A lovely picture book about perseverance in the pursuit of one's dream and about the power of friendship.
Book Title: Dragons Don't Dance Ballet by Jennifer Carson
Illustrated by: Eric Afuso
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 36 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Vinal Publishing
Release date: December 8, 2020
Tour dates: Jan 18 to Feb 5, 2021
Content Rating: G
Book Description:
Esmeralda Dragon works the spotlight at the Metropolitan Ballet, but what she really wants to do is dance. Encouraged by her friend Harold to audition, Esmeralda takes a leap of faith only to discover that she doesn’t quite fit in with the other ballerinas. But Esmerelda isn’t ready to give up–and neither is Harold! Dragons Don’t Dance Ballet is a whimsical picture book that challenges body image expectations and encourages little ones to go for their dreams.
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 36 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Vinal Publishing
Release date: December 8, 2020
Tour dates: Jan 18 to Feb 5, 2021
Content Rating: G
Book Description:
Esmeralda Dragon works the spotlight at the Metropolitan Ballet, but what she really wants to do is dance. Encouraged by her friend Harold to audition, Esmeralda takes a leap of faith only to discover that she doesn’t quite fit in with the other ballerinas. But Esmerelda isn’t ready to give up–and neither is Harold! Dragons Don’t Dance Ballet is a whimsical picture book that challenges body image expectations and encourages little ones to go for their dreams.
My Review:
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani
Dragons Don't Dance is a picture book about perseverance in the pursuit of one's dream. It's also a book about the power of friendship. Why are there no ballerina's that are heavier in weight yet who are just as graceful in dance? It's hard to break the stereotype of the very thin ballerina. This book shows that all body types can dance ballet if they really practice and set out to learn.
The book is well written and uses ballet terms throughout. It would have been useful and fun to have had a glossary in the front of the book for those readers who may not be that familiar with ballet expressions such as demi-plié, glissade and petite cabriole. I liked the watercolor illustrations. They were age-appropriate rendering Esmeralda the dragon lovely in all her towering height and body weight.
This picture book shines with the message that bigger children can be ballerinas too. It can help the child who lacks confidence and who does not believe they can be graceful in dance just because of their body size. Dancing is for all ages and sizes! And we cannot forget Harold, Esmeralda's friend who encouraged her, had faith in her and joined her in her dream. A lovely book about breaking stereotypes.
Jennifer Carson lives in Michigan with her husband, four sons and many furry friends. She grew up on a steady diet of Muppet movies and Renaissance faires and would occasionally be caught reading under the blankets with a flashlight. Besides telling tales, Jennifer likes to create fantasy creatures and characters and publishes her own sewing patterns. Her artwork and patterns can be seen online at thedragoncharmer.com.
Jennifer's work has been featured in national magazines including: Cloth, Paper, Scissors, Faerie Magazine, Soft Dolls and Animals, Teddy Bear and Friends, and Dolls United.Jennifer's work has been featured in national magazines including: Cloth, Paper, Scissors, Faerie Magazine, Soft Dolls and Animals, Teddy Bear and Friends, and Dolls United.
Jennifer's work has been featured in national magazines including: Cloth, Paper, Scissors, Faerie Magazine, Soft Dolls and Animals, Teddy Bear and Friends, and Dolls United.Jennifer's work has been featured in national magazines including: Cloth, Paper, Scissors, Faerie Magazine, Soft Dolls and Animals, Teddy Bear and Friends, and Dolls United.
Meet the Illustrator:
It is with much excitement and anticipation that I announce that two books I have illustrated will be published in the near future in 2020.
I previously worked as a graphic artist in the apparel industry creating numerous pieces of art and designs that were printed on top selling pieces of children's clothing sold through major retailers such as Walmart, Macy's, The Children's Place, and Target.
I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest near Seattle, Washington with my wife and two children.
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