Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1--This is a story to capture the hearts of readers: Young Téo loves dancing ballet in the sparkly tutu costumes he so admires with the loving support of his parents and his dance community. Marley's sweeping, radiant illustrations show Téo, a small boy who loves to dance the cumbia with his parents at home, attending ballet class for the first time. Under the guidance of benevolent instructor Ms. Lila, Téo devotes himself to learning new steps and dancing to his heart's content with his peers. Amid the swirling movement and soft glimmers of pink, purple, and gold, the story will open readers' eyes to the joys of staying true to what they love. A moment of self-doubt creeps into Téo's mind at the prospect of performing for an audience in his purple flowing costume, but, encouraged by his parents and the smiles of his fellow dancers, Téo shows what best expresses his delight and fulfills his dream. VERDICT Written with poise and grace, Macias's gentle story is filled with warmth from the joys of self-expression and calm assurance found in loving support.--Rachel Mulligan, Westampton, NJ
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Young Teo loves to dance. At home, he dances the cumbia and the bhangra with Papi and Amma. In ballet class (where he wears a tutu "because it's pretty"), "he couldn't wait to perform onstage, under the lights in a fancy costume, before a real audience!" When it's time to choose a costume, he's drawn to a skirted leotard that "reminded him of...peonies" but feels pressure to pick the silver shirt and black pants. Macias's gentle story features a winning gender-nonconforming, biracial protagonist and his supportive adults (parents, teacher); Marley's lively illustrations acknowledge Teo's nervousness about being judged and celebrate his joy and bravery when he's true to himself. (c) Copyright 2023. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Téo loves to dance, but ballet class makes him nervous. He and his parents practice their moves to both bhangra and cumbia, both of which are very different from ballet. In the studio, Téo nervously takes his place on the floor. During stretches, a boy makes fun of Téo's tutu, but their teacher, Ms. Lila, immediately comes to Téo's defense. For the rest of his first class and during the classes that follow, Téo loses himself in the joy of learning a new skill. The more he practices, the more confident and talented he feels. As the recital approaches, Téo is more and more excited to get on stage--until the costumes arrive. Téo picks out a shirt and pants, just like all the other boys. But he also takes home a lavender tutu, which is the costume he really wants to wear. On recital day, when he has to make a decision, Téo's family encourages him to wear the clothes that he likes best, emphasizing that at times, being our authentic selves requires us all to be brave. This lyrical book bursts with sincerity without ever feeling preachy or forced. Téo's parents and his teacher embrace Téo exactly as he is, infusing the story with love and triumph and ensuring that Téo is never reduced to the oppression he faces. Brown-skinned, curly-haired Téo is biracial, with a South Asian mom and Latinx dad, and his enthusiasm leaps from Marley's artwork on every page. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A gender-affirming picture book with a lovable, indomitable star. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
