Book Description

Tilly loves her ballet class. What could be more fun? She gets to wearspecial clothes, try out fancy new positions, and do her best catimpression. But, when it’s time for the big recital, Tilly learns another aspect of ballet: the preperformance jitters!

Perfect for the beginning ballerina, this gentle text combined withexuberant and warm illustrations captures the joy and excitement brought on by everything from wearing your first tutu to practicing your first plié. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A BOOK TO KEEP SMALL DANCERS ON THEIR TOES
All young dancers, boys and girls alike, will easily and happily relate to Tilly. This is a little girl who loves her ballet classes so much that her Mom calls her "Tutu Tilly."

These classes are all excitement and fun for Tilly. She likes the special clothes, especially her pretty pink leotard, and she even enjoys warm-up exercises.

However, there's also a great deal of work to be done because there's a big show coming up. There are all kinds of animals in the show - Howard is a butterfly, Jake is a dinosaur, and Tilly is a cat.

She practices every day because she's determined to dance just like a real cat. Then, as the big day approaches, whoops, she has a funny feeling in her stomach - it's those pre-performance butterflies.

However, everyone knows the show must go on. Illustrator McNicholas perfectly captures the action and excitement of young dancers in her sprightly, colorful paintings.

- Gail Cooke ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Denise's Review of Nina, Nina, and the Copycat Ballerina
I personally thought that this book would be great for the little girl who is in ballet school herself, and might have the same problem with one of the girls in her own class. This book can also be great for the little girl whose mother wants to widen her experiences by introducing her to the world of the arts. This book is a Level 1 book for Preschool-Grade 1, which means that it has very large words for easy reading, lots of repetition, and pictures to go along with the text. I think that this book is so cute and since I am a dancer myself, I know that I would give this book to my daughter in the future! I give this book two thumbs up! ... Read more

Book Description

The night of the first school dance is almost here and the Lil’ Bratz™ are so excited!They can’t wait to shop for dresses and funky accessories for the big night. But then Zadarealizes that she has to make a speech at the charity auction for the local animal shelter onthe very same night as the dance. Oh, no! What will the Lil’ Bratz do? Will the fourfriends still be able to go to their first dance together? ... Read more

Book Description

All of Paris was abuzz with the news-Belinda the ballerina was comingto town! But when Belinda's extra-large ballet shoes wind up in PagoPago by mistake, she and a young ballerina must hit the streets to lookfor a new pair. Along the way, Belinda befriends a trio of Parisians,each with his or her own problem. Can Belinda save the day and stillfind ballet shoes before her performance that night? New and old fansalike will cheer magnifique! for Amy Young's big-footed (andbig-hearted) ballerina, as she wins over the City of Lights. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Belinda a role model to love
I wish I'd had a Belinda when I was young! I'm charmed by her passion, her perseverance, and her good spirit. The stories of both her debut performance and her Paris visit are sure to keep both children and adults smiling and hopeful. She of the big feet dances with such grace! ... Read more

Book Description

Once there was a ballerina named Belinda. Belinda loved to dance. She went to ballet school every day and practiced very hard. But Belinda had a big problem. Actually, Belinda had two big problems: her left foot and her right foot. When a trio of big-mouthed dance critics declare that Belinda has no future in ballet, Belinda decides to give up dancing forever. But what's a dancer to do if she can't dance? A playful text and whimsical illustrations by an exciting newcomer set the stage for a story in which the size of the heroine's feet is rivaled only by the size of her heart. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Illustrations that dance!
Belinda has a gift, and she works hard at it too. But she doesn't fit a few gatekeeping critics' ideas of what a ballerina should look like.

Rejection makes her very sad... lie-in-the-bathtub-for-a-long-time sad.

But she picks herself up, and goes to work in a restaurant, where dance finds her again ~ and she herself is discovered.

The story is lovely, but the artwork is what makes this book shine. Belinda of the huge feet pirouettes, prances, leaps, and soars across the page. Her friends and supporters are charming and diverse, her judges are appropriately and entertainingly unpleasant.

I know there is a child with whom you can read this who will take heart from its generous words and images.

