Ballet Kids - by Holly Sterling (Hardcover)

About the Book

Thomas wants to be a ballet kid! He and his friends meet at the dance studio to take lessons from Mr. Elliot, their ballet instructor. The children stand at the barre and practice their feet positions--first position, second position-as well how to plie and releve. And then it's time to saute, or jump! Finally, the ballet kids get to choose their costumes for the Winter Show where they are performing The Nutcracker. What will Thomas choose?

Book Synopsis

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.

Stretchy leggings on? Ballet shoes in the bag? Let's go! Join Thomas and his fellow dancers as they're welcomed into the studio for their Saturday ballet class. There are feet positions to perfect and steps to learn--first position, plie, up on your toes, relevé--and turns and jumps, too. Everyone is getting ready for their first performance, The Nutcracker--and now it's time to pick out costumes! This warm celebration of dancing, a companion to Holly Sterling's Karate Kids, is inspired by the author's time learning ballet as a young child. It's sure to be a hit with little ones taking a class, free-form dancers at home, and those who are hoping to be a ballet kid one day, too.

Review Quotes

A group of young children find friendship and utter joy in the world of ballet. . . . Seamlessly interwoven illustrations depict a cozy, warm setting where Mr. Elliot and the children offer encouragement and compliments. . . . A tale of unquestioning support and acceptance that will buoy readers, especially aspiring dancers.
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Thomas, who wants to 'be a ballet kid, ' narrates this cheerful introduction to ballet class for the very young. . . . a gentle story around the spirit of finding fun in dance.
--Publishers Weekly

Students encourage and compliment one another throughout the class, and there is none of the nervousness, teasing, or discomfort that often accompanies a story about a boy attending ballet class. . . An easygoing, refreshingly natural addition to the ballet bookshelf.
--School Library Journal

About the Author

Holly Sterling is the author-illustrator of Karate Kids and Hiccups! and the illustrator of the 15 Things Not to Do with a . . . series by Margaret McAllister and the Everybody Feels series by Moira Butterfield. An instructor of illustration and design at the University of Sunderland, Holly Sterling lives in England.