The Bear Who Wanted to Dance

A little bear named Rita sees a ballet, and it changes her life. She knows she wants to dance. She does the right thing and signs up for a dance class with Monsieur le Fox. It is there that Rita meets Wanda, a slender, graceful dancer. They become fast friends. They spend their time dancing and dreaming of being great dancers. Rita works hard. She doesn’t just practice her dancing, but she also works to become stronger. Monsieur le Fox announces he will soon choose the prima ballerina. Rita gets so nervous when she sees her big shadow that she falls. Can she make her dream come true?

Author Stephanie Stansble has written a very sweet story that young girls will love. While there are lessons about friendship, resilience, building confidence, and more, there is nothing didactic about the writing. Stansble’s storytelling is simply lovely, and youngsters will want to hear this story over and over. The illustrations by Wendy J. Warren are enchanting. She uses soft colors and lots of fun details in her gorgeous drawings. Young listeners will be completely engaged. This will become a favorite very quickly.