Book Description

In this sumptuous volume, readers will learn everything about the rich and varied art of ballet, from dance steps and their meanings to the evolution of the ballet slipper and the tutu and more. Following the history of the dance from the first ballets in the French court of Louis XIV to the modern productions of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, The Young Person's Guide to the Ballet introduces the greats of ballet - Fonteyn, Baryshnikov, Balanchine - as well as the choreographers, costume designers, and composers who together create a unique work of art every time a ballet is performed. Photographs from the world of dance illustrate the book, and the scores of Tchaikovsky's classic ballets - The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and The Sleeping Beauty, performed by the Munich Symphony Orchestra - are featured on the accompanying CD.
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Book Description

Marisol has always loved to dance—to the salsa at family parties, to the boom boxes on Loisada Avenue. Then she wins a scholarship to ballet school and discovers an inspiring new world of beauty and discipline. But when violence erupts in Alphabet City, Marisol’s dream starts to slip away. To keep dancing she must make heartbreaking choices—perhaps impossible ones.

1996 America’s Commended List (CLASP) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

It was borrrriiiinnnng and confusing
This book stinks. It was one of the worst have ever read. It got confusing and then became a sleeper. I had to read it for school and even my classmates thought the same. If I could I would have given it 0 stars.

Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award nominee - Yr 2000
This title was appreciated by enough students and professional librarians and teachers to make the Year 2000 list of nominees for Illinois' childrens' choice award named after the Illinois author Rebecca Caudill. This book is best for grades 4-8. ... Read more

Book Description

Kids will stick with these books! Each title in this best-selling series has more than 60 self-adhesive full-color stickers plus informative, lively pages of text to complete and decorate. Hours of fun! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

My little girls LOVES this sticker book
I bought this as a birthday present for my 7-year-old and she has spent a lot of time poring over each page, reading the captions and attaching the stickers. It is a very informative book and lots of fun for the little girl who likes stickers and ballerinas (which is just about all of them.) It was inexpensive and the stickers -- which are beautiful -- are re-usable. ... Read more

Book Description

When Bear starts itchin' and scritchin', it's time to cha-cha-cha! But will a pair of lost maracas spoil all the fun? Join Bear and his friends as they hunt for the lost shakers -- and discover a lot of different dances along the way! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Let us all Cha-Cha-Cha!
I got this book for my 23-month-old daughter, who is a huge Bear fan, and she loves it! She brings it to me like six or seven times a day to read it to her! I have to admit that at first I was a little worried about how long the pages would last with her (we sometimes refer to her as "El Destructo" - you should see what she does to board books!), but so far, this book is one of the rare few that she has left intact. Maybe she's trying to tell me that she's a big girl now; no more board books, please. I think it's because she loves the pictures of Bear, Tutter, Ojo, Treelo, Pip, and Pop, and she loves the episode "Dancing the Day Away", which is similar to the story in this book, and she actually enjoys carefully turning the pages herself and "telling" me what is going on in the pictures. Another added bonus is the cool "dancing" picture of Bear on the cover. As with all of the Bear in the Big Blue House books we have, this one has really kept my daughter's attention, too. Maybe in part because we always dance the "Cha-Cha-Cha" at the end (who can resist?). ... Read more

Book Description

"A little African-American girl loves her new shoes so much that she is compelled to dance through her neighborhood, showing them off to her friends and family. When she trips and gets the shoes dirty, she thinks they are ruined, but her favorite aunt restores their 'magic.'...An emotionally convincing slice of life."--Horn Book. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. A shortstop in a tutu? Not if she can help it! Forced by her mother into taking ballet lessons, a die-hard tomboy discovers that there's team spirit at the barre as well as on the baseball diamond. "Kids will enjoy the situation comedy and the surprise in people and story."--Booklist.
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Reviews (4)

disappointing stereotypes
Are there really still mothers who insist their daughters wear pink and force them to do ballet? I bought this thinking it might celebrate girls who enjoy doing both team sports AND dance (like so many girls I know DO), but this presents it as an either/or choice. It's great to encourage girls to do the team sports, but is it really necessary to tear down the other pursuit? My 6 year-old daughter was very disappointed. Baseball Ballerina Strikes Out is a better choice, though it doesn't really deal with dance, but the conflict is about handling teasing. We won't be re-reading it.

A fun book for girls who like it all!
My daughter loves her dance classes, but she also likes to play rough and tough with her four brothers! Baseball Ballerina is a fun story that shows a girl it's okay to enjoy it all! An easy read for bedtime or anytime. We are looking forward to Baseball Ballerina Strikes Out!

Baseball Ballerina
I loved this book because that girl loves baseball but her mom doesn't like the baseball. The girl goes to the dance and she picks the crown and everybody applauded.

