Deer Dancer

PreS-Gr 2—Feeling a bit discouraged about her skills as a dancer, a little girl finds inspiration in a magical encounter with a deer in a peaceful clearing. Her ballet teacher has instructed her students to hold their heads as if they are wearing antlers, so it seems as though the two were destined to meet. They leap and dance around the meadow together, exulting in their ability to move with liveliness, strength, and grace. The deer eventually departs, leaving the girl to rejoice in her newfound confidence and to dance alone. Stringer's artwork is nothing short of mesmerizing. The shades of green saturating the book are rich and energizing. The deer looks squarely at readers on one page, to breathtaking effect. The little girl wears a sparkly tutu with a T-shirt, leggings, and high tops, so she will be recognizable to many readers. Ray's spare writing is lovely and appropriate in its quietness, reflecting the hushed awe and respect of the little girl for her dance partner and their stage. This is a spectacular book, celebrating the outdoors, dance, and the beauty inside each of us.—Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR