What We're Reading: Brenda

First Ballet by Deanna Caswell with Illustrations by Elizabeth Matthews and Birdies Big-Girl Shoes by Sujean Rim

These are two wonderful picture books for the little girly girl in your life.

In First Ballet a little girl goes to the ballet with her grandmother for the very first time. Although the book does not specifically state it the ballet is the Nutcracker. The text is short and to the point but has a nice rhyming quality to it and reads aloud well. The author recreates all the wonder of a young child's first visit to the ballet with the audience dressed up in their best, the raising of the curtain and the appearance of the graceful dancers on the stage. The illustrations are beautiful to look at and really capture the magic of the ballet!

Birdies Big-Girl Shoes is the story of a five year old little girl who longs to be just like her ultra-stylish mom. Every morning she helps her mother pick out the perfect jewelry, sunglasses and perfume. Her favorite though is her mom's collection of fancy high heel shoes! How she longs to try them on and do all of her favorite activities in "big-girl shoes." However, when she finally gets the chance to try she realizes that her "beautiful barefoot shoes" are still the best choice for her! The author is a former shoe and accessory designer and the illustrations in this book are colorful and fun. Little fashionistas will especially love looking at all of the gorgeous shoes!