Allegra Kent

I love that this book was written by a real ballerina. Like many of the ballet books in my library, I probably would not use this book for a classroom lesson, but it will definitely be a part of my classroom library. This book has a great message. It teaches young girls that what you look like shouldn't stop you... someone will notice your greatness. I also loved the addition of multi-cultural dancers in the book, as well as a swan protagonist--then all children can relate without the show more barriers of race, etc. show less

Summary:
This picture book was about a swan that loves music and loves to dance and happens to watch little girls practice ballet and wants to join. Although she loves the class because of the dancing she is afraid to join in because she does not look like the others in the class. Eventually she cannot seem to resist joining in and she begins to participate on learning ballet techniques , she had a difficult time at first but due to continuous practice she becomes very good. The dance show more instructor sees how hard Sophie (the swan) worked and asked her to audition for a annual performance of Swan Lake, which she was shocked to find out she made it when she didn't think she did. She continued to prepare herself for the show to mark sure that she was completely ready.

Personal Reaction:
I liked that although the story was about a swan it was very realistic about brung fearful of trying something new & with others. Even though she was afraid she could not hold back and not try because of her passion for dance abs took a chance to see it through. I loved the underlying message in this story about being different but still going after what she wanted in spite of it all.

Extension:
1. Have a group of children draw their favorite part of the book & explain what it was about that part that was the best part for them.
2. Ask children to specify in a short journal entry a similar situation where they felt too different amount others when wanting to pursue something new show less

Well illustrated by McCully, Kent has penned an interesting little story about learning to dance ballet and perseverance. The title character, a swan named Sophie, goes through many trials to make it to performance night. I liked this, I think, because it was very similar to stories I remember from my own beginning reader days. It is a timeless story but not told in a boring, “been done before” manner. The small glossary and story arc combine to pique interest in dance.

This ballet story offers the reader example of determination, hard work, and some ballet vocab. That a swan is the main character is cute. The illustrations are nice. The story's a little clunky... it feels a little forced, but I know there are students in our school who will enjoy it.