The
Nutcracker Doll
by
Mary Newell DePalma
Arthur A Levine Books/
Scholastic 2007
ISBN 978-0439802420
The
Horn Book
November/December
2007
Young ballet dancer Kepley tries out for a part in The Nutcracker. She gets a small role that involves no dancing--she's a doll standing under the Christmas tree--but her enthusiasm is big, and ballet fans will share her excitement about being involved in a professional dance production.
...The text thoughtfully keeps the spotlight on the young dancer's feelings in a book that's as sweet and delectable as a Christmas cookie. --J.M.B.
New
York Times Book Review
Sunday,
December 16, 2007
by Julie Just
Link
to New York Times Review
DePalma
winningly captures a young girl’s excitement
and hard work as she auditions and is chosen to play a doll in “The
Nutcracker.”
Kirkus
November
2007
Kepley is a redheaded little girl who loves ballet. DePalma's story follows Kepley as she studies ballet in her classes and auditions for a professional production of The Nutcracker.
...DePalma's short, easy-to-understand text unfolds in a clear, linear fashion, making many of the various aspects of a ballet production understandable.
...Simple but appealing watercolor illustrations show little girls of different ethnicities in class or rehearsals with their hair up in proper ballet buns and dressed in the correct attire for young students. Other illustrations bring the ballet world to life in the costume shop, dressing room and backstage in the wings. Little girls who are studying ballet or getting ready to attend the show will enjoy reading about Kepley's successful performance. (Picture book. 4-8)
Booklist
November
2007
With its numerous roles for children, the Nutcracker is a rite of passage for many ballet students. In this charming picture book inspired by her daughter's participation in Boston Ballet productions, DePalma offers a realistic portrayal of a young dancer's professional-performance debut.
...DePalma draws out all of the auxiliary benefits of moving from the barre to the stage, no matter how minor the role--from the glamour of costume fittings and photo shoots to the pleasure of watching the show from the "cocoon of the wings."
...Although this will slot nicely into seasonal readings, young balletomanes will find the performer's-eye view fascinating year-round, and will want to move on to Jill Krementz's classic photo-essay A Very Young Dancer (1976).--Jennifer Mattson