Little ballet star by Adele Geras and Shelagh McNicholas

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Orchard Books, 2007.
(Age 5+) What little girl wouldn't want to go backstage to meet the ballet dancers performing in The Sleeping Beauty? Tilly's aunt is a ballerina and is giving her a wonderful birthday treat, showing her what happens before a ballet performance. Tilly sees the dancers put on their makeup and tries on a costume in the wardrobe department; explores the wings and the stage and watches the orchestra tuning their instruments. Then she excitedly sits through the show and gets a wonderful surprise at the end.

This is a sparking story, full of warm, loving people who are willing to share the joy of dancing. The delightful illustrations bring to life the rapture and wonder that Tilly feels about dancing. Happiness beams from every face in the book.

A keeper - this book is sure to delight the reader who will find out about the intricacies of a ballet performance and will identify with a little girl who loves ballet. It is the sequel to The ballet class, but can be read alone.
Pat Pledger

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