THIS IS A GREAT BOOK FOR ANY AGE!!!
I think this book is fantastic. When I read it the first time, I kept on reading it over, and over. I loved it. It is a great book for beginners and anyone!!! You should read it and see for yourself!!! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Book
Great book, those are the only words to describe it. Buy/rent the movie! Its's even better! ... Read more

Book Description

Every morning is the same--the same old thing in the very same way. Until the day that Sherman makes up a little dance while he's brushing his teeth. Before he knows it, he is on the go! In the adventurous chain of events that follows, Sherman discovers an unusual way of shaking up his daily routine and making it to the school bus on time.

Told in the humorous voice of a reluctant child and paired with adorable illustrations, this charming story will resonate with anyone who's ever had a hard time getting out the door in the morning. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Wonderful!
I just love this book! The illustrations are great and the plot line is so cute. Can't we all relate to the routine of daily life and the excitement of an adventure that changes our old, boring routine? Oh, this book is great! The words are very rhythmic which makes it fun to read to children and as an adult! Great fun and highly recommended.

Charming Original Graphics
What delightful characters! Sherman and his dog take flight and look estactic! The joy of it all it so well expressed! Buy this for you and your child.

a book for everyone!
This is a wonderful book for all ages! Although it's a children's book, it has such a fun and universal message. The drawings are fantastic, and the main characters (Sherman and his dog) have perfect expressions. It's a lot of fun to read to children or just read yourself!

A wonderful book!
This is truly one of the finest children's books I have ever read. It is charming and completely unique. The story is so well written that you could almost put the words to music, and the illustrations perfectly capture the exciting images that fill your mind while reading this story. This book can take the imagination of any child and lead it to wonderful places. I highly recommend it to anybody. ... Read more

Book Description

reusable, full-color sticker images of boys and girls in sailor suits, top hats, and perky costumes can be applied to a background illustration of a stage set for a dance recital.
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Book Description

Stamp Big

stamp little

stamp little

Stamp Big

Come join
the sailor as he
dances a jig! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Everybody Dance.....
"With a yo ho ho/and a bucket of fun,/here comes a sailor-/the jig has begun." It's time to dance, and sailor boy, a happy pup in sailor suit and hat, complete with fishing pole and ready for a day on the high seas, is leading the way. "STAMP BIG/ stamp little/stamp little/STAMP BIG // Here comes a sailor/to dance a jig." Now let's jump, dance, and step, BIG and little, LOUD and soft. Little ones will revel in all the opposites fun. Margaret Wise Brown's joyous, spare and lilting text begs to be read aloud, and is complemented by Dan Andreasen's bold and bright cartoon-like illustrations in ocean hues of blues and greens. Perfect for kids 4 and younger who don't want to sit still, Sailor Boy Jig is a fun-filled, rhyming romp that's sure to be a big hit with the preschool crowd. ... Read more

Book Description

Born in the Soviet Union, Mikhail Baryshnikov was a teenager when he discovered his gift as a dancer at a nearby ballet school. He soon joined the Kirov Ballet, but felt restricted by the tight controls of communism in the USSR. In an exciting but dangerous escape, Baryshnikov eventually defected to Canada. In the United States—in addition to continuing his dance career—he became a choreographer, artistic director, and actor. ... Read more

Book Description

Any child who"s been dazzled by dance will treasure The Best Book of Ballet. Lavishly illustrated in full color, this information-packed book offers a behind-the-scenes look at ballet, and shows aspiring dancers the fascinating, elegant world of dance.

The Best Book of Ballet takes readers from ballet school, where they"ll learn basic steps and techniques, to the stage, where they"ll learn how a performance is created. Along the way, the detailed text and step-by-step illustrations give an overview of ballet history, display costumes and make-up, and reveal the busy lives of professional dancers. Young readers developing their reference skills will find an illustrated glossary and index at the back of thebook. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A good primer for the young beginner ballet dancer
The artistic illustrations easily draw you into this pictorial explanation of the basics of ballet. This is not a typical bedtime reading book, but the type of book a young reader who is interested in dance would pick up and read on her own. My daughter, a beginning reader, needs help with some of the words, and she enjoys sharing the "pretty dance" book with her young cousins. Because it mentions well-known ballets, it has piqued my daughter's interest in the different stories told by these ballets. I'm now checking for upcoming local ballet productions which would be a good introduction for her. I liked the book's simple and easy to understand explanations and descriptions, from ballet dance techniques to stage productions. This is also her first book with a glossary and index, so she likes the idea of having graduated from baby books. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

A special visitor is coming to Rosie's class at Miss Deirdre's, and she's going to choose just one girl to play a part in her summer ballet. Rosie wants the part more than anything. Does she stand a chance?"Fans of Giff's 'Kids of the Polk Street School' series will find [the Rosie books] to be a good next step." — School Library Journal ... Read more

Reviews (1)

