Review: Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Holabird and Helen Craig

I can't tell you how excited I am to have a chance to shout-out the relaunching of the Angelina Ballerina series! This first book is only the beginning as Simon & Schuster will be bringing out ten more in 2020 alone, with more to follow.

ANGELINA BALLERINA

by Katharine Holabird

Illustrated by Helen Craig

Little Simon

Picture Book

ages 4 to 8

32 pages

In an encore performance, Angelina Ballerina returns in this refreshed picture book from acclaimed author Katharine Holabird and celebrated artist Helen Craig!

Angelina is a pretty little mouse who wants nothing more than to be a ballerina. She dances all the time—at home, at school, even in her dreams! In fact, she’s so busy dancing that she forgets all about the other things she’s supposed to do, like cleaning her room and joining her family for breakfast!

Her parents don’t know what to do—especially after her arabesques in the kitchen knock over the milk! Then one day they come up with an idea that will change Angelina’s life forever…

With Katharine Holabird’s lively writing and Helen Craig’s charming illustrations, the original story, now refreshed and re-released, will continue keeping a whole new generation of young ballerinas leaping with delight.

 MY TIDBITS

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 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.