Hold On To Your Dream.....
"Once there was a ballerina named Belinda. Belinda loved to dance. She went to dancing school every day and practiced very hard. She was graceful and light on her feet. But Belinda had a big problem-TWO big problems: her left foot and her right foot..." When she tried to audition for the Annual Ballet Recital, the judges took one look at her large feet and sent her home. "You will never be a dancer-not with those feet." Poor Belinda, she hung up her pink tutu and toe shoes and went looking for something new to do. She found a nice job as a waitress at Fred's Fine Food. "The customers liked her because she was quick and light on her feet." She loved her new job, but Belinda missed dancing. One day a band came to play at the restaurant, and soon Belinda's toes began tapping. In no time, she was dancing across the floor, night after night, as the musicians performed. "The customers were enthralled. They loved it so much that they told their friends..." Word spread quickly as friends told friends, and soon word reached the Maestro from the Grand Metropolitan Ballet..... Amy Young's simple story is sweet and heartwarming, but predictable. It's her playful and engaging illustrations that really make this picture book stand out and sparkle. Each expressive page is rich in charm, bright color, marvelous detail and warm humor. With a gentle message that won't be lost on little ones, Belinda The Ballerina is perfect for youngsters 3-7. Remember, dreams do come true. Just ask Belinda.

A REMINDER THAT DREAMS CAN COME TRUE
Most young girls have dreams, and Belinda has an ambitious one - she wanted to be a ballerina. More than anything else in the world she wanted to dance. It was what she loved, and she practiced very hard.

At last the time came for her to try out for the Annual Ballet Recital. How disappointed she was when she wasn't even allowed to try out because the judges all said her feet were too big. That would never do for a ballerina.

Belinda was disconsolate, but she pulled herself together and tried to forget about dancing. She found a job at Fred's Fine Food. She liked her job, and the customers all liked Belinda because she was a quick waitress and very light on her feet.

One day, quite by accident, a band that played snappy, upbeat tunes came to play at Fred's. Belinda just couldn't help herself - before she knew it she was tapping her toes, and then, suddenly, she was dancing!

When Fred saw this he asked Belinda if she would dance for the customers. Of course, she said. Customers came; they brought their friends. Soon, Fred's was full of people who loved to watch Belinda dance.

Word of this phenomenon reached the Maestro from the Grand Metropolitan Ballet. Young readers will be delighted to discover what happens next.

Amy Young has written a sweet story to remind all of us that dreams can come true.

- Gail Cooke ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great book for little ballerinas and beginers in reading!
Nina, Nina Star Ballerina is a Great book for little girls it is an awesome way to get them to start to read.
I'm 12 and I read long thick novels but when I was little my mom read me this book and I fell in love with it because I thought Jane O'Connor(the author)had writen the book for me! I thought this because I was taking ballet like Nina (the main character of this story)and my name is Nina too!!
After my mom read me this book the first time I wanted to be more independent and start reading it by myself. And so I did.
I suggest that all or most mothers should have their daughters try to read this. I think that they would like it if they like dance.

Great for beginners
My 5 year-old daughter and my 3 year-old son both enjoyed my reading this book to them. My son was glad there was a boy in the dance class and my daughter was empathetic about the story line. We played the recognize-one-word game while reading. The kids learned the word "mom" and were able to see other words by memory, too. I would reccommend this book to first readers also since the words are simple and easy to read.

It's my grand daughter's favorite
This book illustrates how one might get trapped in an untruthful situation. Nina's friends think she is the star of the show when she is only one of several dancers portraying stars. She allows them to think she's the star because she likes the attention. When there is the possibility that one of her friends will attend the performance, Nina has second thought about the deception. She considers getting excused from the show because of a feigned sore leg. Then, confessing to her mother, she gets the good advice to tell her friend the truth. This is accepted and the dance performance goes on with her friend and her mother in the audience.

My grand daughter is facing her first dance recital and is very nervous about it. This book fascinated her, I read it to her three times, and hopefully she will now participate in her recital. ... Read more

Book Description

There’s a quiet, gentle tiger In the woods below the hill, And he dances on his tiptoes, When the world is dreaming, still. Malachy Doyle’s poetic text invites us to join a mysterious tiger, who only appears when themoon is full, on his joyous dances through the changing seasons. Luminous paintings by SteveJohnson and Lou Fancher capture the movement and energy of the language, and lead us to amagical woodland, suffused with moonlight, where a child and a tiger can play to their hearts’content. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Call it a tale of bold and balletic self-actualization (of the porcinekind) the stirring story of young Dumpy La Rue, "the pig who knew what he wantedto do."

