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Friday, December 2, 2022

Ballet Kids, written and illustrated by Holly Sterling. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2022. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 


"Mr. Elliot asks us to move into the 
middle of the floor with style. 

Isla and Oliver stomp. 

Maryam and Mollie twirl. 

And Charlotte and I 
tiptoe over. 

Excellent dancing, everyone!" 

It's December and thoughts turn to gifts for the children in your life. If you have a budding dancer who is showing an interest in ballet, this new book might be just the ticket. Thomas awakens with anticipation for his upcoming ballet class. Once ready, he and his mom are off to join his friends at the dance studio, with their teacher Mr. Elliot. 

Once ready, they begin with stretches. As they line up at the barre, they practice each of the various positions. They then move away to carefully follow instructions given and practice, practice, practice. Once limber, their task is to choose the outfits they will wear for their performance of the upcoming production of The Nutcracker. They are all inspired to make the right choice. 

Thomas chooses a sparkly, purple Sugar Plum Fairy costume. It puts him in the right mood to display his talent and his enthusiasm for the role. 

"I am the Sugar Plum Fairy - 
and I am a ballet kid!

Their practice is exactly what they need to make the performance a joy for everyone involved. Magical, is right. 

Ballet positions are clearly displayed on the endpapers. Perfect fare for apiring dancers. 

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