My 2 1/2 yr Old Loves the Ballerina Tu-Tu!
I ordered this book for my 2 1/2 yr old daughter for Christmas. It was a favorite gift, not so much because of the book, which is a bit more advanced, but because of the ADORABLE pink tu-tu that comes with it. The book has a cute ballerina story and also has illustrations of the beginning ballet positions (1st position, 2nd position, etc. ) But, the tu-tu is really a huge hit! My daughter dances and jumps around the house with it on. I'm purchasing this for all our friends' little girls who are turning 3! I think they'll enjoy it as well. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Honk! Honk!
A good friend of mine lent me a copy of this book to share with my little ballerinas (ages 3-6) during our summer dance camp. I must say, I probably enjoyed reading this story more than my students enjoyed listening to it. (We all loved it!) It is nice to find a book written based upon the ballet "Swan Lake" that children can relate to. Through Mimi, this book teaches with a little practice and persistance you never know what might prevail. Good life lessons that any child can benefit from. A great book!

Practice Makes Perfect
We got this from the library by accident, and now I am going to buy it. My daughter (4 1/2) and my son (2 1/2) both loved it. Mimi's pluck is great, and her travails are hysterical. A real plus for me was that I was able to use her as an example of the benefits of practicing. (A tough concept for a 4 year old.) When Mimi's perserverence finally gets her onstage, she performs beautifully because she had practiced all of the ballet moves. "Nice shoes dear!" whispers one of the ballerinas.

A humorous tale of determination, ballet and Swan Lake
"Honk!" reminds me of those old Barbara Streisand films, "Funny Girl" and "Funny Lady," where the determined--but klutzy--performer becomes the star of the show. Here Mimi Swan drives her animal friends in the Parisian pond crazy with all her ballet practice. After watching a ballet with the pigeons through the Opera House window where she notices, "They're all pretending to be me," she does everything she can to get in, much to the agitation of the manager.

"Honk!" is a delightful introduction to ballet for youngsters, but be prepared to pronounce the proper French ballet terminology, such as "en pointe" and "demi-plied" (with an accent over the e). And while the title of the ballet is never mentioned, Pamela Duncan Edwards' sense of humor is not wasted on those who recognize it as "Swan Lake!"

I just read this enjoyable title to a class of second-graders in our school library who really enjoyed it.

A Little Swan's Perseverance
Just the title alone is enough to have your child want to read this book over and over. But what I love about this book, is that through hard work perseverance and persistance this lovable swan realizes her dream, even when it seemed impossible. Not such bad things to be teaching your child in this age of Pokémon and World Federation Wrestling!

Honk
This is a delightful book, especially for a child interested in dance. The illustrations are bright, colourful and beautifully drawn. I loved the story, it's touching, funny and warm. I hope you like it too. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

THE #1 BEST book to start out with!
I went to the library and tried every book they have on the topic... we keep renewing this one, so now I'm going to buy it. This is like all the other books combined... it has everything!

The diagrams of steps and positions, in adition to the basic first five, are extensive and well-organized into chapters on Exercises at the Barre, Centre Work, Jumps and Travelling Steps... rounding off with A Simple Dance (combining various steps, etc.), and ending with a short (1-page) discussion of steps for two people (no diagrams here, just a few illustrations of people in costume).

My daughter is barely 3 and loves it... first thing in the morning we do some of the excersizes together and practice some of the basic positions. Before nap time, we read the story of how ballet began, look at the pictures of the costumes and the pictures of clothes people wear to a ballet class, talk about which ones she wants to wear someday when she is old enough to take a ballet class, and how you make up your own ballet. (She has made up her own silly ones, too.) And before bed at night, we read (and re-read ad infinitum!) the Stories of Ballets (though you do have to ad-lib to soften them a bit for kids this young, because most of them end in tragedy) and of Famous Dancers.

Our day does not revolve around ballet so much as it does around books and playing... but for over 2 months now, this book has not been out of the lineup one single afternoon or night.

And I'll never give up our morning exercise routine, so this book's big collection of diagrammed positions is something we will be able to grow into over time.

My daughter isn't interested in the sections on The Structure of a Ballet Company, Ballet As A Career, or Life At A Ballet School, but I thought they were great, and I can see how they can put some reality into the fantasies of parents or pre-teens.

On top of all that, there's a glossary at the end and a full index... it's just a very well-written book, appropriate for ALL ages.

Excellent children's/beginner's guide to ballet.
Excellent information for the person just starting to study ballet. Be it child or grown up, this book is filled with facts from ballet technique to history, and even includes a dictionary of ballet terms. A must for any child starting ballet.....although one must realize that the ballet studio described in the book is not what one will ALWAYS find... studios' set up and rules do vary... Especially informative is the section about famous ballet dancers and choreographers, as well as the sketches showing how to do the basic positions and steps. You will not be dissatisfied with this one. ... Read more