10+ Best Ballet Books for 4-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect way to introduce the magical world of dance to your little one? Look no further! Our curated selection of ballet books for 4-year-olds is designed to enchant and inspire young dancers. From captivating illustrations to heartwarming stories, these books capture the essence of ballet in a way that's perfectly tailored for preschoolers. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that are sure to twirl their way into your child’s heart and imagination.

Fun Ballet Books for 4-Year-Olds

• Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Holabird, illustrated by Helen Craig
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures of Angelina, a mouse who dreams of becoming a prima ballerina. Her passion for dance leads her to various adventures and learning experiences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's engaging and beautifully illustrated, encouraging young readers to follow their dreams and persevere.
  • Perfect for: Young dancers and any child who enjoys charming stories about following one's passion.

• 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. However, she learns important lessons about patience and hard work.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable life lessons through a relatable narrative for young children, emphasizing the importance of hard work.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young dancers and children who are learning about patience and dedication.

• Miss Lina's Ballerinas by Grace Maccarone, illustrated by Christine Davenier
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Miss Lina's eight ballerinas who dance in perfect lines until a new girl arrives, creating chaos and new friendships.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces concepts of teamwork and adaptability in a fun, rhythmic way that appeals to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy rhythmic, rhyming texts and stories about friendship and teamwork.

• Dogs Don't Do Ballet by Anna Kemp, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Biff, a dog, believes he is a ballerina, but everyone around him says dogs don't do ballet. His determination proves them wrong.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and uplifting story that encourages kids to be themselves and pursue their unique interests.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories that celebrate individuality and breaking stereotypes.

• Ballerino Nate by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, illustrated by R. W. Alley
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Nate loves dancing and wants to be a ballet dancer, but faces teasing from his older brother who says that ballet is just for girls.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses gender stereotypes and encourages children to follow their dreams regardless of societal expectations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers facing their own challenges with stereotypes or anyone who needs encouragement to pursue what they love.

Educational Ballet Books for 4-Year-Olds

• Ballet Bunnies by Lucy Freegard
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Join Betty Bunny as she discovers her love for ballet and learns the basics of dance at her local ballet school.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic ballet terminology, motor skills, and introduction to performing arts
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adorable illustrations with a sweet story that introduces young readers to ballet in an accessible and fun way.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are interested in dance and animals, or who are just starting to explore activities.

• The Only Boy in Ballet Class by Denise Gruska, illustrated by Amy Wummer
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Tucker loves to dance, and despite being teased, he shows everyone that ballet isn't just for girls.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, resilience, and understanding diversity in interests
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that promotes inclusivity and courage in pursuing one's passion, breaking gender norms.
  • Perfect for: Children who feel different for their interests and those learning about acceptance and bravery.

• Ella Bella Ballerina and Cinderella by James Mayhew
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Ella Bella attends a magical ballet class where she is whisked away into the story of Cinderella through the music of Prokofiev.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Musical appreciation, classic fairy tales, and imaginative play
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively integrates classic ballet and music with a well-loved fairy tale, enhancing the magical experience of reading.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales, music, and ballet.

• Tiny Dancer by Siena Cherson Siegel, illustrated by Mark Siegel
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Autobiography, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This autobiographical story explores Siena's journey as she grows up dreaming of becoming a professional ballerina.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Perseverance, dedication, and the realities of ballet training
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a realistic look into the life of a young aspiring dancer, providing both inspiration and a dose of reality.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring dancers and any young reader interested in autobiographies and realistic accounts of achieving dreams.

• Lili at Ballet by Rachel Isadora
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Lili loves to dance and attends ballet classes, learning new moves and making friends along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, basic dance moves, and classroom etiquette
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the everyday experiences of a young ballet student with charming illustrations and relatable scenarios.
  • Perfect for: Young dancers, especially those new to ballet classes, and children learning about social interactions in new environments.

Challenging Ballet Books for 4-Year-Olds

• Brontorina by James Howe, illustrated by Randy Cecil
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Brontorina is a dinosaur with a dream to dance ballet, but she faces obstacles because of her size.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text tackles themes of inclusion and overcoming physical limitations, which are complex topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to think inclusively and creatively about how everyone can participate in activities they love, regardless of their differences.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love dinosaurs and stories about overcoming challenges and acceptance.

• Vampirina Ballerina by Anne Marie Pace, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: A young vampire girl dreams of becoming a ballerina and navigates the challenges of fitting in at ballet class while being true to her unique self.
  • Why this book is challenging: It blends fantasy elements with real-life challenges, providing a dual-layered narrative that is more complex than typical children's books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and whimsical read that teaches the importance of self-acceptance and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy spooky characters with a light-hearted twist and lessons on self-acceptance.

• Dance Is for Everyone by Andrea Zuill
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: An alligator joins a ballet class and despite initial setbacks, finds a way to fit in and shine in the dance recital.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story introduces concepts of adaptation and acceptance through a humorous and unlikely scenario, which requires imaginative thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes diversity and inclusivity, showing that art forms like dance are universal.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy humorous stories and those learning about diversity and inclusion.

• Olivia and the Fairy Princesses by Ian Falconer
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Olivia is having an identity crisis. There are too many ruffly, sparkly princesses around today, and Olivia has had quite enough. She needs to stand out! She has to be special! She wants to do more than just fit in! So she decides to become a fairy princess.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book deals with themes of individuality and non-conformity, encouraging readers to think critically about personal identity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the importance of being unique and true to oneself, wrapped in Olivia's humorous and bold character.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who question societal norms and seek to embrace their own uniqueness.

• The Nutcracker in Harlem by T. E. McMorrow, illustrated by James Ransome
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Historical Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This book reimagines the classic "Nutcracker" story set in the Harlem Renaissance, featuring a young girl who discovers her musical talent during a magical Christmas Eve.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces historical context and cultural significance through a familiar story, providing depth and educational content.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines history, culture, and the magic of ballet to inspire creativity and appreciation for the arts.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in history, music, and dance, and those who enjoy magical Christmas stories.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing reading habits to your little ones can be as magical as a pirouette! If you're exploring the enchanting world of ballet through books with your 4-year-old, here are some fun and effective reading exercises to enhance their experience and development:

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Browse through the book looking at pictures before reading.
  • How it helps: Sets a visual context and boosts comprehension and imagination.
  • Tips: Ask your child to guess what the story might be about based on the pictures.

• Story Prediction
  • What it is: Have your child predict what will happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Encourages analytical thinking and engagement with the storyline.
  • Tips: Pause at exciting moments and ask what they think will happen next.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Take turns reading pages or sentences with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and reading fluency.
  • Tips: Emphasize fun by changing your voice for different characters.

• Character Role-Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with your child taking on a character’s role.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of character emotions and actions.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more immersive play.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of events from the story.
  • How it helps: Helps with sequencing and memory recall.
  • Tips: Keep the activity colorful and use stickers or markers to mark significant events.

• Question Time
  • What it is: Ask specific questions about the story after reading.
  • How it helps: Develops comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Tips: Start with simple questions and gradually move to more complex ones.

• Dance and Freeze Reading
  • What it is: Play music related to the story’s theme; pause randomly for a quick read.
  • How it helps: Connects physical activity with reading for kinetic learners.
  • Tips: Use ballet music when reading ballet books to make it thematic.

Using these exercises, you can turn reading time into a delightful and educational dance that your child looks forward to every day. Not only will these activities keep your 4-year-old engaged, but they'll also lay the groundwork for a lifelong love of reading and ballet. So, grab those ballet books and let the reading adventure begin!