FICTION

Bharatanatyam in Ballet Shoes

by Mahak Jain (text) & ­illus. by Anu Chouhan
Annick. Mar. 2022. 36p. Tr $18.95. ISBN 9781773216157.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 3–Everyone has experienced the familiar mix of excitement and fear about a new experience. From the very first page, readers will identify with Paro, a young dancer who’s both eager and worried about ballet lessons: “What if I’m terrible?” Paro’s mother tries to reassure her that she can dance ballet, but as Paro watches from the door of the ballet, she is unsure. Paro befriends Marco and Dana, two more experienced ballet dancers. She tries to share her traditional South Asian dance, Bharatanatyam, with them, but they are unfamiliar and mistakenly think she is simply walking. Paro decides to abandon the traditional dance, but her mother steps in, and Paro’s friends grow to love it. The vibrant colors and playful illustrations support the tightly told story and highlight movement.
VERDICT A worthy addition to any library, and a necessary tool for helping children understand and develop cultural competency and compassion early on.
Reviewed by Maegen Rose , Mar 01, 2022

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Noisy Christmas: My First Touch and Feel Sound Book
by Cox, Hettie
BOOKS

Five Sparkling Snowmen: A Rhyming Count Down Christmas Board Book
by Edwards, Nicola
BOOKS

A Magical Christmas: A Padded Christmas Story Book
by Freedman, Claire
BOOKS

Night Night, Sleepy Elves: A Lift-the-Flap Bedtime Christmas Book
by Wood, Selina
BOOKS

Love Is My Favorite Color
by Laden, Nina
BOOKS

Harriet’s Reflections
by Kadi, Marion
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?