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Book Details:

Book Title:  Dragons Don't Dance Ballet by Jennifer Carson
CategoryChildren's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  36 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
PublisherVinal Publishing
Release date:   December 8, 2020
Content Rating:  G for everyone.

Book Description:

Esmeralda Dragon works the spotlight at the Metropolitan Ballet, but what she really wants to do is dance. Encouraged by her friend Harold to audition, Esmeralda takes a leap of faith only to discover that she doesn’t quite fit in with the other ballerinas. But Esmerelda isn’t ready to give up–and neither is Harold! Dragons Don’t Dance Ballet is a whimsical picture book that challenges body image expectations and encourages little ones to go for their dreams.

Buy the Book
Amazon.com
Dragon Charmer ~ B&N
add to Goodreads

My Review
Dragons Don't Dance Ballet is an adorable children's book with bright, colorful illustrations and a heartwarming overall story within its pages. 
Esmerelda Dragon works for a ballet company, but she has dreams of someday performing on stage rather than staying behind the scenes. When she discovers open auditions, she decides to go for it with the encouragement of her friend, Harold the janitor. Unfortunately, Esmerelda doesn't seem like she's going to get chosen to dance because she's bigger than the other ballerinas and doesn't quite fit in. But Esmerelda doesn't give up. She's determined to make her dream come true. Can she earn her place on the big stage?
I enjoyed this story. It's a great book for kids of all ages, and young at heart adults. It also carries a good message, letting kids know they shouldn't give up on their dreams. Even if  you look different or feel like you might not be good enough, that's no reason to ignore your goals. Dream big. Reach for the stars. And give it everything you've got. If you can dream it, you can do it. This is a great story to help encourage kids. 
I'd recommend it to parents of young readers, and even older readers too. It's definitely a cute book.
5 stars!

Guest Post
 Taking a leap of faith can be scary, but the outcome is worth it. That’s what Esmerelda Dragon learns when she leaps into auditions for the City Ballet. Thankfully she had a good friend cheering her on from the sidelines. It’s really important that we have friends who cheer us on instead people who call us friend but only want to share the spotlight. We should teach our children the benefit of learning to encourage others—even though it is sometimes a very hard thing to do. When often have friends who have similar interests, and that can sometimes lead to jealousy because one friend may really excel at whatever the particular interest is. Even as adults we compare ourselves, or our work, to someone else’s—especially if that someone else is someone we look up to. We may grumble about someone who received a writing contract before we did even though we started writing at the same time, or feel jealous of a co-worker’s promotion when we feel that we deserved one as well. How can we, as parents help our children to feel good for and encourage other’s accomplishments?

 For the whole history of humanity, we have been telling stories in order to teach our children, and this in no time to stop! Read! Read! Read to your kids! Discuss the story when they are old enough. Ask them questions about the main characters feelings, have them relate that feelings to emotions they have experienced themselves. In this way we will raise a generation of children who care not only for themselves, but for others.

 

Meet the Author:

Jennifer Carson lives in Michigan with her husband, four sons and many furry friends. She grew up on a steady diet of Muppet movies and Renaissance faires and would occasionally be caught reading under the blankets with a flashlight. Besides telling tales, Jennifer likes to create fantasy creatures and characters and publishes her own sewing patterns. Her artwork and patterns can be seen online at thedragoncharmer.com.

Jennifer's work has been featured in national magazines including: Cloth, Paper, Scissors, Faerie Magazine, Soft Dolls and Animals, Teddy Bear and Friends, and Dolls United.Jennifer's work has been featured in national magazines including: Cloth, Paper, Scissors, Faerie Magazine, Soft Dolls and Animals, Teddy Bear and Friends, and Dolls United.

connect with the author:  website ~ facebook ~ goodreads
 
Tour Schedule:

Jan 18 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / giveaway
Jan 18 - Library of Clean Reads – book review / giveaway
Jan 19 – She Just Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Jan 19 - Pick a Good Book – book review / author interview / giveaway
Jan 20 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Jan 21 – I'd Rather Be At The Beach – book review / giveaway
Jan 22 – Writer with Wanderlust – book review / guest post / giveaway
Jan 25 – Books, Tea, Healthy Me – book review / guest post / giveaway
Jan 25 - Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting – book review / author interview
Jan 26 - Instagram: All Booked Up Reviews – book review
Jan 26 - Reading is My Passion – book review
Jan 26 - One Frugal Girl – book review
Jan 27 - Lisa's Reading – book review / giveaway
Jan 27 - Amy's Booket List - book review / giveaway
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Feb 3 - The Bespectacled Mother – book review / giveaway
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Feb 5 - Leels Loves Books – book review / giveaway

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