BELINDA AND THE GLASS SLIPPER

Belinda, the ballerina with big feet, is back for her third adventure, this time in a professional ballet production of “Cinderella.” Both Belinda and a dancer named Lola audition for the lead role of Cinderella. Lola is clearly a mean-girl, queen-bee type, with self-proclaimed “perfect, tiny feet.” But this time Lola doesn’t get whatever Lola wants, and Belinda wins the part. On opening night, Lola locks Belinda in a closet and tries to take over her part, but the Fairy Godmother dancer and Belinda’s extra-large, sparkling “glass” slippers help to return Belinda to her rightful place. Young cleverly combines elements of the traditional fairy tale with Belinda’s story, and Belinda triumphs over Lola’s meanness without ever lowering herself to that level, just as Cinderella did. Belinda’s fans will enjoy this addition to the series. Brava, Belinda—encore! (Picture book. 3-7)