Bea in the Nutcracker

September 1, 2015
The diminutive star of Bea at Ballet (2012) returns for an encore, this time dancing the starring role of Clara in a production of The Nutcracker ballet. In a charming and accessible introduction to the beloved holiday classic, Bea and her ballet school classmates perform a simplified interpretation of The Nutcracker. The group of dancers, who appear to be only 3 or 4 years old, includes adorably costumed children of different ethnicities, indicated by hairstyles and facial features rather than skin tone, as the children are outlined against white backgrounds. The ballet's plot is skillfully summarized, including integral elements such as the Nutcracker/Prince, the battle between the mice and the soldiers, and the visit to the Land of Sweets. (Godfather Drosselmeyer and the scary Mouse King are absent.) The text, set in attractive silvery type, is just one sentence per page plus some speech balloons, reduced to the simplest terms that even young preschoolers will easily comprehend. Isadora is a former ballet dancer who has been writing and illustrating children's books about ballet for over 30 years. She conveys the magical aspects of the beloved holiday ballet in an easy, straightforward way that will prepare first-time attendees for a holiday performance. There are many attractive picture-book versions of The Nutcracker available, but this is by far the simplest interpretation in print. A sugarplum-sweet treat. (Picture book. 2-5)

COPYRIGHT(2015) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

October 1, 2015

PreS-K-This companion to Bea at Ballet tells the story of The Nutcracker for the youngest audience. Readers share in the excitement as little Bea and her friends (a refreshingly multiracial cast) put on a delightful performance of the ballet. There is just enough information for preschool age children to understand the story, and the illustrations-line drawings with splashes of color-add to the charm and age-appropriate presentation. VERDICT This is a standout in the crowded field of Nutcracker picture books.-Virginia Walter Graduate School of Education and Information Studies

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2015
Preschool-K Young Bea loves ballet, and the only thing better than watching The Nutcracker is dancing in it! Bea's dance class will be performing The Nutcracker, and she has the starring role of Clara. The mood is festive as the young dancers dress in their colorful costumes. Soon, the performance has begun, and the chubby preschoolers transform into the cast of a magical fairy tale. When it ends, the dancers gather for a celebration, and Bea gives a special message to the smallest member of the cast. Young readers interested in ballet will be captivated by this story, which encapsulates the timeless appeal of dance and performance. Large amounts of white space and simple line drawings leave the pages uncluttered, contrasting nicely with the bright, candy-colored hues of cut-paper collage that bring high visual interest. By embedding the plot of The Nutcracker in the larger story, the book celebrates the world of performing arts while introducing young readers to the classic holiday story.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)