From New York Times bestselling author Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, a picture book starring a lovable and spunky character who will inspire prima ballerinas everywhere!
More than anything, Rosie loves to dance and wants to be a prima ballerina. But when she enrolls in ballet school, she can’t seem to master the plié or balance her arabesque. Never mind the grand jeté! Is there any hope for Rosie’s big dreams?
With charming text from Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, and delightful illustrations from Caldecott Honoree Diane Goode, this encouraging story of an aspiring dancer will have readers asking for an encore.
Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, is the author of several children’s books, including Ballerina Rosie; Tea for Ruby, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser; and the Little Red series as well as a memoir, Finding Sarah. The Duchess is a devoted spokesperson for many charitable organizations, including Changes for Children. She has two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
Publishers Weekly
Ferguson (the Little Red series) introduces a vivacious aspiring dancer in this mild, somewhat pat story. Goode’s (the Louise the Big Cheese books) sprightly, wispy art is a show stealer, however, conveying Rosie’s personality with ease and humor. Rendered in mixed media and set against a white backdrop, the illustrations consist primarily of spare images of Rosie in constant motion—sliding down a banister (with her toes pointed, of course) and exuberantly dancing with her stuffed bear. Determined to be a prima ballerina, Rosie wears her tutu all the time, even while playing soccer and climbing trees. But when her mother decides it’s time for ballet school, Rosie has a tough time keeping up with her more graceful classmates, and her missteps are amusingly portrayed. Rosie is discouraged until a new pair of ballet shoes gives her the boost she needs. Although Madame Natalie tells Rosie that “practice and confidence” are responsible for her rapid turnaround in class, readers are still left with the disappointing message that it’s all about the shoes. Ages 4–8. Agent: Faith Hamlin, Sanford J. Green-burger Associates. Illustrator’s agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Aug.)
