
Reach for this book when your child is feeling overshadowed by a sibling or peer who seems to be getting all the praise and attention. It is a gentle, relatable story about navigating professional jealousy and the complicated feelings that arise when someone else, especially a younger family member, unexpectedly steals the spotlight. While it is set in the world of ballet, the emotional core is universal for any child struggling with comparison. In this story, Angelina is thrilled to have a role in a grown-up musical, but she soon finds that her younger cousin Henry is the one everyone is doting on. Through Katharine Holabird's soft storytelling, children learn that feeling jealous is a normal reaction, but that our actions toward others define our character. It is an ideal choice for children aged 3 to 7 who are learning to balance their personal ambitions with empathy for others.
Angelina feels lonely and overlooked by the adults in her life.
The book deals with jealousy and sibling-like rivalry in a secular, metaphorical way through animal characters. The resolution is hopeful and realistic, focusing on the internal shift from resentment to protectiveness.
A preschooler or early elementary student who is the 'achiever' in the family and is currently struggling with a younger sibling receiving 'undeserved' attention or praise.
This book can be read cold. Parents might want to pay attention to the illustrations of Angelina's facial expressions to help the child identify the physical signs of jealousy. A parent likely witnessed their child making a disparaging comment about a peer's success or saw their child withdraw because they weren't the center of attention during a group activity.
A 3-year-old will focus on the bright costumes and the 'scary' moment of Henry getting lost. A 6-year-old will deeply resonate with the unfairness Angelina feels when Henry's mistakes are called 'adorable.'
Unlike many books that tell children not to be jealous, this story allows Angelina to feel her feelings fully before giving her a natural opportunity to choose kindness, making the moral feel earned rather than forced.
Angelina and her cousin Henry are both cast in a professional musical. Angelina, who takes her dancing very seriously, finds herself sidelined as the adults fawn over Henry's cute antics and small mistakes. Despite her frustration, when Henry suffers from stage fright and nearly misses his cue on opening night, Angelina steps in to mentor and support him, ensuring the show is a success for both of them.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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