Ballet kids

In a gentle introduction to ballet, a little boy and his friends gather for their dance class to learn some moves—and get excited about their debut performance.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas loves being a ballet kid.  As he walks to ballet school, he greets the other kids from his class, who are all on their way to ballet practice for the upcoming winter performance.  As soon as they arrive, they wiggle into their ballet shoes and get into a circle for warm up.  After a good stretch, the group begins the practice with various ballet moves.  Then it is time for picking out costumes for the Nutcracker performance but Thomas does not know where to begin.  He is happy though when he finds the sparkly purple sugar plum fairy one.  The most wonderful costume he has ever seen!

 A sweet, charming story about a group of boys and girls learning ballet and enjoying every moment of it.  The text is simple and the illustrations are large and colorful. You can't help but smile seeing the happy faces of the children during class.  Various ballet moves and positions are explained during the children's practice time which are informative.  Finding costumes brings more joy to everyone, especially Thomas when he finds the sparkly purple one of the sugar plum fairy.  I loved the reassurance from his ballet teacher when he expresses his feelings of butterflies in his tummy.  His comforting words to Thomas about listening and moving to the music and the magic will come from within is uplifting.  Great connections for kids already in ballet or for kids trying to find a place in dance.  Anybody can be a ballet kid!  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

Title:  Ballet Kids

Author:  Holly Sterling

Pub. date:  December 2022, Candlewick Press

genre:  picture book'Hardcover, 32 pgs.