Despite all sorts of well-intentioned advice to discourage him ("'Pigs don'tdance,' said his mother. 'They bellow, they swallow, they learn how towallow'"), Dumpy can't ignore the tantalizing beat he hears in his head: "Hetwirled in the sty, raised his snout to the sky, spread his hooves far and wide,and pretended to fly." Not surprisingly, an at-first-reluctant barnyard audiencebegins to catch on, first the sheep--"'We want to dance too,' cried the sheep.'It looks like fun. Why should he be the only one?'"--then even,eventually, Poppa Pig himself.

A fun and muddy romp, with plenty of glissades and jetés, Dumpy LaRue ably displays the talents of Elizabeth Winthrop (of The Castle in the Attic fame)and firecracker illustrator Betsy Lewin, returning to the farm after herCaldecott Honor winner Click,Clack, Moo: Cows That Type (Ages 4 to 8) Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A Pig Who Believed in Himself
This book is great for ages 3-7. Dumpy wants to be a dancer but no one thinks he should be because he is a pig. This book has very good illustrations and is very easy to read. At the end EVERYBODY starts to dance! That is why we gave it five stars.

Delightful new children's classic!
I have given this book several times to children in the 6-8 year range and all have enjoyed it thoroughly (especially children who like to dance). The verse is delightful, the animals charming, and the message is very positive. If you want to give a gift but are afraid that the child has many of the older classic picture books, this one is a great choice.

A wonderful story
This is a great book for kids, adults and music lovers. The story is a good lesson in believing in your dreams and trying to achieve them! Despite who you are or what you are, you can do most anything. This story has become one of our family favorite read-aloud books! Buy one for your favorite music teacher, too!

Dumpy LA Rue
Dumpy La Rue is a fun book. I read it to a group of third graders and they loved the rhyming words and thought of more that would rhyme with them. The loved the pictures as well as the story. They wanted me to read it to them again and again!

Fabulous!
Barnyard animals dancing, prancing, and spinning about! What is this clever book all about? A pig who wants to dance. Everyone tells him what he "should" be doing, or what "pigs" or "boys" do, but nobody lets him just be himself.

So, the rhyme isn't always perfect, but the words are still lively and fun. Kids probably won't notice that they are forced on occasion, as the story and illustrations will carry it through a few stumbles.

This book appeals to children and adults! Wonderful writing, fantastic illustrations, and fun, fun, fun for kids! Oh yes, and the very subtle, hidden message to kids: Don't let others discourage you from living your dreams! Be yourself! (Others just might follow your lead!)

Fantastic! One of the best books I have read to my kids in a long time! ... Read more

Book Description

The Pigs are ready to do-si-do at the Lefooters Club, when they find out their dancing teacher is sick and can't attend. But the show must go on, so Mr. Pig offers to take his place calling the steps to the dance. There's just one problem -- Mr. Pig has never called a square dance before! ... Read more

Book Description

Taking center stage this spring-Ellie Brown in The Royal Ballet School Diaries! With a passion for dancing and the drive to succeed, Ellie, an American girl, will stop at nothing to achieve her dream of getting accepted as a ballet student at the Royal Ballet School in London. This new series is the perfect mix of ballet, friendship, competition, and taking chances!

Dear Diary,

I can't believe I'm really here in London! It was hard to say good-bye to everyone in Chicago, but I promised to write. And I think it will be kind of cool to see what it's like to live in another country. The coolest part is that I'm going to audition for The Royal Ballet School's Junior Associate Program! The Royal Ballet School is only THE BEST dancing school in England! If they accept me, my dream of becoming a famous ballerina just may come true. I'm going to start practicing extra every day. I don't want to make any mistakes during my audition! Wish me luck! I may need it! ... Read more

Book Description

Taking center stage this spring-Ellie Brown in The Royal Ballet School Diaries! With a passion for dancing and the drive to succeed, Ellie, an American girl, will stop at nothing to achieve her dream of getting accepted as a ballet student at the Royal Ballet School in London. This new series is the perfect mix of ballet, friendship, competition, and taking chances!

Dear Diary,

I made it! I was actually accepted to The Royal Ballet School's lower school. I love it, but I'm not used to dancing with an entire class of BADs-Brilliantly Awesome Dancers! I'm going to have to work if I want to keep up with the competition. And I'm not the only one-my bunkmate, Lara, has been struggling since she got here. I'd talk to her, but she definitely doesn't want my support! How can I convince her that we might need to work together if we want to stay on top? ... Read more

Book Description

I want to stretch to the moon, Delia thought. Far, far away.

