The Barefoot Book of Ballet Stories - Hardcover

Jane Yolen attended Smith College and received her master's degree in education from the University of Massachusetts. The distinguished author of more than 200 books, she is a woman of many talents. When she is not writing, Yolen composes songs, is a professional storyteller on the stage, and is the busy wife of a university professor, the mother of three grown children, and a grandmother. Heidi Stemple, Jane s daughter, has previously worked as a parole officer, private investigator and bartender. She didn t start writing until the age of 28 and hasn t stopped since. Both Jane and Heidi live in Hatfield, Massachusetts.

Rebecca Guay graduated from the prestigious Pratt Institute in New York City with a degree in illustration. She is also the illustrator of Goddesses: A World of Myth and Magic (HC: 9781841480756).

Juliet Stevenson is a stage and screen actress with many credits to her name, including Truly, Madly, Deeply; Emma; Bend It Like Beckham and Mona Lisa Smile. She was awarded the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress for her role in Death and the Maiden.

Grade 3-6 These retellings of ;Cinderella,Sleeping Beauty, Coppélia, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Daphnis and Chloe, and Shim Chung: the Blind Man's Daughter include rich details about the plots and characters. A one-page introduction to each tale provides historical perspective, including who wrote it, who composed the music for the ballet, and who performed the main roles in some of the productions. There is also a brief chronology of classical ballet from 1581 to 1986. The authors have captured the drama, excitement, and magic of these stories, making them enjoyable as read-alouds and enlightening for young theatergoers. The mostly full-page, watercolor illustrations are lush and romantic, and beautifully complement the text. Lovely floral designs border the text pages. This well-conceived and colorful look at some of the great classical ballets will enrich library collections and inspire young dancers. Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA --School Library Journal