10+ Best Ballerina Books for 3-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect bedtime story to twirl your little one into dreamland? Look no further than our curated selection of ballerina books for 3-year-olds! These enchanting reads are sure to captivate your budding ballet enthusiast with tales of pirouettes and grand jetés. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that will inspire and delight your tiny dancer.

Fun Ballerina Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Tallulah’s Tutu by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Tallulah is determined to earn a tutu through her ballet classes. When she realizes it's not as easy as she thought, she must decide if ballet is still worth pursuing without the reward.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches perseverance and the joy of pursuing something for the love of it, not just the rewards. The illustrations also beautifully capture the emotions and movements of ballet.
  • Perfect for: Young dancers and any child learning about patience and dedication.

• Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Holabird, illustrated by Helen Craig
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Angelina loves to dance and dreams of becoming a famous ballerina, but her enthusiasm sometimes gets her into trouble. Through her adventures, she learns important life lessons.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful introduction to following one's passion and dealing with the ups and downs along the way. The charming illustrations add to the whimsy and magic of the ballet world.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young dancers and anyone who enjoys a story about following dreams.

• Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Sassy is a tall young girl who loves dancing but often feels awkward about her size. Her perseverance and unique talent eventually get her noticed by a famous director.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes self-confidence and the importance of embracing one's uniqueness. The powerful illustrations effectively complement Sassy's journey to self-acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Children who feel different or out of place and need encouragement to embrace their unique qualities.

• Miss Lina's Ballerinas by Grace Maccarone, illustrated by Christine Davenier
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Miss Lina's ballet class of eight girls learns to dance in pairs, creating a new dynamic and learning to cooperate with each other in new formations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces basic math concepts through a fun and engaging story. The book also highlights the value of teamwork and cooperation.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy rhythmic, rhyming texts and learning through stories.

• Ballet Kitty by Bernette Ford, illustrated by Sam Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Ballet Kitty loves ballet and is excited to practice her new ballet moves at home, but when her friend wants to play, she has to decide whether to share her passion or play alone.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a sweet tale about friendship, sharing, and the joys of dancing. The soft illustrations make it appealing and accessible.
  • Perfect for: Little ones who are learning about sharing and those who have a budding interest in dance.

Educational Ballerina Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Ella Bella Ballerina and Cinderella by James Mayhew
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Ella Bella attends Madame Rosa’s ballet class and finds herself magically transported into the story of Cinderella. This enchanting tale combines the magic of ballet with the charm of a fairy tale.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of narrative structure, introduction to classic fairy tales, imaginative play
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully merges the world of ballet with a beloved fairy tale, enhancing both the magical and educational aspects of the story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fairy tales and imaginative adventures.

• B is for Ballet: A Dance Alphabet by John Robert Allman, illustrated by Rachael Dean
  • Genre(s): Children's Non-Fiction, Alphabet Book
  • Synopsis: From Arabesque to Zephyr, this book takes young readers through the alphabet with ballet-related terms, offering a fun and educational way to learn both the ABCs and about ballet.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet knowledge, vocabulary related to ballet, introduction to the arts
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an educational tool that introduces ballet vocabulary in a fun, accessible format, perfect for early learners.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers beginning to learn the alphabet and anyone interested in an artistic twist to learning basic concepts.

• Tiny Dancer by Siena Cherson Siegel, illustrated by Mark Siegel
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Biography, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This autobiographical picture book tells the story of a young girl’s journey into the world of ballet, from her early days of training to her performances on stage.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Biographical insights, perseverance in arts, understanding of ballet training
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a realistic look at the dedication required in ballet, inspiring persistence and passion in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young dancers and any child interested in real-life stories of dedication and achievement in the arts.

• Sophie the Ballet Star by Angela McAllister, illustrated by Kate Pankhurst
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Sophie dreams of becoming a ballet star, and when she finally gets the chance to perform, she learns about the hard work and dedication needed to succeed.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of perseverance, introduction to performing arts, self-expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to follow their dreams and shows the importance of hard work and dedication.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young dancers and children who dream of performing on stage.

