About This Book
Reach for this book when you notice your child is struggling with the competitive urge to be the best, especially during playdates or family gatherings. It is a perfect tool for navigating the tricky waters of sibling or cousin rivalry, where two children are both vying for the center of attention. The story follows Ballet Cat and her cousin Goat as they prepare a talent show for their grandmother, with each trying to outshine the other through increasingly elaborate (and silly) performances. Through Bob Shea's signature humor and expressive illustrations, children will see the absurdity of one-upmanship and the reality that things do not always go as planned. While the cousins are focused on outperforming each other, the surprise ending reminds them that the joy of performing is about the connection with others, not just the applause. It is an ideal pick for ages 4 to 8 to spark a lighthearted conversation about cooperation and the fact that you do not always have to be the favorite to be loved.
