Today's read... Be a Ballerina! by Katharine Holabird

I never took dance lessons but that didn't stop me from enjoying this wonderful mouse, when she first appeared years ago. Angelina Ballerina always brought a smile to my and my daughters' faces (my sons', too, although they'll never admit it). So, when I was asked to take a peek at this one...AND it has punch-out cards, too...of course, I agreed.

Put on those dance shoes because it's time for some dancing dreams!

 

BE A BALLERINA!

Angelina Ballerina

by Katharine Holabird

Illustrated by Helen Craig

Simon Spotlight

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

Angelina Ballerina shows young readers all the ways to be a ballerina in this storybook!

Angelina Ballerina does many things throughout her day that help her be the best ballerina she can be. Ballerinas fuel their bodies, so Angelina eats a healthy breakfast. They’re dedicated and determined, like Angelina as she goes to ballet school and practices at home. Little ones will see how ballerinas ask for help, never give up, and more!

© 2022 Helen Craig Ltd and Katharine Holabird. The Angelina Ballerina name and character and the dancing Angelina logo are trademarks of HIT Entertainment Limited, Katharine Holabird, and Helen Craig.

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61921028-be-a-ballerina

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/be-a-ballerina-katharine-holabird/1140975873

AMAZON:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09RX33G5P

BOOK DEPOSITORY: https://www.bookdepository.com/Be-Ballerina-Katharine-Holabird/9781665920698

MY TIDBITS

Ballerina dreams follow a sweet mouse as she learns the important things to remember, when working to achieve her goals.

This new addition to an already much-loved series follows little Angelina as she lives through the day of a dance presentation. From eating a healthy breakfast, being on time for practice, and finally, the showcase, she learns valuable lessons, which all ballerinas must remember as they strive to be the best dancers they can be. Each lesson is accompanied by a simple, highlighted phrase of wisdom. These can then be found again on punch-out clouds, which can be removed from the book jacket and hung around a mirror, on a wall, or anywhere else as reminders of important things to remember as a ballerina. 

While the pages, obviously, have the goal of bringing across these words of wisdom, Angelina's small adventure never comes across as overly preachy. Instead, the phrases fall right along into her day, allowing the more exciting moments of getting ready for the show to stay on center stage. Plus, as Angelina fans already know, she's a mouse to adore.

The illustrations carry a beautiful, traditional flair, which brings the mice and the ballerina world across with details and love. It's fun to simply flip through these and sink into each scene.

This is a book young ballerinas are sure to enjoy...and the punch-out cards add just the right amount of extra fun.

Review: Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Holabird and Helen Craig

I can't tell you how excited I am to have a chance to shout-out the relaunching of the Angelina Ballerina series! This first book is only the beginning as Simon & Schuster will be bringing out ten more in 2020 alone, with more to follow.

ANGELINA BALLERINA

by Katharine Holabird

Illustrated by Helen Craig

Little Simon

Picture Book

ages 4 to 8

32 pages

In an encore performance, Angelina Ballerina returns in this refreshed picture book from acclaimed author Katharine Holabird and celebrated artist Helen Craig!

Angelina is a pretty little mouse who wants nothing more than to be a ballerina. She dances all the time—at home, at school, even in her dreams! In fact, she’s so busy dancing that she forgets all about the other things she’s supposed to do, like cleaning her room and joining her family for breakfast!

Her parents don’t know what to do—especially after her arabesques in the kitchen knock over the milk! Then one day they come up with an idea that will change Angelina’s life forever…

With Katharine Holabird’s lively writing and Helen Craig’s charming illustrations, the original story, now refreshed and re-released, will continue keeping a whole new generation of young ballerinas leaping with delight.

 MY TIDBITS

This story is and has been a treat for many children, who not only dream of becoming a ballerina but have a passion they would love to pursue.

Angelina is a sweet little mouse who can only think about dancing. Everywhere she goes, her steps turn into spins and leaps. Unfortunately, this does cause some problems, at times, and small chaotic messes. When her parents enroll her in ballet classes, Angelina has found her place and her dancing along with it.

The is such a lovely book and as relevant for children today as it was over thirty years ago. The tale grabs attention as Angelina follows her feet and heart and brings giggles as some moments don't work out as well as they might. Angelina is a mouse with energy and passion, so much so that it's contagious. It only takes a little redirection, and not only do Angelina's dreams come true, but the rest of her life falls into a little more order as well. It's inspiring and a joy to read.

The illustrations are still from Helen Craig and carry the love and emotion as Angelina Ballerina deserves. A little more traditional, they carry a beauty which is often no longer found in picture books and is sure to entice young listeners. I, myself, enjoyed flipping through them a few times and simply enjoying Angelina's story that way.