Ballet Bunnies
By Swapna Reddy
Illustrated by Binny Talib
Oxford University Press
Millie loves dancing and is so excited to begin ballet classes. Unfortunately things don’t go quite as smoothly as she hopes and one girl in the class makes it difficult for her. Her confidence plummets and before the end of the day Millie wants to give up.
It is then that she meets four little ballet bunnies who make all the difference. Her new bunny friends are a secret but they offer her the best advice and that is just what Millie needs.
Throughout the series Millie confronts her fears and lack of confidence with the help of her bunny friends; Dolly, Fifi, Pod and Trixie. They encourage Millie to dance, try new things, even learning how to take deep breaths to help her keep calm, especially when there is a bit of bullying going on. They happily and willingly offer their helping paws.
Short chapters, decent sized font and gorgeous illustrations make this series ideal for newly independent readers. As first chapter books go, this is going to be a hit with many girls I know in my school library. Lots of pinks and purples, and bright glittery covers make this a series that will be read again and again.
A sweet feel-good series in time for Christmas and all that holiday reading, especially for those that like dancing, just like Millie and the bunnies.
Check out the ballet step illustrations at the back of the book. In Millie’s Birthday, there are instructions to make your own bunny ears.
Swapna Reddy also writes under the name Swapna Haddow and writes the wonderful Dave the Pigeon series.
My personal thanks to Swapna.
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