Alicia's Tutu [Hardcover]

Robin Pulver (Author), Mark Graham (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

The author of Nobody's Mother Is in Second Grade offers readers a sensitive ballet story that explores the difference between "need" and "want." Alicia is sure that a tutu will improve her dancing. When Grandma says she's sending a present, Alicia is convinced it's the tutu she so desperately wants--despite her mother's insistence that the gift is something Alicia needs. Full color.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Little girls can be very determined, especially about such important things as what to wear in ballet class. Alicia is no exception. Dancers need tutus, she believes, and Alicia needs one right away. When Alicia learns that grandma is sending a present, she's sure the tutu is on its way. Mom keeps warning her that it's a new bed so that her younger brother Josh can have her old one, but determined ballerinas have no time for such input, and Alicia remains unconvinced. Everything works out eventually, and Alicia learns an important lesson in the process. (Ages 4 to 8)

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3. Alicia's mother says she needs a new bed so that her younger brother can move from his crib into her smaller one, but all Alicia thinks she needs is a tutu for dance class. When the furniture arrives from her grandmother, Alicia is disappointed. Wants and needs are put into perspective when her brother is missing after the movers leave. Alicia figures out where he must be, and an understanding grandmother takes care of both wants and needs for the happy ending. The story carries the message without hitting readers over the head. However, the realistic tone loses some of its punch because of the lovely, but dreamy painterly illustrations. Although there is a scene at the ballet school, this is really a family story about expectations and relationships.?Amy Kellman, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dial (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803719329
• ISBN-13: 978-0803719323
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,685,922 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, enjoyable, but a little flat..., May 27, 2000

By 

lisa smith (Rockville, MD United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alicia's Tutu (Hardcover)

We checked this book out of the library and my 4 year old daughter insists on me reading it every night. A good testimonial! The book is pleasant and easy to read with nice illustrations. It provides a good basis for a discussion of need v. want. Like the above reviewer, I too was disappointed in the overly tidy ending. Also, the illustrations appear a bit too impressionistic (for example, it is difficult to identify Alicia on several pages) which frustrates my daughter and me.