About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is standing on the threshold of a new hobby or expressing nervous curiosity about their very first organized class. It is the perfect antidote to the high-pressure, performance-heavy depictions of ballet often seen in media. Instead, it offers a calming, realistic walkthrough of the studio environment, from the dressing room to the final bow. Through simple text and evocative illustrations, the story focuses on the physical sensations and communal joy of learning a new skill. It emphasizes that ballet is for everyone, depicting a diverse group of children, including boys, practicing their positions. This book is an ideal choice for preschoolers and young elementary students who need to see the 'how-to' of a classroom setting to build their self-confidence before they take center stage in their own lives.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is entirely secular and realistic. It handles the physical demands of dance with a direct, encouraging approach. There are no sensitive topics or traumas addressed; it is a safe, focused look at a child's extracurricular life.
Ideal Reader
A 4-to-6-year-old child who may be feeling 'first-day jitters' about starting a dance or gymnastics class. It is especially good for children who are literal-minded and find comfort in knowing exactly what to expect from a new routine.
