Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Thomas, who wants to "be a ballet kid," narrates this cheerful introduction to ballet class for the very young. On a snowy winter day, the ballet studio is a cozy destination for small children presented with a variety of skin tones; inside, an encouraging white male instructor teaches first and second position and a couple of basic steps before inviting the children to choose their costumes for a performance of The Nutcracker. Thomas, portrayed with dark brown skin, chooses the Sugar Plum Fairy's sparkly purple dress and, after a brief bout of nervousness, proclaims the successful performance "a magical night." If the transition from first steps to rehearsal and show seems a bit rushed, Sterling's language and digitally colored pencil illustrations are well matched in childlike simplicity, creating a gentle story around the spirit of finding fun in dance. Ages 3--7. (Oct.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-K--"I'm Thomas, and I want to be a ballet kid." It is wintertime, and Thomas is getting ready for ballet class. He gets bundled up and traverses through the snow to the studio where he is greeted by an assortment of students as well as a white male ballet teacher. The class practices traditional positions and steps, which are clearly defined in child-friendly terms. Then they transition into creative movement where they can move their bodies as they please. While the practice uniforms are gender-prescribed, the students can to choose their own costumes for the Nutcracker-themed recital. Thomas selects the sparkly purple tutu of the Sugar Plum Fairy. He expresses slight trepidation about the public performance, but the rest of Thomas's ballet experience, including the recital, is purely joyful. The students encourage and compliment one another throughout the class, and there is none of the nervousness, teasing, or discomfort that often accompanies a story about a boy attending ballet class. Sterling's story shares elements with the "Lola and Leo" series by Anna McQuinn. The straightforward tone is clear without being plain, with descriptions that are relatable to a young child: "My feet feel so light and snug." The children are illustrated simply, with dots for eyes, rosy cheeks, round heads, and smiling faces. Thomas and his sister have brown skin and black hair, like one of their two moms; the other is white. VERDICT An easygoing, refreshingly natural addition to the ballet bookshelf.--Clara Hendricks
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A group of young children find friendship and utter joy in the world of ballet. Thomas, a brown-skinned child with short, curly hair, holds a doll dressed in a purple ballet costume and tells readers, "I'm Thomas, and I want to be a ballet kid." In brief, spare language, Thomas describes their feelings about ballet class and the friends who share it. Thomas introduces readers to each friend as they meet on a snowy day on their way to class with their parents and provides readers with information about class procedures and exercises, carefully defining ballet terms. With Christmas around the corner, the children, led by their teacher, Mr. Elliot, are preparing for a performance of The Nutcracker and are given the opportunity to choose their roles and costumes. Thomas checks out several possibilities but finally selects a purple, sparkly costume and becomes the Sugar Plum Fairy. Though Thomas initially feels a few butterflies of anxiety, they embrace the role wholeheartedly after a pep talk from Mr. Elliot, and a grand performance follows. Seamlessly interwoven illustrations depict a cozy, warm setting where Mr. Elliot and the children offer encouragement and compliments. One of Thomas' parents is tan-skinned; the other is darker-skinned. Mr. Elliot presents as White, and the children in the class are diverse. Thomas and his friends will win readers' hearts. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A tale of unquestioning support and acceptance that will buoy readers, especially aspiring dancers. (Picture book. 5-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
