Of Swans, Sugarplums and Satin Slippers: Ballet Stories for Children

Title: "Of Swans, Sugarplums, and Satin Slippers"
Author: Violette Verdy
Format: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 90
ISBN:0-590-43484-5
Publisher: Scholastic
Date of Publication: 1991
5 stars: A beautiful ballet book for all ages

Every year my family goes to see the nutcracker. While I never was interested in physically doing ballet, (I preferred soccer instead) I still loved to hear the music, see the beautiful costumes, and lose myself in the magic. I got this book when I was eight and I've kept it in my library over the years. I recently thought that a girl I babysit may enjoy it and so pulled it out again.

The book is authored by former ballet dancer Violette Verdy, and before each play (there are six: "The Firebird", "Coppelia", "Swan show more Lake", "The Nutcracker", "Giselle", and "Sleeping Beauty") she writes a blurb about the history of the play and sometimes her joy of dancing it. The plays themselves are told as stories and even contain dialogue. For those who enjoy watching ballet, but aren't sure of the story, this book is perfect. Even better than the stories, are the beautiful illustrations by Marcia Brown. There are twenty beautiful pictures which aid in telling the stories, making this book even better for children.

I was sorry to find that they are no longer printing this book. You can find it used on several sites, and I recommend doing so for that child or ballet lover in your life. You won't regret it. show less

The stories of six of the best loved ballets: The Firebird, Coppolia, Swan Lake, The Nutcrakcer, Giselle, and Sleeping Beauty, recounted by a former principal ballerina with the New York City Ballet. She gives careful explanations of the dancers' movements, making this an excellent source for anyone seeing the ballets in person or on tape.