Features
- Reading level: Ages 9-12
- Cover Type: Hard Cover with 96 pages
- Published by: Barefoot Books September 1, 2004
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 1841482293
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-1841482293
-
Book Dimensions:
11.3 x 9.4 x 0.8 inches
- Weighs: 1.6 pounds
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6–These retellings of "Cinderella," "Sleeping Beauty," "Coppélia," "Swan Lake," "The Nutcracker," "Daphnis and Chloe," and "Shim Chung: the Blind Man's Daughter" include rich details about the plots and characters. A one-page introduction to each tale provides historical perspective, including who wrote it, who composed the music for the ballet, and who performed the main roles in some of the productions. There is also a brief chronology of classical ballet from 1581 to 1986. The authors have captured the drama, excitement, and magic of these stories, making them enjoyable as read-alouds and enlightening for young theatergoers. The mostly full-page, watercolor illustrations are lush and romantic, and gorgeously complement the text. Lovely floral designs border the text pages. This well-conceived and colorful look at some of the great classical ballets will enrich library collections and inspire young dancers.
–Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
Gr. 5-7. The histories of seven ballets are present in this books, some well known, other less so. Following an informative introduction and the history of classical ballet, the book moves on to the stories themselves. Each ballet gets an introduction that describes the history of both the story and the dance and provides interesting production notes. The stories, all well written, run up to ten pages long. They are illustrated with full- or double-page spreads, and each text-only page is decorated with an interesting border. The artwork itself is pretty, if generic; many of the figures look more like dolls than dancers. Among the ballets discussed are
Cinderella,
Coppelia,
The Nutcracker, and
Daphnis and Chloe. A bibliography and a list of Web sites are appended.
Ilene CooperCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Reader ReviewsWhen Jane Yolen and Barefoot Books work together, one can safely assume a high quality book will result. In this new collaboration between Yolen and her daughter, Heidi Stemple, seven classic ballet tales are retold and illustrated by Rebecca Guay. All seven tales--Coppelia, Swan Lake, Cinderella, The Nutcracker, Shim Chung, The Sleeping Beauty, and Daphnis and Cloe--are beautifully written, providing vivid details and rich language instead of the more cursory texts provided in similar collections. Short introductions to each ballet, including performance histories and story sources, enriches the collection. The authors also include a brief historical timeline of ballet and a bibliography that references books as well as websites for those who want to learn more about the ballets. Guay's colorful illustrations will appeal to the most romantic dreams of any balletomane, emphasizing the brilliant colors, elaborate costumes and choreography usually associated with the ballets in performance. Overall, a wonderful book for school age children and up either to read or have read to them.
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