This story, you guys, I was inspired by it! My kids adored it, but I did too! As a parent, I like it when a children’s book can be enjoyable for me to read, but I love it when I actually take something away from it!

Esmeralda Dragon works at the ballet company, running the spotlight for the dancers. Once the dancers go home though, she takes the stage and performs for no one but herself to the whistling of the janitor. When auditions open for the ballet company, the janitor encourages Esmeralda to audition. Everything goes a bit right, then a bit wrong for her, but at each juncture, she chooses to not give up. But, then she does give up, and she has a friend who reminds her not to.

I loved how this story progressed. Dragons are not dancers, it seems that only cats are, and so of course, everyone is a bit shocked and unimpressed that there is a dragon trying to audition for the ballet company. Esmeralda’s pure love of dance and her determination to push forward through all the things that go wrong are so inspiring.

The illustrations are quite beautiful as well. They are bright and show the characters and their actions so well. It’s a lot of fun to look at while you read!

Overall, I think this is a wonderful children’s story about believing in yourself and pushing through when people tell you that you cannot do something. I loved this one!

To Read or Not To Read:

I would recommend Dragons Don’t Dance Ballet for any child. It’s a beautiful story of encouragement, friendship, and aspirations that will provide inspiration all readers.

Where to Find This Book:

Dragons Don’t Dance Ballet by Jennifer Carson is available at these sites:
Amazon ~ Kindle ~ Dragon Charmer ~ B&N ~ Goodreads

Esmeralda Dragon works the spotlight at the City 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! A whimsical picture book that challenges body image expectations.

Just the Facts:

Dragons Don’t Dance Ballet by Jennifer Carson
Genre: Childrens
Page Count: 32 pages
Publisher: Vinal Publishing
Pub Date: December 15, 2020 

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.

Author Links:
website ~ facebook ~ goodreads

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I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

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