Ballewiena

What is cuter than a small dog and a ballerina? How about a dancing dachshund? Ballewiena is the story of Dotty, who dreams of being a ballet dancer, but that is not something that dogs normally do. Will her owner see Dotty’s talent?

The text is great for both the younger and older child. Thank you so much to the publisher for including the pronunciation guide in the endpapers. Adults, look at them first if ballet terms are not your “forte.” I missed them initially. I loved the potential for expanding children’s and adults’ knowledge of real ballet terms with a sweet story.

The illustrations are so cute! I love the style, which seems to make Dolly even more adorable. It just makes you want to cheer her to get to show her stuff. I liked the use of color when something was fun or not in the story. Her dancing leotard and tutu are fantastic.

I think this book is best for four- to eight-year-old children, and it’s a great way to introduce ballet or dancing to a child who might have never thought they could do those things.