Ella Bella Ballerina and A Midsummer Night's Dream

Ella Bella Ballerina and A Midsummer Night's Dream
by James Mayhew
Barron's Educational Series, 2015. Picture Book

Ella Bella's ballet class is learning about Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Reluctant to change out of her pretty fairy costume, Ella stays behind when class is over to dance one more time on the stage. As she dances, Puck shows up and takes her on a magical journey into Shakespeare's famous story. Mayhew ends with a brief historical note about Shakespeare's play and Mendelssohn's ballet. Mayhew's simple text and whimsical ink and watercolor illustrations will appeal to those who like Fancy Nancy stories. This and other Ella Bella stories are a perfect introduction to famous ballets for the youngest ballerinas.

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