Lili on Stage
Kindergarten-Grade 3?In this sequel to Lili at Ballet (Putnam, 1993), Lili is performing in The Nutcracker for the first time. Her moments on stage as a guest in the party scene quickly pass by, and she and her friends take their bows. Backstage, she encounters the dancers who will appear in Act II and takes flowers to her favorite ballerina, who autographs a toe shoe for her. An enchanted Lili settles into bed that night, shoe in hand, pondering the magic of the evening and looking forward to the next performance. Isadora provides a note telling the story of the ballet, but text and art concentrate on the accomplished young dancers' behind-the-scenes activities?stretching, making up, dressing, rehearsing, and waiting to go on. Nearly everything about this book?from the tutu-pink endpapers to the graceful watercolors depicting delicate details of bodies and costumes?will appeal to ballet enthusiasts. The only problem is that at times it's hard to pick Lili out from among the other girls. Nevertheless, this romantic offering will fire the imaginations of children looking forward to or familiar with The Nutcracker experience?and may make clumsy hopefuls drool with envy.?Vanessa Elder, School Library JournalCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.