Ballet Bunnies #1: The New Class by Binny Talib, Swapna Reddy Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on March 2, 2021
ISBN: 0593304926
Pages: 96
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
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This is a soft cover chapter book most suitable for readers in grades 2-4. Millie’s dream has seemed to come true. She is starting ballet lessons at Miss Luisa’s School of Dance as a present from her mom for her 6th birthday. Her high expectations are quickly dashed when a mean student, unfamiliar dance steps and an incompetent teacher leave her feeling insecure and unsure about dance class. As she waits to be picked up, she encounters Dolly, Fifi, Pod and Trixie, the ballet bunnies. They provide the support Millie needs and Dolly even sneaks home with her to spend the night. The second class is not much better and leaves Millie crying in the bathroom. The ballet bunnies help reassure her that she should go at her own pace. Samira, a classmate, begins to make friends with Millie in the end. There is a two- page spread of Millie demonstrating the basic ballet positions and a glossary of ballet words in the back. Unfortunately, the glossary lacks a pronunciation guide and the chart of ballet positions are not drawn in enough detail for them to be distinguished or correct. For example, first position is with the heels touching and the illustration shows Millie with space between her feet.
Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian, Springvale Public Library