Children's Review: Ballerina Swan

With humor and a light touch, first-time children's author and Balanchine ballerina Allegra Kent celebrates the rewards of persistence and practice.

Every day from her pond in a city park, Sophie the swan observes the graceful arm movements of the dancers in Madam Myrtle's Dance Studio. The swan finds subtle ways to spy, but ultimately she's not content to watch; she's gotta dance. Sophie sneaks into class and, even though Madam Myrtle won't let her stay, Sophie finds her opening when substitute teacher Miss Willow allows her to join in.

Caldecott Medalist Emily Arnold McCully (Mirette on the High Wire) exploits the comic opportunities of a swan in ballet class. In Sophie's attempts at a series of pliés, she looks more pelican-like than prima ballerina, and Miss Willow tells Sophie "to work on your turnout" (i.e., her webbed feet placement). Like every dancer, Sophie discovers moves at which she excels (like the grand jeté) and others that need work (such as the port de bras, as she has wings instead of arms). But Sophie proves her commitment by repeating the steps until she masters them all. Vignette illustrations emphasize her hard work, and an image of her with a pink iPod is priceless. Even Madam Myrtle softens up.

Sophie proves where there's a will, there's a way--especially if you're willing to put in some practice time. Every girl who has ever taken ballet class will recognize themselves in these lively and lighthearted pen-and-ink and watercolor scenes, and even those who haven't will find the humor in Sophie's plight. --Jennifer M. Brown

Shelf Talker: A renowned ballerina and a Caldecott Medalist combine humor and the rewards of hard work in this tale of a swan that dreams of dancing in a ballet.


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