Clara's Dancing Feet - Hardcover

Kindergarten-Grade 3 Although Clara loves to dance around the house, her new friend, Emily, insists that to be a real dancer, Clara needs to take lessons and learn ballet steps. As with any aspiring dancer, Clara delights in the white leotard and socks, the pink sweater, and satin ballet shoes. She arrives early for her first class; braids her hair and pins it up; then stands shyly in the doorway, her legs refusing to move. Clara's trepidation at trying something new is a common experience, so her final triumph is a triumph for all who try new things despite their fears. Carey's illustrations are well suited to the story, as she fluidly portrays dance, the classroom activities, and the emotions of children. While Clara's family is obviously middle-classthere's no question about money when Clara insists that she have dancing lessons and the necessary clothingmany children will be able to relate to this charming, personal offering. Cathy Woodward, Lima City Schools, Ohio
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Very young children experience stage fright, but don't understand itand this is Clara's dilemma. She loves to dance around her homeshe just can't sit still. When her mother agrees to send her to dancing class, Clara is ecstatic, and loves all the dance accoutrements, including ballet shoes that make her feet look like "two sugared almonds." But once in class, Clara gets shy, and her feet won't move. The same thing happens during the second lesson. The third lesson takes place in front of the parents, and when Clara sees her friends dancing with bright streamers, she simply has to join them, shyness forgotten. It's a believable solution to a deftly told story; Carey's exuberant pictures show a joyful Clara, who is blissfully discovering her own form of self-expression.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.