Tuesday 3 December 2013

Books for Ballet Lovers Part 2 Fiction for Adults and Children

Books for Ballet Lovers Part 2 Fiction for Adults and Children

Alina Cojocaru and Sergei Polunin by Zoe James-Williams, pastel

My list of ballet books was getting so long I thought I had better put it into two parts.

Books for Ballet Lovers Part 2 focuses on ballet in fiction for adults and children.

Ballet In Fiction

Prima Donna by Karen Swan


Pia Soto is the sexy and glamorous prima ballerina, the Brazilian bombshell who’s shaking up the ballet world with her outrageous behaviour. She’s determined that no man will ever control her destiny. But ruthless financier Will Silk has Pia in his sights, When a devastating accident threatens to cut short Pia’s illustrious career, Sophie has to step out of the shadows and face up to the demons in her own life. A really fun holiday read by an author who has clearly done her research. Very enjoyable with larger than life characters and lots of glamour!
Pan ISBN 978-1447223740

Check out Karen Swan's Website

Dancer by Colin McCann

Fictional life of Rudolf Nureyev as a child and how he became a dancer.
Phoenix ISBN: 978-0753817049

First Love by Adrienne Sharp

Gripping story of two ballet dancers in love making their way through the ranks. Quite dark in places so have put it in Fiction but could be given to older teenager. NB this seems to be out of print but if you can get it worth the read. An easy holiday read.
Arrow ISBN-13: 978-0099491026
Two books using Degas and the ballet world so must read


Painted girls by Cathy Buchanan

Set in the Paris it tells the story of three sisters, one of whom becomes the model for Degas' Little Dancer Aged Fourteen. A Darkly Beautiful read on theatre life in The Belle Epoque. For My Review click here
US Imports ISBN-13: 978-1594486241



Ballet in Children's Fiction 7+

Company of Swans by Eva Ibbotson

A historical romance in which one Harriet Morton comes to life only when she attends her weekly ballet class in 1912. She finds her fortune as a dancer, but all the time she is followed by her father and by the man intent on becoming her husband. A great read for Ibbotson fans and a modern day classic!
Picador ISBN- 978-0230014848
Children 9+



Ballet Shoes Noel Streatfield

The story of three sisters going to stage school, the youngest being an inspiring dancer. A Classic.
Puffin ISBN- 978-0141334424
Children 9+




Dancing Shoes by Noel Streatfield

When their mother dies, leaving them orphaned, Rachel and Hilary are sent to live with their aunt, who runs a troupe of dancing girls -'Mrs Wintle's Little Wonders'. Hilary, a talented dancer, settles there immediately and loves the chance to dance every day. Rachel finds it more difficult to fit in. She's also got another worry on her mind. Her mother's dying wish was for Hilary to attend the Royal Ballet School. But Hilary seems to have other ideas! Another classic
Hodder ISBN- 978-0340626634
Children 9+

Magic Ballerina Series by Darcey Bussell

A delightful series of stories about different little ballerina's on various adventures. The first one is called Delphie and the Magic Ballet Slippers.
Harper Collins ISBN- 978-0007286072
Children 7+

Ballet in Picture and Activity Books

TIGER IN A TUTU BY FABI SANTIAGO
PICTURE BOOK 3+

A striking picture book about a tiger who aspires to be a ballet dancer in Paris. Against all the odds he follows his dream and with a little help from his new friend finally performs in a proper theatre. The bold limited palette really captures the French capital and the twilight world of theatre life. Enchanting and inspiring with the lovely sentiment that nothing is impossible this is the perfect present for little dancers everywhere.
ISBN: 9781408336885 HB Orchard Books £11.99
5/5 Stars

Ella Bella Series by James Mayhew





Stories of a little student ballerina being whisked away into the words of Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and the Nutcracker (isbn below). Beautiful illustrations and a real delight.
Orchard ISBN-: 978-1408314081

Ps. James has a great blog to check out
James Mayhew Blog





Dogs Don't Do Ballet by Anna Kemp


Funny and heart warming story of a Dog who Dreams of Being a Ballerina
Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1847384744

Tutu Tilly Series by Adele Geras

Tilly's adventures as a ballerina including My Ballet Dream and Little Ballet Star and The Ballet Class(isbn below)
Orchard ISBN: 978-1843624134

Angelina Ballerina Series by Katherine Holabird


A Series of adventures of a little mouse who is a ballerina. Picture Books
Puffin ISBN- 978-0723271666

Fairy Pop-Up Ballet Tree

A beautiful 3D pop-up tree with movable pieces, press-out fairies and decorations, fun fairy facts and a novelty pocket
Macmillan ISBN 978-0230760301

How to Draw Princesses and Ballerinas by Fiona Watt 5+


Aspiring artists can choose from gorgeous projects including a Sugar Plum Fairy, a Fairytale castle and a Princess Sleepover. With simple step-by-step instructions, children will be able to produce satisfying results time and time again.
Usborne ISBN 978-1409566366

Ballerinas, Usborne Sticker Fashion by Leonie Pratt 5+


Dress the ballerinas up in different costumes with 400 stickers provided
Usborne ISBN 978-0746076583

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