Angelina Ballerina

Angelina Ballerina was one of my favorite books growing up because I related to it a lot. Angelina wanted nothing more to dance and that's how I felt when I was younger. I love the book because I related to it but I also loved it for many other reasons. First, the illustrator of this book did a really nice job creating a visual picture that went along with the text. For example, Angelina dreams about becoming a real ballerina some day and the illustrator drew her dreaming with a bubble of Angelina dancing over her. It really made the text clear and I saw how she was dreaming about becoming a ballerina. Second, I love the message the book offers. I think the book's main message is to never stop following your dreams. I think this because show more the author writes about how Angelina never gave up on dancing. For example, the author writes about how Angelina went to her lessons everyday and worked hard for many years. At the end of the book, Angelina becomes a real ballerina. This book shows that hard work pays off and I think that is a fantastic message! show less

Funnily enough, I'm docking a star for the reason another reviewer hates the newer editions: gendered roles talking about getting chased by little boys versus other mice (are we starting the "they like you if they're mean" this early?) Mrs. Mouseling is doing most of the housework while Mr. smokes his pipe, I guess?

But the main theme is: enroll your kids in activities so they don't bounce off the walls to and from school and with hard work, will be big in their fields, I guess?

Originally published in 1983, and then presented in this 25th Anniversary Edition in 2008, this first story about that dancing mouse, Angelina Ballerina, is immensely charming. Always dancing, always moving, Angelina is the despair of her mother, as she causes destruction wherever she goes with her arabesques, and is always running late because she is imagining her life as a ballerina. Then Mrs. Mousling speaks to Mr. Mouseling, and they cook up a plan: they will give Angelina a beautiful ballet dress and shoes, and send her to classes. This has positive results, and not just in the short term...

I've been aware of Angelina Ballerina and its many sequels for quite some times now, but am only just now getting around to picking it up. How show more glad I am that I have, as I found Katharine Holabird's story sweet, and Helen Craig's artwork adorable. I particularly loved all the little details in the scenes depicting the Mouselings' home, and was reminded a bit of Jill Barklem's work, in the Brambly Hedge books. Young ballet enthusiasts will take this one to heart, but so will children who enjoy stories about mice and other little animals. show less

This story is and has been a treat for many children, who not only dream of becoming a ballerina but have a passion they would love to pursue.

Angelina is a sweet little mouse who can only think about dancing. Everywhere she goes, her steps turn into spins and leaps. Unfortunately, this does cause some problems, at times, and small chaotic messes. When her parents enroll her in ballet classes, Angelina has found her place and her dancing along with it.

The is such a lovely book and as relevant for children today as it was over thirty years ago. The tale grabs attention as Angelina follows her feet and heart and brings giggles as some moments don't work out as well as they might. Angelina is a mouse with energy and passion, so much so that show more it's contagious. It only takes a little redirection, and not only do Angelina's dreams come true, but the rest of her life falls into a little more order as well. It's inspiring and a joy to read.

The illustrations are still from Helen Craig and carry the love and emotion as Angelina Ballerina deserves. A little more traditional, they carry a beauty which is often no longer found in picture books and is sure to entice young listeners. I, myself, enjoyed flipping through them a few times and simply enjoying Angelina's story that way.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts. show less

Ok, fine, I read it. But I gotta say, I'm not sure I see the value of it. I mean, the parents are supportive of A's passion... or, they're pushovers for her self-centeredness. And A is so happy about being able to follow her dream she expresses gratitude to her family by being a good girl... or, she is disciplined by her dance instructor to fit into a rigorous regime.

I hope parents of the little girls who love this series discuss these issues & others with their children. After all, Dance is like Pop Warner or Little League - the vast majority of kids participating should be having fun and also enjoying other interests. because they won't make pro.

I prefer [b:Max|2435460|Max|Rachel show more Isadora|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348777064s/2435460.jpg|2442648] by [a:Rachel Isadora|6014|Rachel Isadora|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-ccc56e79bcc2db9e6cdcd450a4940d46.png]. Which reminds me, I want to read more by her. show less

I would rate this book a 4/5. I mostly like this book, however, there are just a few things that could be improved. I love the idea that this book is portraying: there is a right time and a right place for everything. This is an important lesson for kids to learn at a young age. One reason I think the message could be taken the wrong way is that Angelina does not listen to her parents in the first half of the book because she is too busy dancing or thinking about dance. Towards the end once her dad signs her up for ballet, she starts listening to her parents and doing what they ask her to do. I don't believe Holabird intended it to give the idea to only do what you're told once you have your way, but like I said it may come off that show more way. Another thing I absolutely love out of this book are the illustrations. In fact, when I was younger the illustrations are what drew me to this book so much. They go above and beyond just telling the story. Each page has so much detail and action that it keeps the readers' interest. For example, at the very end when Angelina became a famous dancer, you could spend an hour looking at the amount of detail put in. There is even a poster with Angelina on it if you look closely. Overall, this book is an inspiration to anyone pursuing a passion that with enough hard work and determination, you can reach your dreams. show less

Angelina Ballerina is a story about a little mouse that is in love with ballet. Whether she’s walking, cleaning, sleeping, or getting ready for school, she is always dreaming of being a prima ballerina. Finally, one day, her parents bought her a ballet dress and ballet slippers and took her to her very first ballet class. If you want to find out what happens next, you’ll have to read the book to see what adventures Angelina finds with ballet! I loved reading the picture book Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Hollabird because it could be used to introduce an informational text about a real-life prima ballerina if you are a school teacher. This book could connect with different students and/or different situations that students may be show more encountering. Both the words and illustrations are essential to the meaning of the story, and they are written so beautifully and charismatically. Truly a great read, and it’s a classic! I highly recommend! show less