards

2003 Award for Excellence/Cat Writers' Association

2003 New England Book Show Award: Juvenile Category

2002 & 2003 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Book Award

Illustration of Madame Soso choosing flowers while Alma keeps her company.
Book cover of Encore, Opera Cat! featuring Alma singing and Madame Soso performing on stage with blue curtains
Book cover of Cat Jumped In! featuring an illustration of two jumping cats.

Tess Weaver, author

Tess Weaver began writing stories for young readers after her youngest child turned five years old. Ms. Weaver is the author of such critically acclaimed picture books as Frederick Finch, Loudmouth, and Opera Cat (2003).

Fishtastic! — illustrated by Jennifer Black Reinhardt, Harper Collins (2019) and University of Iowa Press (2021)

Encore, Opera Cat! — illustrated by Andrea Wesson, Clarion Books (2009)

Frederick Finch, Loudmouth — illustrated by Debbie Tilley, Clarion Books (2008)

Cat Jumped In! — illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully, Clarion Books (2007)

Book cover of Loudmouth featuring a boy shouting with his mouth wide open.
Book cover of Fishtastic! showing three fish swimming, one wearing a red cape