Miss Tutu's Star

K-Gr 2—In this rhyming story, Selena loves to twirl and prance, so her mother enrolls her in Miss Tutu's Dance Academy. As parents and younger siblings look on, the teacher instructs her students in the elements of ballet and encourages them when they are less than elegant. Finally, the children are ready for their first recital. Although the production does not go quite as smoothly as they would have hoped, thanks to Miss Tutu's cat and an errant mouse, the audience of friends and family gives Selena and her fellow dancers a rousing ovation for their efforts. Selena is a slightly chubby and not-inherently graceful girl with plenty of bounce and a determination to succeed. The plain-looking dance instructor and her class of ordinary girls and boys should inspire youngsters who like to dance but are not natural swans. Armstrong-Ellis's gouache and colored-pencil illustrations add comic touches. Readers will want to follow the cat's antics and keep an eye on the scarf that Selena's mother knits as the tale progresses. The protagonist is a likable character with lots of heart. Many children will recognize themselves in this agreeable offering.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT