Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
The Jellybeans and the Big Dance
Picture Book Series
For ages 5 to 7
Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2008 ISBN: 978-0810993525
Emily loves to dance. In fact she dances whenever she can, even when she brushes her teeth. She is thrilled when she finally gets to go to dance lessons. Finally she will get to spend time with other girls who like to dance.
Unfortunately the three other girls in Emily's class do not really like to dance that much. Nicole is a tomboy who likes to play soccer. Bitsy would prefer to paint, and Anna is a shy bookworm who loves to read more than anything else. How on earth are the four girls going to be able to dance together in the recital in just one month's time? They have nothing in common and their dancing... well lets just say that it leaves a lot to be desired.
In this warm, funny, and cleverly constructed story the authors show their readers that one can almost always find ways to connect with others, if one is willing to work at it. Wanting to make the recital a success Emily finds something which all four girls like, and from there they find a way to work together in a way that suits all of them.
Lynn Munsinger's animal characters are sure to put a smile on readers faces, and the story is not only entertaining but it is also meaningful for children.
