I have a niece who’s obsessed with ballet. For Christmas last year, I tried Googling ballet books but couldn’t find a solid list, so I ended getting her something from Costco. Yep.
After going through a plethora of books with my toddler this year, here are our top 5 fave ballet books. They’re all published in the last couple of years and include a good lesson—two of which are Canadian!
For your ballet-loving child/niece/nephew/friends’ kid… here’s your top 5 list of pirouetting picture books:
1/ Bharatanatyam in Ballet Shoes
This one’s a MUST-READ! Especially for children who come from a cultural minority background. What I love about this book is that the main character isn’t forced to choose between her cultural dance, or the expected foundational western form of dance, ballet. And in the process, she helps her fellow dancers learn about bharatanatyam and one of its star dancers, Rukmini Devi. The illustrations are beautiful, done by Ana Chouhan, who is an animator and I was surprised to learn this is her first children’s book.
Notes: Canadian!
2/ Ready for the Spotlight
Ready for the Spotlight tells the tale of younger sister Tessie who always seems to be in the shadow of older sister Maya, no matter how hard she tries. She learns a beautiful lesson that getting to the top takes practice, and it’s best if you ask for help.
3/ Boys Dance!
By the American Ballet Theatre, Boys Dance is a cute book featuring boys mastering the five ballet positions, paying tribute to the greats who came before them, and learning that no matter your passion, the most important thing is being yourself.
4/ Bedtime Ballet
The latest addition to our fave ballet books list, Bedtime Ballet is a sweet read for little dancers plie-ing their way to bed. I love a simple book that rhymes:
“Glissé down the hall,
stop at the sink,
relevé to reach
for a brush and a drink”
– kallie george, bedtime ballet
Note: Canadian!
5/ John’s Turn
In John’s Turn, main character John is nervous as he prepares for his “Sharing Gifts” performance. (Side note: I love that they acknowledge it’s a “dumb name” but the kids still love the event!). It’s a great book to show kids it’s okay to be nervous, you literally have to dance through it! Also great for kids to learn how to support others, because at the end of the story, it’s the audience’s turn to respond and show their appreciation for those brave enough to stand in the spotlight.
xo, Miranda
