Book Review: “Ballet Kids” by Holly Sterling

Age recommendation: 3 to 7 (though children of all ages can enjoy reading this with their families)

What Makes This One of the Best Children’s Books

When most people think about ballet, they tend to imagine ballerinas in sparkling tutus. But Holly Sterling’s endearing “Ballet Kids” proves how ballet can bring joy to boys and girls alike – with boys even donning a little sparkle too, if they wish.

Introducing young readers to ballet basics, this sweet story also emphasizes the thrill for kids of finding something they like doing, and the benefits of working hard at it.

The book offers a simple premise, following a group of exuberant children — a mix of boys and girls — throughout the entirety of their lighthearted ballet class.

As the youngsters progress through their warm-ups and rehearsal, the book teaches readers a variety of ballet movements and terms, including “plie,” “relevé” and first and second positions.

Throughout every moment of the class, all of the children delight in the movements and in dancing with each other, repeatedly demonstrating the elation that dancing can provide.

When the kids choose costumes for their small-scale production of “The Nutcracker,” a student named Thomas picks the shimmery outfit of the sugar plum fairy. No one judges him or says he can’t wear it — with the teacher even complimenting his selection — and he merrily practices his routine.

When Thomas admits some nervousness about performing on stage, his teacher offers an inspiring pep talk about believing in himself and simply enjoying the music, which leads Thomas to a showstopping performance.

This delightful story instills a number of values. It shows how much joy dancing can bring, how the arts can help kids build confidence, and underscores that dancing is for everyone.

The children’s easy acceptance of Thomas’ costume also demonstrates the importance for kids to accept and support one another.

Whether kids carry these lessons into dance classes or other areas of their lives, it will serve them well.

How My Child Reacted to This Book

My son in preschool seemed engrossed by all the fun the story’s young dancers have in their class, especially hopping like bunnies, tiptoeing and twirling across the room, and stretching high like trees.

He showed this book can be enjoyable even for non-dancers, and he paid close attention to the characters as they practiced different moves.

Even if he isn’t personally interested in dancing, I’m glad he experienced this book that shows how both boys and girls can relish this artform.

And for young readers who are dancers themselves, I imagine this book will make them all the more eager to practice and build their skills.

Potential Activities to Pair with This Book

It doesn’t take long to devise a fun game tying directly to “Ballet Kids.”

As the book clearly spells out how to perform simple ballet positions and movements, families can try these out together, allowing them to experience the fun of ballet firsthand.

My son didn’t want to try any moves himself, but he greatly enjoyed watching me do so, and asked me to repeat the moves again and again.

For kids first discovering ballet with this book, their families might also consider showing them videos of ballet dancers, or even signing them up to try a real dance class.

More Children’s Books Like This

‘Bats in the Band’ – Introducing Kids to Musical Instruments with Furry Friends