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CM . . . .
Volume VI Number 21 . . . . June 23, 2000
McCaughrean does a wonderful job of recreating the unforgettable
characters in each story and the suspense of each plot as it unfolds. Her
stately prose is simple, succinct, and rich with dialogue. Barrett's
delicately coloured, illustrations gracing each page capture the
fairy-tale quality of the stories perfectly. Reading or listening to a
McCaughrean re-telling before seeing the ballet on the stage will greatly
enhance the young person's pleasure in watching the dancers as they enact
the story. Those children who are already in love with the ballet should
find the book a treasure. The author's re-tellings of each story are so
vivid and exciting that the collection will serve as a fine read-aloud
even if the young listener is not about to see the ballet. School
librarians will probably want to add this delightful collection with its
high-quality glossy format and attractive cover to their selection of
fairy tales.
Recommended.
Valerie Nielsen is a retired teacher-librarian living in Winnipeg, MB.
To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.
Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association.
Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice
is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without
permission.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - June 23, 2000.
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Combine ten of the most famous ballet tales retold by distinguished writer
Geraldine McCaughrean known for her gift in retelling the classics for
children, with beautifully detailed art work by leading children's book
illustrator Angela Barrett and the result is this charming collection of
stories. In The Orchard Book of Stories from the Ballet, the
award-winning author brings to life ten dramatic stories, including
Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker, Petroushka, La
Sylphide, Giselle, Cinderella, Swan Lake, Coppelia and the Firebird.