Books About Ballet · 222 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.

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

4.0/5 Goodreads · 8,648 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

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

$474

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

3.8/5 Goodreads · 108 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

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 experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 460 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

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 experts·4.7/5 Goodreads · 25 ratings

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 experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 72 ratings

$12.95Save 4%

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 experts·3.6/5 Goodreads · 111 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

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 experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 63 ratings

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

$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 experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 245 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

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 experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 219 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

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.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

The Sleeping Beauty

By New York City Ballet, Valeria Docampo (Illustrator)

Experience a modern ballet retelling of The Sleeping Beauty with stunning illustrations.

40 pages· 1,157 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.7/5 Goodreads · 93 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Step into the enchanting world of The Sleeping Beauty, reimagined by the New York City Ballet. Follow the captivating journey of a princess cursed to eternal slumber, brought to life through exquisite choreography and breathtaking illustrations by Valeria Docampo. Will true love's kiss awaken her? This beautifully illustrated book is a must-have for aspiring ballerinas and families who cherish timeless fairy tales.

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Browse by age

Ballet Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about ballet for the youngest readers and listeners.

Sale price

$599

I'm a Ballerina!

Ages 2–5 · 2015

A young dancer faces her first recital. Will she shine on stage?

Sale price

$999

The Nutcracker

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Discover dance through The Nutcracker's enchanting characters.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$999

Dance! Dance! Underpants!

Ages 2–5 · 2016

A reluctant bear must leap in ballet, but her secret underpants hold her back.

Sale price

$999

The Nutcracker

Ages 0–8 · 2012

Enchanted toys come alive, revealing the power of kindness.

Sale price

$1295

Love Is a Tutu

Ages 2–6 · 2015

Discover ballet's magic with rhymes and charming illustrations.

Sale price

$699

Daniel and the Nutcracker

Ages 3–5

Sale price

$599

Ballet Shoes

Ages 0–5 · 2006

A dancer's dream is shattered. Can friendship mend the rift before the big show?

My Little Golden Book About Misty Copeland

Sale price

$599

My Little Golden Book About Misty Copeland

Ages 2–5 · 2022

Discover the inspiring journey of a ballet prodigy who defied the odds.

Sale price

$799

I Look Up To... Misty Copeland

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Inspire young minds with stories of trailblazing women shaping the world.

Sale price

$799

Dancing Day

Ages 2–5 · 2020

A day of dance and family joy awaits Angelina.

Sale price

$699

Angelina Loves

Ages 2–5 · 2002

Explore the joyful world of Angelina Ballerina and her many loves.

Sale price

$899

Nutcracker

Ages 3–5 · 2010

Join toddler ballerinas in a magical Nutcracker adventure.

View all ballet board books

Browse by age

Ballet Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about ballet for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1799

Brave Ballerina

Ages 6–9 · 2019

A dancer defies racial barriers to achieve her dreams without compromising her values.

Sale price

$1799

Boys Dance! (American Ballet Theatre)

Ages 3–7 · 2020

Boys defy stereotypes, embracing ballet with passion and strength.

Sale price

$1799

Misty Copeland

Ages 6–8 · 2016

A dancer defies odds to make history on the ballet stage.

Sale price

$699

Delphie and the Glass Slippers

Ages 5–8 · 2008

Time spins out of control in a magical land. Can a young dancer restore balance?

Sale price

$699

Delphie and the Birthday Show

Ages 5–8 · 2008

A ballerina must save a magical land from a mischievous rat's plot.

Sale price

$1899

Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet

Ages 4–7 · 2011

A young girl named Nancy auditions for a ballet and learns to deal with disappointment and jealousy when her best friend gets a better part.

Sale price

$1699

Ella Bella Ballerina and Swan Lake

Ages 4–8 · 2011

A young dancer dreams into Swan Lake, meeting a cursed princess.

Sale price

$999

Mary Engelbreit's Nutcracker

Ages 4–8 · 2011

A nutcracker transforms, leading Marie on an unforgettable winter adventure in a magical land.

Sale price

$1999

The Nutcracker

Ages 4–8 · 1815

Experience the magic of The Nutcracker through a vibrant ballet-inspired picture book.

Sale price

$1899

The Nutcracker

Ages 4–8 · 2007

Embark on a magical Christmas Eve with a Nutcracker adventure.

Sale price

$1600

I Dreamed I was a Ballerina

Ages 8–12 · 2001

A girl's first ballet sparks dreams of becoming a legendary dancer.

Sale price

$1799

Swan

Ages 6–9 · 2015

A young girl's first ballet sparks a journey to become a legendary prima ballerina.

View all ballet picture books

Browse by age

Ballet Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about ballet for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$599

Ballet Backflip

Ages 8–12 · 2015

Ella's ballet dreams are challenged by a new gymnastics craze. Will she follow her heart or the crowd?

Sale price

$899

Thea Stilton and the Dancing Shadows

Ages 7–10 · 2013

A ballet competition in Italy hides a sinister plot. Can the Thea Sisters uncover the truth?

Sale price

$599

Lola Levine and the Ballet Scheme

Ages 6–10 · 2016

Rivals clash over ballet and soccer, but a mishap might unite them.

Sale price

$699

Isadora Moon Goes to the Ballet

Ages 6–9 · 2016

A young vampire-fairy girl and her best friend, a pink rabbit, go on a school trip to see a ballet performance of Alice in Wonderland, where they meet the famous ballerina Tatiana Tutu and help her in a time of need.