Ballet Sisters: The Duckling and the Swan

My older daughter, a kindergartener, recently brought this book home from the school library. We bought it immediately after it was returned! It's a huge hit with both my older daughter and her 3 year-old sister. This book could very easily have been written about their lives! The interaction between the sisters in the book is so natural - my girls really identify with it. There's already a book #2 in the series (big sister gets a name - Bonnie!) and we're looking forward to more.

"Ballet Sisters: The Duckling and the Swan" is an adorable book about being sisters. These two girls are gentle girls, who have learned the fine art of getting along, with an occasional outburst. What really impresses me is their ease into play situations. The older Sister readily allows her little sister to play with her. But she does make her bow to her as queen. When Mom puts Big Sister's hair in braids for her early morning ballet lesson, Little Sister tries to do braid her hair. Uh-oh, some hair is sticking out, snip -- Gone! Mom has to even out the hair cut. Big Sister to the rescue again. She takes old panty hose, splits the legs, braids them, and places the new "do" on Slyvie's head. Sylvie is delighted!! At the ballet class, Sylvie must stay outside the studio because the girls are serious about their lessons. While her sister is rehearsing, Sylvie is having fun being that duckling again. On the way home, the big sister is the Swan and Sylvie is the duckling. They are both as cheerful as can be. I really like the mother in this story. She rides her bike to school to pick up the older sister with Little Sister firmly entrenched in her booster seat. I guess the mother pushes the bike home. When Sylvie is annoyed to playing an elf, Mom picks her up and swirls her around like a buzzing bee. Calms her right down. Another point about this story that is really noticeable. The nameless older sister is elegant in every picture. The ballet lessons show in her grace and style. The book is definitely a plug for dance lessons. "Ballet Sisters" is a winner on many levels. Highly recommended!

My 3 year old just adores this book! It is one of the few that she wants to read every single day. The sisters dance and even bicker a bit, its definitely a book she can relate to.

Love this book. Great for anyone who has two daughters. The illustrations are great.