Welcome in Fall with a Good Book -- Ballerina Rosie by Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York (Review)

 

Buy now for only $19.99.

Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, August 2012

Hardcover, 32 pages

ISBN-10: 1442430664

ISBN-13: 9781442430662

Grades: P - 3

Synopsis:

From New York Times bestselling author Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, a picture book starring a lovable and spunky character who will inspire prima ballerinas everywhere!

More than anything, Rosie loves to dance and wants to be a prima ballerina. But when she enrolls in ballet school, she can’t seem to master the plié or balance her arabesque. Never mind the grand jeté! Is there any hope for Rosie’s big dreams?

With charming text from Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, and delightful illustrations from Caldecott Honoree Diane Goode, this encouraging story of an aspiring dancer will have readers asking for an encore.

My Thoughts:

Savannah loves the show Angelina Ballerina on PBS Kids and Spout!.  We can't go a day without watching an episode.  And, if she misses it when it airs on television, she is quick to ask to watch one of her many DVDs of Angelina Ballerina.  As soon as the show comes on, she is front and center, twirling and dancing around the living room.  She loves pretending to be a ballerina like Angelina and her friends, and recently began through jumps into her dances, as she tries to copy Angelina's moves.

So, the other night was I picking books off the shelf the read to Savannah, I surprised her with this new book from Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York.  Putting all differences aside, either you love Sarah Ferguson or not, you really have to hand it to her when it comes to her writing ability.  I have read a couple of her other books, but never a children's book, until "Ballerina Rosie."  

The storyline is great for young dreamers, who like Rosie have trouble pursuing their dreams.  Rosie wanted to be a Prima Ballerina, but when her parents enrolled her in a ballet class, she began to dance like she had two left sweet -- not at all graceful like one would expect from a ballerina.  But, when a red pair of slippers are given to her, she is able to make a plié, arabesque and grand jeté look effortless.  The red slippers were not magical.  Instead, these provided red haired Rosie with the confidence (which is found within) she needed to dance and make her dream come true.  What an amazing lesson for children, as they read this beautifully illustrated and well written children's book. 

Why not surprise your little Prima ballerina or princess with a copy of "Ballerina Rosie" today? 

About the Author:

Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, is the author of several children’s books, including Ballerina Rosie; Tea for Ruby, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser; and the Little Red series as well as a memoir, Finding Sarah. The Duchess is a devoted spokesperson for many charitable organizations, including Changes for Children. She has two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.