Ballet Dreams
#1 in Tutu Twins Series
What’s inside...
Once there was a little girl who dreamed of dancing, of skipping over rooftops and pirouetting round the moon. She could twirl on her toes as lightly as snow, and dart through the air like a swallow, so her Granddad called her Little Bird. One day Little Bird sees the ballet practice for Swan Lake, and decides that all she wants is to become a ballerina. When she gets her very first pair of silken ballet shoes from Grandpa, her face lights up like a star. An enchanting picture book about following your dreams, written by CBeebies' presenter Cerrie Burnell.
Discussion points
Why do you think the main character loves ballet so much?
How do you think the main character feels when they dance?
What challenges does the character face and how do they overcome them?
Can you think of a time when you worked really hard to achieve something like the character in the book?
What would you like to try for the first time, just like the main character tried ballet?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story by relating to their personal experiences.
Discuss the perseverance shown by the character and relate it to real-life situations your child might face.
Ask your child to imagine and describe an extra scene in the book, enhancing their creative thinking.
Read together and let your child predict what might happen next in the story, supporting their analytical skills.
Talk about the importance of following dreams and passions, just like the characters in the book, to instill motivation and self-belief.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist, despite facing challenges in learning ballet, commits to practicing regularly and not giving up on her dreams.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence and hard work in achieving their goals, whether in academics, sports, or other interests.
Example Lesson: Inclusivity
Explanation: The story portrays a diverse range of characters, each with unique abilities, promoting the value of acceptance and inclusion.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace diversity and be inclusive of peers with different backgrounds and abilities in school and community settings.
Example Lesson: Confidence
Explanation: As the protagonist gains proficiency in ballet, her self-confidence blooms, demonstrating the impact of mastering a skill on self-esteem.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of self-belief and confidence, which are essential in navigating social interactions and personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: Collaboration and support among the ballet classmates play a significant role in the story, highlighting the value of friendships.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of building and maintaining positive relationships, and how teamwork can help overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: Creative Expression
Explanation: Ballet is used as a form of artistic expression in the story, showcasing the importance of arts in emotional and creative development.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore various forms of artistic expression, such as music, dance, or art, to express their feelings and boost creativity.