Ella Bella Ballerina and The Sleeping Beauty
#1 of 6 in Ella Bella Ballerina Series
on Goodreads (247)
What’s inside...
Ella Bella longs to be a beautiful ballerina and attends Madame Rosa's ballet class at an old theatre. Upon opening Madame Rosa's magical musical box, Ella Bella is transported to Sleeping Beauty's palace in a lilac light. She is faced with the challenge of helping the Lilac Fairy save Sleeping Beauty from a wicked spell cast by the bad fairy.
Discussion points
How do you think Ella Bella felt when she entered the magical world of Sleeping Beauty?
What similarities and differences do you notice between the story of Sleeping Beauty and Ella Bella’s adventure?
What would you do if you could dance through a magical fairy tale?
How did the characters show kindness or courage in the story?
If you could ask Ella Bella a question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Ella Bella's ballet shoes, using descriptive language to explore the magical setting. Ask your child how they might feel or react in similar situations to help them connect with Ella's experiences. Discuss the themes of bravery and kindness demonstrated throughout the story, linking them to real-life examples. Utilize the illustrations to deepen understanding and appreciation of the story’s themes, asking your child to describe what they see and how it relates to the story. Lastly, emphasize the joy of storytelling and ballet, perhaps even inspiring a dance session inspired by the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of perseverance
Explanation: Ella Bella demonstrates perseverance as she navigates the challenges within the magical world of 'The Sleeping Beauty'. Her determination helps her contribute positively to the story.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to persist through difficulties whether in learning new skills or solving problems, understanding that perseverance can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy
Explanation: Through her interactions with characters in the ballet, Ella Bella shows empathy and understanding towards others' feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of considering other people's feelings and perspectives, promoting kinder interactions with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: Ella Bella's adventure in the ballet world underscores the importance of creativity and using one’s imagination to explore and solve problems.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to engage in creative activities and imaginative play can enhance problem-solving skills and provide them with new ways of looking at the world.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: The story introduces children to the classic ballet 'The Sleeping Beauty', fostering an appreciation for the arts and different cultural expressions.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore and appreciate diverse forms of art and culture, enriching their understanding and acceptance of different cultural backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Ella Bella collaborates with others to navigate the story, highlighting the importance of working together to achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: This lesson stresses the significance of cooperation and teamwork in accomplishing tasks, which can be applied in school projects or team sports.