• Vampirina Ballerina by Anne Marie Pace, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: A young vampire girl, who dreams of becoming a ballerina, learns how to navigate her unique challenges to fit in at a human ballet school.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, overcoming challenges, embracing diversity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and whimsical approach to the theme of acceptance and perseverance, with a unique twist on the typical ballet story.
  • Perfect for: Children who feel like they stand out and anyone who enjoys a mix of fantasy with everyday challenges.

Challenging Ballerina Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Brontorina by James Howe, illustrated by Randy Cecil
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Brontorina is a dinosaur with a big dream—to dance ballet. Despite her large size and the challenges it presents, she is determined to make her dream come true.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book introduces themes of inclusion and overcoming physical limitations, which are complex concepts for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children about acceptance and pursuing dreams regardless of obstacles, all within an engaging and imaginative story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who face their own challenges and those who enjoy stories about perseverance and inclusivity.

• Lili at Ballet by Rachel Isadora
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Lili loves ballet and this book follows her as she attends ballet classes and prepares for a recital. It gives a detailed look at the life of a young ballet student.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book provides a realistic view of the discipline and practice required in ballet, which can be an advanced concept for three-year-olds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a glimpse into the structured world of ballet, promoting discipline and dedication in a relatable way for young children.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young dancers and children interested in the arts.

• Dance by Matthew Van Fleet, illustrated by Brian Stanton
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Interactive Book
  • Synopsis: This interactive book uses pull-tabs and textures to explore the concept of dance, including ballet. It encourages physical interaction with its elements.
  • Why this book is challenging: The interactive elements require fine motor skills and understanding of cause and effect, which are advanced for toddlers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging way to introduce young readers to dance, encouraging active participation and sensory exploration.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who enjoy interactive reading and those beginning to explore movement and dance.

• Olivia Takes Ballet by Farrah McDoogle, illustrated by Patrick Spaziante
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Follow Olivia as she takes ballet lessons and stars in her first ballet performance, showcasing her creativity and unique approach to ballet.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story integrates Olivia's imaginative world with real ballet practice, blending fantasy and reality in a way that can be conceptually challenging for young minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and self-expression through ballet, making it a fun and inspiring read.
  • Perfect for: Creative children who love to imagine and explore different roles through play.

• A Dance Like Starlight by Kristy Dempsey, illustrated by Floyd Cooper
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Historical Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: A young African American girl in the 1950s dreams of becoming a ballerina despite racial barriers and limited opportunities. Inspired by the first African American prima ballerina, she holds onto her dream with hope and determination.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses historical and racial challenges, presenting complex social issues in a way that's accessible to young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of hope and perseverance, teaching valuable lessons about history and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and stories of overcoming adversity through passion and persistence.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to introduce your little one to the enchanting world of ballerinas through books, it's also a great opportunity to instill some early reading habits. Here are a few fun exercises that can help your 3-year-old get the most out of their ballerina books and develop a love for reading.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Flip through the pages of the book and talk about the pictures before reading.
  • How it helps: Helps children make connections between pictures and words, boosting their comprehension skills.
  • Tips: Ask your child to describe what they see and guess what the story might be about.

• Spot the Ballerina
  • What it is: Find and point out the ballerina or ballet-related items on each page.
  • How it helps: Enhances observational skills and helps children engage more deeply with the book.
  • Tips: Turn it into a fun game by celebrating each discovery with a little clap or cheer.

• Story Retell
  • What it is: Encourage your child to tell the story back to you in their own words after reading.
  • How it helps: Improves memory and narrative skills.
  • Tips: Prompt them with questions about the story to guide their retelling.

• Match the Pose
  • What it is: Mimic the ballet poses found in the book.
  • How it helps: Connects physical activity with reading, enhancing kinesthetic learning.
  • Tips: Make sure there's enough space and safety for your child to move around as they mimic the poses.

• Read and Dance
  • What it is: Read a page or a passage and then have a dance break where you both get up and dance like ballerinas.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a fun, physical activity and helps burn off some of that toddler energy.
  • Tips: Use music from famous ballets to make it even more authentic and engaging.

Incorporating these exercises into reading time can make learning to read a joyful and interactive experience. Not only will these activities keep your child engaged, but they'll also build foundational skills that benefit their reading journey. So grab those ballerina books, and let's make reading time dance!