Jake the Ballet Dog

This is a beautiful book that both my three year old twins and I enjoy reading. It is a lovely introduction to ballet with some basic terminology and illustrations of the five basic ballet positions. It also tells the story of the Nutcracker, with Jake the dog's antics mixed in to delight readers and spice up the plot. I think this would be a beautiful book to give a new ballet student, or a little girl who is about to see the Nutcracker Ballet. I think it will be read quite often in our home, and I hope it sparks an interest in dance for my children.

Jake the Ballet Dog? What an unlikely title! But, that's okay because this is an unlikely story, which is probably one reason why youngsters will thoroughly enjoy it. Allegra, a prima ballerina, is taking care of her friend's dog, Jake. Now, Jake looks quie like an ordinary dog - his heritage is questionable, he's black with several white paws and an active tail. However, Jake does have some unique sensibilities. Since Allegra is in the midst of rehearsals for The Nutcracker ballet, she takes Jake to the studio with her. Little did anyone suspect that he would be so enthusiastic about ballet. As the dancers warm up, Jake also assumes a position. It's not long before Allegra is showing him off to the other dancers by tossing his toys so that he leaps for them, and standing on his hind legs for a cracker reward. Well, all of this is fun during rehearsals but what might Jake do during an actual performance? Youngsters will not only like the story line but will also learn a bit about ballet, such as some common words - arabesque, pirouette, en pointe, etc. Of course, the endearing story of The Nutcracker complete with the prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy always entrances. Artist Marcin Baranski gives credit to New York City Ballet's production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker as inspiration for her artwork. The book also includes a glossary of terms. It's a treat to come across a children's book that not only entertains and amuses but also educates. - Gail Cooke