Bookverdict.com

Gr 1–4—This tall, graceful picture book captures the artistic spirit, if not the entire biography, of one of the world's prima ballerinas. Pavlova's humble beginnings and early life in 19th-century tsarist Russia are merely hinted at, though spelled out more fully in an appended author's note. The spare, lyrical text instead offers imagery that is more poetic than concrete. For example, when the curtain ris...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

In this exquisite introduction to ballet great Anna Pavlova (1881–1931), the impressionistic text begins the night young Anna goes out into the big city to see The Sleeping Beauty performed. Like the dancer onstage, Anna is awakened; consumed, she “cannot sleep. Or sit / still / ever.” Anna auditions for ballet school, is rejected, and auditions again two years later. This time she is accepted, and “the work begins.” Subsequent spreads follow Anna through he...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

This lyrical introduction follows ballet great Anna Pavlova (1881–1931) through her training; her roles, particularly her iconic Dying Swan; her growing fame; ...Log In or Sign Up to Read More