Book Review: Angelina on Stage by Katharine Holabird

From Publishers Weekly

In this latest addition to the Angelina series (Angelina Ballerina, etc.), Angelina is invited to perform as a magic fairy in a real grown-ups' ballet. She's delighted, but less so when her goofy younger cousin Henry is asked to perform in the ballet, too. While Angelina practices flying through the air on a wire, Henry stumbles around the stage, missing cues but nevertheless endearing himself to the cast. Though she's jealous of Henry, Angelina comes through for him on the night of the performance. The book gently reflects an older child's ambivalent feelings. But it is also a delightful story, whose delicately rendered, sweet illustrations invite the reader into the magical world of ballet.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

The writing is crisp and clear, the illustrations detailed with a lovely sense of movement and emotion Guardian Angelina has simply charmed her way into becoming a modern children's classic ... Publishers Weekly Angelina is a magical character who fulfils every little girl's dreams Darcey Bussell, OBE --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Viking Juvenile (January 19, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670060585
• ISBN-13: 978-0670060580

About The Book:


I was especially interested in reading Angelina on Stage because I had taken my daughter to ballet practice many, many times. Why I even tried the plies and an arabesques or two. Oh, how my daughter loved to dance and she was a snow fairy in The Nutcracker every year. My beautiful daughter loved ballet so much so that when she grew up and was off to college, she majored in dance.


So our story begins with graceful Angelina and not so graceful Henry, Angelina's cousin. Miss Lilly has some good news and asks Angelina to be a magic fairy in a real grown-up ballet, The Gypsy Queen. Miss Lilly offers Henry a part, too. Well, the plot thickens and soon we find Angelina is jealous that the actors and actresses adore Henry. Angelina, the mouse, feels better when she receives a flower from Madame ZiZi. It seems Angelina saved her cousin from stage fright and ... well, you've got to read this sweet story with a very important lesson for young children to learn, too. The illustrations by Helen Craig are charming. 5 stars!
 
Warmest Regards,
LadyD