Ballet Dreams by Cerrie Burnell, illustrated by Laura Ellen Anderson

Once there was a girl who dreamed of dancing, of skipping over rooftops and pirouetting round the moon.

She could twirl on her toes as lightly as snow and dart through the air like a swallow. 

So her Granddad called her...

...Little Bird.

Published by Scholastic in February 2016

Summary

Once there was a little girl who dreamed of dancing. Of skipping over rooftops and pirouetting round the moon. She could twirl on her toes as lightly as snow, and dart through the air like a swallow, so her Granddad called her Little Bird. One day Little Bird sees the ballet practice for Swan Lake, and decides that all she wants is to become a ballerina. When she gets her very first pair of silken ballet shoes from Grandpa, her face lights up like a star. 

*****

Another beautifully written and stunningly illustrated picture book to add to your collection, from a fabulous duo. Every child will delight in this story as they follow Little Bird, through her first day at school alongside her desire to be a ballerina. 

There is always a strong belief behind Burnell's stories and this one is no exception. It instils in each child that if you work hard enough, your dreams will come true. All that you learn in life is there to help you reach your potential. Burnell shows how going to school will help you achieve your dreams. 

I love that the author always embraces diversity so naturally in her picture books.  Burnell also shows the financial struggles a lot of parents go through.

Cerrie Burnell and Laura Ellen Anderson really make a great team.