Customer Reviews

Not Just Tutus

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

So I'm in a bookstore, picking up yet another copy of 'Wheels on the Bus' for my toddler, when my six year old asks for a book too. I agree and she finds this one. I'm thinking that this is just a little girl ballerina book, so I buy it without, unfortunately, READING it first.

I sat down with my daughter to read it when we got home, and the farther I read, the more horrified I became. An excerpt:

"She is thin
And she is tall
And she is pretty
They've got it all

I know I'm short
I know that I'm round
But I want to dance
So I stand my ground"

*If that isn't the prelude to encouraging an eating disorder, I'll eat my hat.

Here's more:

"If you fight backstage
Go far away
The audience hears
Whatever you say"

or

"It doesn't matter
If you're the best in the room
If you don't fit
Into the costume"

*This book is for five and up?

About 25 years ago, I was in a regional ballet company. As a result, I have many concerns about very young children doing ballet on this level. This book isn't about dolly dinkle dance recitals or dreaming of tutus which is what I thought would be in this book.

No, I don't think that the woman who wrote this book meant any harm, but then again, she hasn't a clue about parental concerns and dance or she wouldn't have written the book this way. I'm sure those who 'love dance' will love this book. I used to love dance until I saw what it did to the bodies and minds of young people. There is a serious difference between enjoying dance class and this stuff. And considering that this book is for very young girls, I think that it's inappropriate fare. I think it's a bad set up for the future if they take it to heart. This isn't something that I want to normalize for my kid. However, it's a real taste of the dance world. And it reminded me as to why I'm so careful as to what sort of activities that I allow my child to get into. JMO, but if your kid is six and it isn't merely fun, they shouldn't be doing it. And no tiny tot should be in pointe shoes...

The irony is, by the time the child would be old enough to handle this stuff on a real level, they wouldn't be reading children's books.

The book is being returned. I would have given it NO stars, but that wasn't an option.

my 4 year old has been telling me she wants to be a ballerina for the past few weeks. my husband picked this book up at the library and it can't go back fast enough. my girls love the book, but I do have a problem with some of the messages it is sending, as true as they may be. the "so thin, so pretty so tall, she's got it all" message is disturbing especially passing that message on to a 4 and 2 year old.
my only hope is that the mention of bunions and the sore feet and all the other negatives illustrated will actually discourage my dds from wanting to be ballerinas.
even aside from the messages, i didn't think the book was particulary well written.
i'd suggest looking for a more positive book.

Just adored this book and felt compelled to let everyone know how great it is. I think Isadora's illustrations and text were right on. I love ballet and used to dance when I was younger. I even performed so can identify with all aspects of this book. I will purchase it for any ballet dancers I know and hope it has a high profile amongst ballet lovers wherever they are!

I am a ballet teacher and a student gave me this book for an end of the year present. I was so enthralled by the reality of the images and words that I bought this book for my students to read in our lounge area. Everyone loves it and can identify with the settings and happenings. I think this book not only shows some real goings on in the ballet world, which is actually difficult to find, especially for children, but is delightful for all ages to look at.....over and over again. I highly recommend this book for all blooming dancers and ballet lovers as well. Thank you, Ms. Montane

I don't usually write reviews but I had to warn people about this book. I am shocked this book is for kids. Some of the passages are totally inappropriate (see other reviews where they have been quoted). We checked this out at the library and it will be going back ASAP. If you have a young girl that loves to dance this is NOT the ballet book to buy.

I LOVED this book and gave it to my grandaughters who both take ballet lessons. I never write reviews but saw this option while ordering and thought I must state my joy in discovering this book at our library. I had great pleasure in reading as well as experiencing the illustrations. I remember when I danced and all the poems rang true. Please support this book with a purchase!

I live in London and bought your book at the ballet performance I attended. It is a delight and I am certain Ms. Isadora had a wonderful time executing this book. I thought the humor and illustration right on target. I will order this book for friends over the holidays. Thank you for the fine work.