"At the barre in ballet class,
Janie's fondus didn't rise.
Across the floor, her jetes didn't lift.
At the end of class, all the dancers
joined in the center of the room and
danced together.
Everyone.
Together."
In this book about author Jane Yolen, her daughter allows readers a chance to see the love of words that led to Ms. Yolen's first story. Always imagining stories in her head, Janie had a notebook for keeping track of her ideas, and the words she read that were unfamiliar to her. Janie gets the lead role in a new play being rehearsed at her school. When she reads the script, she is disappointed. It doesn't have the pizzazz she was hoping for. She feels the same about her ballet class.
Janie decides to write her own version of the story. She offers the changed script to her very supportive teacher, who approves it and offers new roles to the play's actors. Janie is thrilled with the success they all enjoy. It is the beginning of a long and outstanding career as a children's book author which has garnered much praise and numerous awards.
An author's note provides a quick look at the events that led to this first story. Archival photos are included to provide context, as are telling endpapers that show the spines of some of the books authored by Ms. Yolen. You are sure to find some of your favorite titles there. Janie was a writer through and through as a child, and remains so today as her extensive bibliography continues to grow.
The final spread's inspiration is the Jane of today fondly remembering the Janie of earlier times.
No comments:
Post a Comment