K-Gr 2-In this fourth picture book about ballet-crazy Tallulah, the child is chosen to be a mouse in a professional production of The Nutcracker. Thrilled, she throws herself into rehearsals, determined to be the best mouse on stage. Opening night brings an embarrassing onstage mishap, and Tallulah is devastated until the dance master and the older girls who danced Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy tell her of their own past missteps, and Tallulah's enthusiasm is renewed. With expressive, insouciant watercolor illustrations, ballet terms like "sissone" sprinkled sparingly throughout the text, and the obligatory glitter-heavy jacket art, this is a charming holiday choice.-Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Libraryα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Chosen to dance as one of the mice in a professional production of The Nutcracker, Tallulah is walking on air and dreaming of glory. Her debut brings her down to earth, though, after she steps on another mouse’s tail and causes a pileup of mice and soldiers. Poetic justice has its moment, but the story doesn’t end there. It takes an unexpected turn after the performance in a tender, yet amusing backstage scene in which experienced dancers reminisce about their own embarrassing moments onstage. Boiger creates a vivid sense of music and movement in the graceful watercolor illustrations. A fresh addition to the Tallulah series. Preschool-Grade 3. --Carolyn Phelan
Review
A 2013 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award Winner
"Tallulah shines as a real little dancer with her own distinct style, learning step by step."
—Kirkus
"With expressive, insouciant watercolor illustrations, ballet terms like 'sissone' sprinkled sparingly throughout the text, and the obligatory glitter-heavy jacket art, this is a charming holiday choice."
—School Library Journal
"As in the previous Tallulah books, Boiger's muted watercolors offer understated elegance, while Singer gingerly addresses how the wisdom of caring adults and role models can bring valuable perspective to a moment of humiliation."
—Publishers Weekly
"An un-sugar-coated, but humorous, portrayal of life in the theater for young dancers--and an encouraging example for any reader."
—The Horn Book Magazine
About the Author
Marilyn Singer is the author of more than one hundred books for children, including the Tallulah books. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, and Washington, Connecticut. Visit her online at marilynsinger.net.
Alexandra Boiger grew up in Munich, Germany. She has illustrated many picture and chapter books, including five popular books about ballerina Tallulah and She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton. She lives in Northern California. Visit her online at alexandraboiger.com and on Instagram @Alexandra_Boiger.
