Ready for the Spotlight!

September 6, 2021
Tessie, the spirited, cued–East Asian protagonist of this solo debut by Kim, has “been taking ballet for a whole month now,” and, with the confidence and naivete of youth, believes she’s the best in class—that is, except for older sister Maya, the crown-clad Lilac Fairy in The Sleeping Beauty, who “is always in the spotlight.” Maya has been taking ballet for much longer, and Mom assures the younger child that, with as much experience, she’ll shine just as bright. Still, Tessie wants to be the best now, and her jealousy only grows after auditions for the fall recital. Tessie’s voice shines with guileless determination: “Today was just not my day. My shoes were slippery. And my tutu felt so heavy. I’m sure that’s why I couldn’t keep my balance.” Bright watercolor and digital art centers mercurial Tessie’s reactions to great effect, adding wonderfully wrought physical humor to this refreshing tale of perseverance, growth, and tender sibling bonds. Ages 4–8.

October 15, 2021
Little sister Tessie envies big sister Maya's spotlight. After one month in ballet class, Tessie confidently believes she is second to none--that is, except for her older sister, Maya. Maya has danced in a crown as the Lilac Fairy in The Sleeping Beauty, a performance that granted her not one, but three bouquets of flowers. Tessie has her eyes on the prize: specifically, the role of lead ballerina in the fall recital, who, yes, wears a crown. During tryouts, Tessie tries her hardest and excels most during the freestyle portion of class, saying it best: "No rules. No pointed toes. Who needs lessons when you have rhythm?" When Maya scores the lead and Tessie is cast as a bumblebee, she is angry at Maya and at the unfairness of the situation. With tenderness and sisterly love, Maya reminds Tessie, "You don't need a crown to be a good dancer." She then helps Tessie with her bumblebee dance while Tessie teaches her freestyle moves. In the end, it turns out that the spotlight can be shared and enjoyed by siblings. Kim's accessible illustrations set a colorful stage for a sweet social-emotional story. With her spiky pageboy, distinct frown, and downturned black eyebrows, Tessie and her emotions take center stage in a familiar and recognizable way. Tessie and Maya both have pale skin and straight, black hair. An adorable exploration of jealousy without a heavy hand. (Picture book. 3-6)

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October 15, 2021
Preschool-Grade 2 Tessie has been taking ballet for a whole month, and she's pretty sure she's the best in her class--except for her older sister, Maya. Maya is always in the spotlight, wearing crowns on stage and receiving post-performance bouquets. When the teacher announces tryouts for the fall recital, Tessie is determined to get the lead, but Maya scoops it again, and Tessie is cast as a bumblebee. Afterward, Maya reveals that she herself started out as a bumblebee, and the sisters work together so they both shine on stage. This is a relatable story for any younger sibling who has ever experienced the envy of being less than an older brother or sister. Kim has mastered the furrowed-brow pout, and her use of light (from stage spotlights to sunshine) and shadowed silhouettes to underscore emotions is effectively implemented. The story is told with honesty, confronting and admitting negative feelings without shaming children for having them, and it offers a positive example of collaboration and communication to resolve tension between siblings. Children will feel seen by this book.

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