Ballerina Gets Ready

A day in the life of a ballerina-- hard work, beautiful costumes, and of course, dance!

Tonight Iris will take the stage in her new ballet, but she has a long day planned before then. She wakes up early and heads to the theater, where she has classes, costume fittings and rehearsals. With a break for lunch and an unexpected change in partners, soon enough it's almost show time.

At half an hour to curtain Iris gets her shoes ready and does a few chainés. The musicians tune their instruments as the stage manager calls for places. At 8:00 the curtain rises . . . and the dancing begins!

Illustrated in glowing watercolors, Ballerina Gets Ready is a peek behind the curtain at the life of a professional ballet dancer and the passion that drives her hard work.  Written by accomplished ballerina Allegra Kent, this picture book is perfect for aspiring dancers and curious young readers.

Allegra Kent was one of the New York City Ballet's most celebrated ballerinas, dancing many roles created for her by George Balanchine. Her first children's book was Ballerina Swan. She lives in New York City.

Catherine Stock has illustrated many picture books, including A Porc in New York and A Spree in Paree, which was one of Time Magazine's Ten Best Children's Books of the Year. Born in Sweden, she now lives in France.