A stunningly illustrated, lyrical story about hard work, determination, body positivity, and representation.
Rita the bear has always wanted to be a ballerina. She begins taking ballet classes with Monsieur le Fox and practices every chance she gets. Her best friend, Wanda, dances with her, and together, they push each other to be the best they can be.
When Monsieur le Fox announces that he's holding auditions for the studio's prima ballerina, Rita decides that she wants the part. But how can she be the prima ballerina when she doesn't look like the other ballet dancers in her class?
A stunningly illustrated, uplifting celebration of hard work, determination, body positivity, and representation.
A bear hopes to become prima ballerina. Rita has always loved ballet. The young bear joins the intimidating Monsieur le Fox’s ballet class and meets a new friend, Wanda; they spend their days dreaming about a life in dance. When Monsieur le Fox announces his plan to host auditions for the class’s prima ballerina spot, Rita and Wanda practice dancing and read ballet magazines to prepare. Looking at the ballerinas in the magazines, as well as those in the posters on the walls, Rita comes to a realization: “These ballerinas don’t look anything like me!” Indeed, they are all lithe creatures like weasels, foxes, frogs, and rabbits. The simple story’s resolution relies on Wanda and Monsieur le Fox encouraging Rita rather than Rita independently coming to embrace “my beautiful, big-bear body.” For this reason, caregivers and educators may consider pairing this tale with Vashti Harrison’s Big (2023), which shares similar themes but features the protagonist as her own savior. The full-color illustrations are soft and inviting, with the bulk of the story taking place in a cozy forest rife with mushrooms, coniferous trees, and logs on which the ballerinas practice balancing. The endpapers show Rita in a variety of ballet poses, perhaps encouraging future dancers to begin their practice. A classic ballet story infused with themes of body positivity and the importance of seeing oneself reflected in art. (Picture book. 3-7)--Kirkus Reviews
Stephanie Stansbie has been a children’s book editor and author for most of her adult life. She adores editing and writing in equal measure, and the books she has written have been translated into more than 15 different languages.
View titles by Stephanie Stansbie
Wendy J. Warren's colorful illustrations are inspired by the people, quirky architecture, and natural landscape around her, infusing her work with a vibrant and whimsical quality that captures the imagination. She draws by hand, experimenting with watercolor pencil and crayon.
View titles by Wendy J. Warren
A stunningly illustrated, lyrical story about hard work, determination, body positivity, and representation.
Rita the bear has always wanted to be a ballerina. She begins taking ballet classes with Monsieur le Fox and practices every chance she gets. Her best friend, Wanda, dances with her, and together, they push each other to be the best they can be.
When Monsieur le Fox announces that he's holding auditions for the studio's prima ballerina, Rita decides that she wants the part. But how can she be the prima ballerina when she doesn't look like the other ballet dancers in her class?
A stunningly illustrated, uplifting celebration of hard work, determination, body positivity, and representation.
Reviews
A bear hopes to become prima ballerina. Rita has always loved ballet. The young bear joins the intimidating Monsieur le Fox’s ballet class and meets a new friend, Wanda; they spend their days dreaming about a life in dance. When Monsieur le Fox announces his plan to host auditions for the class’s prima ballerina spot, Rita and Wanda practice dancing and read ballet magazines to prepare. Looking at the ballerinas in the magazines, as well as those in the posters on the walls, Rita comes to a realization: “These ballerinas don’t look anything like me!” Indeed, they are all lithe creatures like weasels, foxes, frogs, and rabbits. The simple story’s resolution relies on Wanda and Monsieur le Fox encouraging Rita rather than Rita independently coming to embrace “my beautiful, big-bear body.” For this reason, caregivers and educators may consider pairing this tale with Vashti Harrison’s Big (2023), which shares similar themes but features the protagonist as her own savior. The full-color illustrations are soft and inviting, with the bulk of the story taking place in a cozy forest rife with mushrooms, coniferous trees, and logs on which the ballerinas practice balancing. The endpapers show Rita in a variety of ballet poses, perhaps encouraging future dancers to begin their practice. A classic ballet story infused with themes of body positivity and the importance of seeing oneself reflected in art. (Picture book. 3-7)--Kirkus Reviews
Author
Stephanie Stansbie has been a children’s book editor and author for most of her adult life. She adores editing and writing in equal measure, and the books she has written have been translated into more than 15 different languages.
View titles by Stephanie Stansbie
Wendy J. Warren's colorful illustrations are inspired by the people, quirky architecture, and natural landscape around her, infusing her work with a vibrant and whimsical quality that captures the imagination. She draws by hand, experimenting with watercolor pencil and crayon.
View titles by Wendy J. Warren
