BALLERINA GETS READY

It is a busy day for a ballerina.

Iris begins her day at 8:00 a.m. eating breakfast, packing her bag, and setting off for the theater. She changes into practice clothes at 10:05 and takes class with the company. Rehearsal for a new ballet begins at 12:00, followed by a break two hours later, and then it is back to the theater at 3:30 for a costume fitting. More rehearsal, another break, makeup at 6:30, more barre to warm up the muscles, and finally at 8:00 p.m. the curtain comes up on a beautiful production filled with music, costume, scenery, and lights. All in all, it is a good and typically full day for a dancer. Kent, who previously wrote Ballerina Swan, illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully (2012), here focuses her experienced eye on the daily activities of a prima ballerina. There’s a breathless quality to her writing, which is packed with details that will enchant readers who dance. Bold typeface for the time emphasizes important events without interrupting the narrative flow. Stock’s fluid ink-and-watercolor illustrations provide very charming and lively details that spotlight Iris’ movements. Double-page spreads allow readers to experience the mysteries of backstage preparation and then enjoy a front-row seat for the magic of live theater. Iris is white, but the company has some dancers of color, reflecting current ballet demographics.

A magical mystery tour for ballet lovers.