‘The Ballet Class’ - Press Reviews

Rachael Isadora’s Lili books describe professional ballet training and Katherine Holabird’s
Angelina Ballerina series provide snapshots of a mouse star in the making, but this title offers a view of ballet school more in line with ordinary kids’experiences. Every Tuesday, seven children-six girls and one boy- gather for their ballet lesson under the tutelage of Miss Anne. Class is one exciting learning experience after another: ‘We do leg bends and jumps next,’ explains Tilly, the narrator, as she and classmates earnestly work their doughy bodies. ‘Miss Anne calls them plies and jetes. That’s legbends and jumps in French.’ Then comes the big recital- a triumph for Tilly, who overcomes a tummy ‘full of butterflies’ to shine as a dancing cat (‘When the show is over, everyone claps loudly and we do our best curtsies and bows’). McNicholas’s (the Animal Ark series) watercolours revel in the gentle chaos and unfettered joy of creative endeavour; the studio’s expansive, sunlit floor and long white walls reverberate with fun and possibilities.
Publishers Weekly March 1 2004

Tilly’s mum calls her Tutu Tilly because she loves dancing so much. The class starts and all the children know they must practise extra hard because this is the last lesson before the big show. Tilly performs her cat dance everyday and the big night finally arrives. This book will delight any child just starting ballet. Shelagh McNicholas’ exuberant and expansive illustrations add to the fun- the children’s movements are captured beautifully.
Marianne Adey-Carousel Spring 2004