The New York City Ballet

Beautiful illustrations; well told version of Sleeping Beauty, and has made me want to see the New York City Ballet production

This beautiful book tells the story of the famed ballet Swan Lake. It's a great introduction (or reminder) to the story that is at the heart of the ballet. It is a sad story, so it might not be for all readers. However, readers who enjoy fairy tales (and not the sanitized "happily ever after" ones) will likely enjoy this book as well. The illustrations in this version are strikingly beautiful, with a lush palette and lines suggesting the movement of dancers.

No matter how many times I read the story, or watch the ballet, I am always mesmerized at the sheer beauty and creativity of the story. In particular, the illustrations of Valerie Docampo are lovely.

It's pretty, but I don't think the story is improved by being adapted from the original to the ballet and back to a story. Toe shoes and buns just look weird when you take away the context of the stage and proscenium.

Library copy