(2) K-3 Illustrated by Julianna Swaney. Presented by American Ballet Theatre. A Clement C. Moore–inspired text and lively illustrations offer a tantalizing look at the before, during, and after of "tomorrow's opening night" for four young dancers. From auditions to learning the steps, from "rehearsals...with the pros" to backstage jitters, before finally: "Tchaikovsky's music sets a mood of jolly jubilation." The seven ensuing double-page spreads provide front-row seats to the performance, including a glimpse behind the scenes during intermission. A story synopsis and original costume illustrations from the ABT's 2010 world premiere of the ballet end this engaging look at the seasonal staple.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2022

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Luciano Lozano. Presented by the American Ballet Theatre. Seven boys (four with brown skin, three with light skin) participate in a dance class as a rhyming text comments on the dancers' athleticism and skill: "Training hard, you'll break a sweat / while you rehearse your pirouette." The class practices various positions and movements; posters in the studio feature male dance stars for inspiration. The dynamic illustrations emphasize the dancers' joy in movement and show that dance transcends gender. Eight male dancers from the ABT are profiled on the final two spreads.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Rachael Dean. Presented by the American Ballet Theatre. "E's for épaulement, which makes a simple stance impressive. / Just turn your head and shoulders, and a pose is more expressive." Each letter of the alphabet inspires a rhyming couplet highlighting a dancer (Copeland), dance (The Nutcracker), pose (jeté), or other related subject (leotard, orchestra). Some examples may be obscure (e.g., "T's for Mr. Tudor's work..." refers to choreographer Antony Tudor); thankfully, the back matter provides information about the wide variety of ballets, choreographers, and dancers mentioned or featured in the color-rich accessible illustrations. Balletomanes will enjoy losing themselves in this picture book.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn