For many families, a beloved annual wintertime tradition is attending a production of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, The Nutcracker. Whether it’s a professional ballet company or a children’s dance studio, there’s always a bit of special holiday magic that comes with watching toy soldiers, sugarplum fairies, and even the Mouse King’s forces twirl and leap across the stage. It’s not uncommon for kids to get bit by the ballet bug after watching such a spectacle, so we’re here with six picture book recommendations for little dancers and their grownups to check out.
A Child’s Introduction to the Nutcracker: The Story, Music, Costumes, and Choreography of the Fairy Tale Ballet by Heather Alexander and Illustrated by Amelie Videlo
For kids who fall in love with the story of the Nutcracker, this book is an absolute treat. Starting with a short, illustrated version of the story of Clara’s incredible Christmas Eve, the book is followed by a wealth of information about everything Nutcracker. Young readers can learn all about the history of the ballet, from the composer Tchaikovsky to the iconic choreography of Petipa, Ivanov, and Balanchine. There’s also a chapter all about ballet as a dance form, superstitions, and even a poster for kids to pull out and color! This is fantastic read for little fans that lets them bring the magic of the performance into their home.
Welcome to Ballet School by Ashley Bouder and Illustrated by Julia Bereciartu
For little ones who feel ready to slip into their own ballet shoes, this introduction to ballet is a wonderful look at what to expect. Written by Bouder, a principal ballet dancer at the famed New York City Ballet, this delightful book is part story, part instructional guide. Aspiring dancers will learn the basic etiquette of ballet class, warm-ups and stretches, and the five positions of the arms and legs. Both Bereciartu’s illustrations and Bouder’s story aim for inclusivity, featuring a diverse group of ballet students and an approach to the final production of Sleeping Beauty that allows them to dance the parts they want to. For children thinking of taking a turn on the boards themselves, this is a great way to prepare them.
B Is for Ballet: A Dance Alphabet by John Robert Allman and Illustrated by Rachael Dean
If your little reader is already ballet-inclined, then this poetic alphabet book will be a perfect addition to their bookshelves. Each letter is themed around an aspect of ballet, be it notable names, poses and positions, technical terminology, and more. Sectioned into rhyming couplets, this book makes reading aloud a brisk and bouncy storytime feel, yet still contains informative details. For serious ballet aficionados, there’s extra delight to be found in every expressive illustration by Dean, which are inspired by famous performers and productions throughout history. Created in partnership with the renowned American Ballet Theatre, this is sure to please young dancers no matter their experience level.
Lupita’s Brown Ballet Slippers by Steena Hernandez and Illustrated by Melissa Castillo
While soft pink ballet shoes may frequently be associated with the art form, the fact is that ballet dancers come in a variety of skin tones. Inspired by the experiences of author and dancer Steena Hernandez, the story follows Lupita, who is completely prepared for her upcoming recital in every way — except for the peachy-pink ballet shoes that don’t match her brown skin. Readers follow along as Lupita finds shoes that are right for her, in a way that is both validating and eye-opening for those with different skin tones — “pancaking” shoes with makeup, anyone? Most importantly, Lupita’s story is one of not only triumph but of pride in herself, her abilities, and her body, and will inspire young dancers to be true to themselves.
When Langston Dances by Kaija Langley and Illustrated by Keith Mallett
Do boys belong in ballet? You bet they do! When young Langston sees the Alvin Ailey Dance Company perform and watches talented Black men weaving magic to music with their moves, he realizes that he has found his passion. However, some boys in the neighborhood try to convince him that “boys don’t dance like that.” Langley’s story is delicate enough to tackle outdated ideas about masculinity, yet sings with exuberance and joy, leaving readers without a doubt that Langston was born to do ballet. Mallett’s artwork deftly mixes photorealism with fantasy, capturing motion and movement with bright colors and sweeping strokes that make every illustration electric.
Firebird by Misty Copeland and Illustrated by Christopher Myers
Internationally celebrated ballet dancer Misty Copeland has written several children’s books about ballet, but her award-winning debut is a perennial favorite. An abstractly autobiographical story, Copeland uses the tale of her rise in the dance industry to encourage an apprehensive young dancer and, more broadly, all young readers who may be struggling with self-confidence. Doing away with the prim, pastel tone of many ballet books, Copeland’s lyrical text and Myers’s dynamic and vibrant illustrations capture the vivacity and emotion that come from a dance that was built on hard work, practice, and perseverance. By the end, every young aspiring ballet dancer will feel that they too can fly as high as the Firebird.
While there are tons of amazing ballet books for children that could have made this list, these six are a great introductory collection for kiddos who are curious about the craft. We hope that you and your little bookworms enjoy them, and pick them up on your way to that first dance class.
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To see all of our holiday picks for mini bookworms, take a look at our Bookshop shelf!
