Quick Booktalk
Tessie loves ballet, but she often finds herself in the shadow of her big sister, Maya. When she is cast as a bumblebee for the upcoming recital instead of landing the lead, she is devastated, but she soon learns that she has a talent that sets her apart from her sister and the rest of their class.
About the Illustrations
The characters on every page of this book are depicted with wonderfully animated facial expressions that make it very clear to the reader at first glance how each one is feeling. The dancing sequences also have a wonderful sense of movement and physicality that captures each sister's talent and style. The pink and yellow color scheme gives the book a vibrant, cheerful mood that matches the overall tone of the story.
Story Time Possibilities
This is a good story time choice. The pictures are bold and colorful, there is just the right amount of text on each page for a preschool or kindergarten audience, and there are a bunch of theme options, including dance, movement, sisters, feelings, and being true to oneself.
Readers Advisory
I have four girls, and this book perfectly captures how their sibling rivalry often plays out. I was reminded a little bit of Big Red Lollipop by Ruhksana Khan, which also deals with some issues between sisters. I think girls with sisters close in age will definitely relate to this book.
Disclosure
I received a finished copy of Ready for the Spotlight from Candlewick Press in exchange for an honest review.
