Lili at Ballet (Paperstar Book)

Features

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Cover Type: Paperback with 32 pages
• Published by: Putnam Juvenile August 8, 1996
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0698114086
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0698114081
• Book Dimensions: 10 x 7.9 x 0.1 inches
• Weighs: 4 ounces

From Publishers Weekly
Who can resist a peek at young artists in training? Isadora gifts her heroine, Lily, with a quintessential combination of dreams and determination, then allows us to sit in on the ballet class that Lili attends four times a week. Lili and fellow students model their dance wardrobes, demonstrate their exercises and steps, and imagine themselves dancing celebrated roles in a number of ballets. Each new element, be it a practice tutu, one of the five basic positions or a movement like a passe en pointe, receives its own illustration and is captioned in unornamented cursive script. Budding balletomanes will especially enjoy the detailed discussion of the ever-wondrous pointe shoe; another welcome section focuses on a class just for boys. Two depictions of full-scale ballet productions expand to fill entire spreads with dramatic color; as if to distinguish theatrical illusion from the arduous work behind the scenes, the rest of the book is rendered in pale washes. A former dancer whose daughter is enrolled at New York City's prestigious School of the American Ballet, Isadora presents ballet with familiarity and respect--she romanticizes neither the suffering nor the glory, and emphasizes only Lily's dedication. Brava! Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Kirkus Reviews
With a minimal explanatory text, a realistic depiction of a serious young ballet student and her class. Beginning with an appealing take of Lili dancing at home with her cat and a glamorous glimpse of a ballet in progress in an ornate theater, Isadora details the clothes used for class, warm-up exercises, the five positions, and several of the classic steps, including some high leaps taught in the boys' class. Meanwhile, Lili, an aspiring ballerina, dances the flower fairy in a school performance and looks forward to learning roles like Petroushka and Giselle. Isadora, who's danced professionally, deftly sketches the young dancers in delicate pencil lines and splashes of watercolor, giving them ample space to move across the white pages and nicely capturing their poise and grace. There's little mention here of discipline or hard work; still, an attractive and informative first look. (Picture book. 4-9) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Reader Reviews
I just loved this book which I shared with my students at my ballet school. We had a joyous time going over every detail and I found it very helpful as a learning tool as well. I will give it as a Christmas present to my own children, who dance too. I think the illustrations were right on and I am so pleased with the book.