From the New York Times bestselling illustrator and former ballet soloist Robin Preiss Glasser comes a story about a young ballet dancer whose boundless determination makes her dream of dancing with the American Ballet Theatre come true.Gloria has a very big dream: to be admitted to the summer program at the American Ballet Theatre. The day of the audition arrives, and Gloria couldn’t be more excited! She can’t wait to dance and show the world what she can do. In the ABT studios, she gets a peek into a glorious room filled with pointe shoes, ballet dancers getting fitted for tutus, and an awe-inspiring company rehearsal. She can barely believe her eyes!
During the audition, Gloria is determined to make an impression by pushing herself to be her best. But when she falls in front of the teacher, she wonders if her determination will be enough.
Robin Preiss Glasser, the bestselling illustrator of the internationally renowned Fancy Nancy series, brings exquisite and authentic details to every illustration as only a former professional ballet soloist can do. This story about a determined dancer who is working hard to achieve her dream is sure to thrill ballet students everywhere.
On sale: March 21, 2023
Age: 4-7 years
Grade: Preschool - 2
Page count: 40 Pages
ISBN: 9780593181003
Reading level: Lexile: AD560L | Fountas/Pinnell: N
Robin Preiss Glasser is the national bestselling illustrator of many books for children, including the Fancy Nancy series, written by Jane O’Connor;
Lambslide and
Escape Goat, written by Ann Patchett; and
Grande Jete and Me by ballerina Allegra Kent. Robin is an alumna of the American Ballet Theatre School scholarship program under Patricia Wilde, and danced professionally with the Pennsylvania Ballet. She lives in California with her husband.
Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman is the author of several books for children, including the award-winning
You Can't Take a Balloon into the Metropolitan Museum and its sequels, created in close collaboration with her sister Robin Preiss Glasser. Her most recent books are
Superhero Joe and
Superhero Joe and the Creature Next Door, illustrated by Ron Barrett. Jacqueline lives in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, with her husband, writer Larry Weitzman.
AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE is considered one of the greatest dance companies in the world. Located in New York City, it was founded in 1939 with a mission to create, present, preserve, and extend the great repertoire of classical dancing. In 2006, ABT became America's National Ballet Company®. Find out more at ABT.org and follow them on Instagram at @abtofficial and on Twitter at @ABTBallet.
★ "The storytelling is tight, brisk, and still lyrical. The scenes are thrilling, crowded with tiny hopeful dancers in their leotards and ballet slippers, or older dancers in toe shoes.
A celebration of dance, dreams, and hard work, from the inside out, and a book that delivers on its promise."
—School Library Journal
“The creators render a lively paean to
passion and persistence via a sympathetic protagonist who knows that ‘This is where I want to be.’”
—Publishers Weekly “A
delightful, inspiring introduction to the world of dance.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Based on Glasser’s childhood experience of falling during her audition for the American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive, and
filled with her signature exuberant art, the story, written by Glasser with Weitzman, follows a passionate young New York City ballet dancer vying for a spot in the company’s summer program.” —Krystyna Poray Goddu,
Publishers Weekly
