Ballet Kids

Thomas, who wants to “be a ballet kid,” narrates this cheerful introduction to ballet class for the very young. On a snowy winter day, the ballet studio is a cozy destination for small children presented with a variety of skin tones; inside, an encouraging white male instructor teaches first and second position and a couple of basic steps before inviting the children to choose their costumes for a performance of The Nutcracker. Thomas, portrayed with dark brown skin, chooses the Sugar Plum Fairy’s sparkly purple dress and, after a brief bout of nervousness, proclaims the successful performance “a magical night.” If the transition from first steps to rehearsal and show seems a bit rushed, Sterling’s language and digitally colored pencil illustrations are well matched in childlike simplicity, creating a gentle story around the spirit of finding fun in dance. Ages 3–7. (Oct.)