Books About Ballet · 232 titles considered

The Best Ballet Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about ballet? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Ballet

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 1951

Ellen Tebbits

By Beverly Cleary, Tracy Dockray (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Ellen & Otis series

Ellen's secret bonds her to Austine, but a mistake threatens their friendship. Can she make amends?

192 pages· 22,745 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 8,670 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Ellen Tebbits has a secret she swore to keep hidden, until she meets Austine, who shares the same secret. Their friendship blossoms through dance classes and adventures, but a mistake by Ellen shatters their bond. With Austine refusing to speak to her, Ellen is desperate to mend their friendship. How can she prove her remorse and win back her best friend? This humorous tale explores the ups and downs of childhood friendships and the lengths one will go to for forgiveness.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 4–7 · 1993

Nina, Nina Ballerina

By Jane O'Connor

Nina's mom must find her among many butterflies at the dance show. Can she do it?

32 pages· 429 words· Est. 8 min read

3.8 Goodreads · 110 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: At the big dance show, Nina is dressed as a butterfly with colorful wings and a bug mask. But she's not alone—there are many butterflies on stage. How will her mom recognize her amidst the fluttering crowd? Join Nina in this delightful tale as she hopes to stand out and be seen by the one who matters most. Will her mom spot her in time, or will Nina's performance go unnoticed? Discover the charming solution in this engaging story perfect for young readers.

Sale price

$759

Board Book · Ages 3–5 · 2017

This Little Trailblazer

By Joan Holub, Daniel Roode (Illustrator) · This Little Primer series

Discover ten women who changed history with their courage and vision.

26 pages

6.8/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 463 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Board book

Summary: Meet ten remarkable women who reshaped history with their courage and intelligence. This vibrant board book introduces young readers to empowering female trailblazers who paved the way for a brighter future. Through engaging facts and bold illustrations, children will explore the stories of these influential leaders, sparking inspiration and curiosity. Who were these women, and how did they change the world? Dive into this girl power primer to find out!

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2003

The Nutcracker

By Nick Denchfield

Uncover magical pop-up scenes in a Nutcracker adventure.

12 pages

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.7/5 Goodreads · 25 ratings

Hardcover

Summary: Join Clara on a whimsical journey through enchanting pop-up scenes. Witness a midnight battle between mice and toy soldiers, and glide to the Land of Sweets. Discover surprises behind every flap in this magical Nutcracker tale.

Sale price

$1248

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1998

Bijou, Bonbon and Beau

Kittens disrupt a Parisian ballet, causing chaos and wonder.

26 pages

6.0/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 73 ratings

$12.95Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: In a Parisian theater famed for its ballet and resident artist, three mischievous kittens leap onto the stage, turning a graceful performance into a delightful spectacle. As dancers twirl and the artist captures the scene, the kittens' antics spark both chaos and charm. Will the show go on, or will these furry intruders steal the spotlight? Discover how a night at the ballet becomes an unforgettable event, blending art, dance, and unexpected feline flair.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2018

The Dance of the Realms

By Calliope Glass, Marco Bucci (Illustrator) · The Nutcracker and the Four Realms series

Enter a magical realm where dance and holiday spirit come alive.

40 pages

5.8/7 Bookroo·3.6/5 Goodreads · 110 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Step into a world where the magic of The Nutcracker unfolds in vibrant illustrations. Journey through enchanting realms, where holiday spirit and the beauty of dance captivate a new generation. Will the magic of storytelling bring the adventure to life?

Sale price

$1140

Board Book · Ages 1–3 · 2018

The Nutcracker

By Anna Milbourne · Peep Inside A Fairy Tale series

A Nutcracker doll springs to life, leading a girl on a magical Christmas adventure.

14 pages

5.6/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 64 ratings

Board Book

Summary: On a magical Christmas night, a little girl's Nutcracker doll comes to life, whisking her away on an enchanting journey. As they explore a palace made of sweets, delicate cutaways and flaps reveal hidden wonders. Will they uncover the secrets of this magical realm? Dive into a world of fairy magic and festive surprises, where every page invites you to peep inside and discover more. This beautifully illustrated tale offers a captivating introduction to a classic fairytale, perfect for sharing the magic of Christmas with young readers.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–15 · 2021

The Genius Under the Table

By Eugene Yelchin

A boy's doodles may change his fate amidst Cold War secrets.

Golden Kite Honor (2022)Sydney Taylor Book Honor (2022)

208 pages· 22,374 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,571 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In Cold War Russia, young Yevgeny navigates family chaos and hidden secrets, including a KGB spy in his kitchen. With dreams of becoming a national hero, he faces the challenge of living up to his parents' expectations without the talents of his brother. Armed only with a pencil and a table's underside, Yevgeny discovers that his doodles might hold the key to his future. Can he find his place in a world filled with drama and intrigue? This memoir blends humor and poignancy, capturing a boy's quest for identity in a tumultuous era.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2011

The Berenstain Bears and the Nutcracker

By Jan Berenstain (Author/Illustrator), Mike Berenstain (Author/Illustrator) · The Berenstain Bears series

The Berenstain Bears discover magic in a nutcracker gift.

32 pages· 949 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 246 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: On Christmas morning, the Berenstain Bears receive a nutcracker from Santa. Initially distracted by modern toys, the cubs soon dive into a world of imagination, creating their own Nutcracker adventure. What wonders will their creativity unleash?

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2006

Ballerino Nate

By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, R.W. Alley (Illustrator)

A boy defies stereotypes to pursue his ballet dreams.

32 pages· 1,025 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 219 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Nate dreams of dancing after witnessing a mesmerizing ballet performance. Despite his brother Ben's teasing that ballet is only for girls, Nate's determination to dance grows stronger. As the only boy in his class, Nate faces doubts and challenges. Will he overcome societal expectations and follow his passion for ballet, or will his brother's words hold him back? Discover Nate's journey of courage and self-discovery as he steps into the world of dance, challenging norms and embracing his dreams.

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