Sneak Peek Review of the Children's Book 'T is for Tutu: A Ballet Alphabet'

This is a sneak peek review of the children's book T is for Tutu: A Ballet Alphabet. It is authored by Sonia Rodriguez and Kurt Browning. It's illustrated by Wilson Ong, and is published by Sleeping Bear Press. This title is due for release on August 1, 2011. I was provided a review copy of this product by Sleeping Bear Press, but was under no obligation to recommend it. My observations are my own.

Synopsis and Review of the Children's Ballet Book T is for Tutu

The world of ballet through the letters of the alphabet is explored via this 32 page book. One or two pages highlight each letter, such as "G" for the ballet Giselle; "L" for leotard; "R" for "recital," etc. Each letter is introduced with a short rhyming poem introducing its corresponding term, and then some accompanying text goes more into detail about such aspects of ballet like the "Russian (Vaganova) Method" or some facet of ballet history; for instance, through reading this book, I found out that the first academy of ballet dance was founded in the 17^th century by Louis XIV and that men were once the dominant performers in this form of dance. Additionally, the role of the famous Nutcracker ballet's influence on children becoming interested in dance is discussed.

I do recommend this title for a few reasons. While ballet may seem to be mostly something little girls are more apt to get into, this book is inclusive of boys in the text and through the use of colorful visuals by Ong, which has a water color feel to them. The pictures are large (about 10" high and 11" wide), conveying the art form well. The writing by Rodriguez and Browning is informative and well-paced. Each turn of the page was something to look forward to.

This children's ballet book is scheduled to be available at retail outlets like Amazon.com on August 1, 2011, and its Suggested Retail Price is $16.95. The ISBN Number for T is for Tutu is 1-58536-312-X. For more information on the publisher, Sleeping Bear Press, contact 315 Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Phone 800-487-2323. Email: sleepingbearpress@cengage.com Website here