This picture book provides a refreshing angle on little girl’s love for ballet by celebrating the relationship between a young dancer and her teacher.

When Isabelle arrives at Miss Sylvie’s dance studio eager to become a ballerina, she is told she must be prepared to work hard. And she does. As the other young dancers switch to hip hop or drop out altogether, Isabelle continues to practice, forgoing many treats for ballet. Miss Sylvie is incredibly proud when, after years of hard work, Isabelle finally becomes a prima ballerina. After touring the world, Isabelle returns to Miss Sylvie’s dance studio to take on the role of teacher – ‘the best job in the world’.

This is a realistic and delightful story for budding ballerinas.

Angela Crocombe