Twelve-year-old Delia Ferri doesn't remember her mother, or her family the way it used to be. All she knows is that her sister, Pearl, and her father are fighting more and more. Pearl is withdrawn and angry, so Delia vows not to give her father anything else to worry about.

Delia loses herself to the rigorous world of ballet, and only when it has consumed her completely does she begin to understand how fiercely her sister had to fight for her own truth. Delia discovers that the bond between two sisters can't be broken -- no matter where the dance of life takes them. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Share This "Dance"
"A Dance of Sisters" is a poignant look at one girl's somewhat estranged family and her newfound passion for ballet. After the death of their mother, two sisters become closer, with the younger sister looking up to her older sister more than words can express. Their father, though he loves his daughters, becomes more distant as he grieves for his wife, removes her pictures from the house walls, and throws himself into his thriving business.

Fast-forward years later: The younger sister, Delia, is in middle school. She's a good girl, but doesn't have any notable hobbies - except for dancing. Suddenly, the local mainstream dance school with its yearly corny recitals are not satisfying enough for her, and she decides to pursue ballet exclusively. She enrolls at a prestigious school taught by a Madame who strictly adheres to the classic type of ballet instruction. As Delia's love for ballet deepens, she starts having her own life - and her own secrets.

Meanwhile, Delia's older sister is getting kicked out of school after school due to her behavior. She is not a felon nor a threat to anyone, simply a free spirit who does not want to conform. She dresses in dark clothes that she reshapes and redesigns. She dyes her blonde hair black. She truly cares for her little sister, and still loves her father, but she too has distanced herself from her family, feeling as if she is the only one who truly remembers her mother. Sent off to a new school, she expects nothing, but surprises herself and everyone else when she ends up with a new interest - taming a horse that was said to be untameable.

I recommend this book to a wide audience. This book is not just about ballet, nor solely about parents and children grieving over a loss, but rather about honoring those memories while making new ones. Each character finds something he or she is passionate about. The dynamic between the characters is realistic and the plot is interesting and familiar without being cliché. You will root for this family to come back together, and you will want each person to become stronger in his or her own way.

Tackles many issues successfully
A ballerina and her nonconformist sister forge bonds as they struggle to find a place in a world that includes suppressed memories of their mother, dead for ten years.The plot revolves primarily around dancer Delia and her hard work in an exclusive and competitive dance class.Delia's sister Pearl is revealed through her conversations with Delia and later through letters mailed from the boarding school for troubled girls that she attends.
Issues such as anorexia and dabbling with witchcraft blend with more mundane stresses such as sibling rivalry and getting along with Dad. Elements such as complex characters and psychological drama deepen the story and move it beyond the superficial.Although neither girl attains the goals they have set, they achieve other things and learn a great deal about themselves and one another in the process.
The book has certain appeal for dancers as well as to girls who enjoy problem novels.Additionally, the dance theme would make this an appropriate book for the 2003 Statewide Summer Reading Program theme of the Arts.

A Dance of Sisters is A Terrific Book
This was a great book which shows what you may have to go through to become a top ballet dancer. It's about Pearl and Delia, two sisters who are very close. When they were very young, their mother died and left their dad to raise them. Pearl becomes a strange, eerie person who seems to think life would only be worth living if her mother was alive, so she gets sent to boarding school by her father. Delia, however, misses her sister very much, but has found her spot in the world of ballet dancing. She had been taking classes at the Elanova School of Ballet, a prestigous dance school. Soon after two months of dancing there Delia was picked to be taught by Madame Elanova, the head directer and teacher. Delia enjoys dancing, but it was taking a huge toll on her life. She lost too much weight, she got sick, and every spare moment she had was filled with dancing. She realizes at the end that she cannot put up with ballet and feels like she dosn't need it in her life. Read the book to find out what happens in the end! ... Read more

Book Description

Tanya has danced her way into our hearts over and over again, and what better way to celebrate her (and little dancers everywhere) than with a treasury.Finally, we have three beloved Tanya books together: Dance, Tanya, where we meet Tanya for the first time, Tanya and Emily in a Dance for Two, where Tanya makes a new dancing friend, and the beautiful Presenting Tanya, the Ugly Duckling, where Tanya makes her debut on the stage.

This special gift edition, which includes all three books in their entirety, also features a ribbon marker and a note from the author. A great gift for recitals, and perfect for all ballet enthusiasts, or for anyone who loves one. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Precious..but I wamt more
This book is beautiful. It uses wonderful dance terminology and teaches good life lessons...for example: like yourself so others can like you too. As a treasury, it leaves me wanting, because there are only 3 of the Tanya books included. (And they aren't the best Tanya books.) But it is still lovely and bound beautifully. The young dancer in your life will enjoy reading them with you. ... Read more

Book Description

An elegant, expressive dancer, Chan Hon Goh is one of the ballet world’s great stars. She is a brilliant technician possessing a delicate beauty and radiant stage presence. Born in Beijing to dancer parents, she tells the story of their flight to Canada from an oppressive regime that thwarted her father’s career, her rigorous training, and her battle to achieve acceptance as the only Chinese-born prima
ballerina in the history of the National Ballet.

This fascinating look at the life of a dancer will appeal not only to the legions of Chan Hon Goh’s admirers and to students of ballet, but also to young readers who understand what it is to pursue a dream. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

"Kitties are angels in fur."
Any girl should love this book with a sweet story by Sweeney and lovely illustrations of kitties and ballerinas plus an introduction to the renown French artist, Edgar Degas (1834-1917) whose studies of ballerinas are known for their "mastery of motion and for reviving the lost art of pastel." Degas is considered one of the great artists of his time and Leslie Wu's illustrations are in keeping with his style but with her own unique vision and bolder use of color. Great job, Leslie! I wish more stories were tributes to great artists like BIJOU, BONBON & BEAU--Sweeney and Wu set a nice example I hope others follow.

"No one saw a cat slip through the back door." Kitties may cause mischief, yet can win over even the grumpiest of persons, in this case, Mr. Klenk. I don't want to give away the story, so please enjoy reading this amusing book with your little girl, or buy it for your older reader. Great book for girls aged five to twelve.

As a dear friend of mine recently shared with me, "Kitties are angels in fur." So true. I certainly love my cat and can't imagine what I'd do without her. I've only had her close to two months and it feels like a lifetime.

Soar!

Enchanting and Sweet
The best review I can give this book is that my 3 1/2 y.o. daughter just loves it. It is a sweet story about a mother cat and her kittens who live in a Parisian theatre and are cared for by the members of the ballet company. The story is simple for young children, but the presence of Degas sketching the ballerinas opens the door for many other discussions about art and may even inspire a trip to the museum.

Tara, I respectfully disagree with your asessment of the prose. Keep in mind this is a children's book. The tone flows smoothly and is a wonderful soothing story that does not excite my daughter when I'm trying to get her ready for bed.

Cute story
I liked this book a great deal , but I wish that the authors would include a phonatic spelling for the French words. I loved the illustrations. I would recommend this book to others. My children love art as much as I do , they enjoyed the kittens in the story.Great read aloud book. Check you french dictonary first.

Nice illustrations, but...
The pictures are delightful, but the story and prose are weak. There is too much going on -- a mother cat with kittens, the ballet, the mean stage manager, Degas, the ballet dancers and teacher --eek. The writing style is also passive, I assume to contibute to a sense of impressionistic and dreamy haze, but what it seems like is a shmaltzy and often wooden translation into English from some other language. I wouldn't reccommend this book if you or your child are particularly sensitive to well-written prose. (I know I'm opening up my review for criticism with that statement, but so be it! ;) )

Bijou, Bonbon and Beau
"Look, kittens! " This book is about a cat named Marmalade and her three kittens, Bijou, Bonbon, and Beau. This story takes place in Paris, France. Bijou, Bonbon and Beau make their home in a ballet theater. The angry stage manager does not like pets! So, the costume designer takes care of the family. One night during a ballet performance, the kittens charge on to the stage. Will the stage manager allow that? Find out!

There is also a young artist in the book who spends a lot of time sketching the ballet dancers. He also tries to keep peace in the theater. He wants to convince the stage manager to like the cats, but the stage manager does not listen.

I'd like to say that the pictures by Leslie Wu are so beautiful and make you want to just look at them over and over! Leslie Wu copied Edgar Degas' style. At the end of the book, they show the Rehearsal On The Stage (one of Degas' paintings). Do you remember the young artist I just mentioned? Well, I think that the author meant him to be Edgar Degas!

I think you should read this book especially if you want to know how to dance ballet or even play a sport because you can do anything you choose to do... even if you are a cat! I would also recommend this book to kids/grown-ups that like cats because the cats and even the dancers are just like Edgar Degas' paintings. They are fuzzy and light-colored. If you did now know who painted the pictures, I bet you would guess that Edgar Degas was the artist! ... Read more