10+ Best Ballet Books for 5-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 5-Year-Olds is just the ticket. Whether your child is a budding ballerina or simply loves a good story, these books are designed to captivate and inspire. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to enchant and entertain your young dancer.

Fun Ballet Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Tallulah's Tutu by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Dance
  • Synopsis: Tallulah is determined to earn a tutu by proving her dedication to ballet, but she learns valuable lessons about patience and hard work along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful story that teaches perseverance and the importance of dedication, which are great lessons for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young dancers and any child learning about the value of persistence.

• Miss Lina's Ballerinas by Grace Maccarone, illustrated by Christine Davenier
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Dance
  • Synopsis: This charming book follows Miss Lina’s eight ballerinas as they learn to dance in harmony and create beautiful formations.
  • Why we recommend this book: The rhythmic text and engaging illustrations make it a joy to read aloud, encouraging an early love for reading and dance.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy rhythmic, rhyming stories and anyone interested in ballet.

• Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Holabird, illustrated by Helen Craig
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Dance
  • Synopsis: Angelina loves to dance and dreams of becoming a prima ballerina. Through her stories, she faces various challenges but always finds a way to keep dancing.
  • Why we recommend this book: Angelina’s enthusiasm for ballet is infectious, and her stories are filled with lessons about friendship, determination, and following your dreams.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream big and love stories of ambition and friendship.

• Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Dance
  • Synopsis: Sassy worries that her large feet and long legs are too much for ballet, but she learns to embrace her uniqueness and shine on stage.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes self-confidence and celebrates diversity, showing kids that everyone can excel in their own way.
  • Perfect for: Children who need a confidence boost and anyone who feels a bit different from the rest.

• Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This classic tale follows the lives of three adopted sisters who train at a London academy for the performing arts and discover their own unique talents.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an inspiring story about finding your passion and excelling in it, perfect for encouraging young readers to explore their own interests.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young artists and anyone who loves a story of personal growth and achievement.

Educational Ballet Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Brontorina by James Howe, illustrated by Randy Cecil
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Brontorina has a dream of becoming a ballerina, but she is a dinosaur and much too large for the dance studio. Her determination inspires her teacher and classmates to find a way to make her dream come true.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, problem-solving, inclusivity
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates that anyone, regardless of size or shape, can follow their dreams.
  • Perfect for: Children who feel different or out of place and need encouragement to pursue their passions.

• Ella Bella Ballerina and Cinderella by James Mayhew
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Ella Bella is whisked away into the magical world of the Cinderella ballet, where she learns about the story through the beautiful dance sequences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of narrative structure, appreciation of ballet and music
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the enchantment of fairy tales with the grace of ballet, making it a captivating read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fairy tales and are interested in the performing arts.

• B is for Ballet: A Dance Alphabet by John Robert Allman, illustrated by Rachael Dean
  • Genre(s): Children's Non-Fiction, Alphabet Book
  • Synopsis: This book explores the world of ballet through the alphabet, from A for Arabesque to Z for Maria Tallchief. It includes a glossary of terms and famous dancers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet knowledge, vocabulary related to ballet, historical knowledge of famous dancers
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an educational journey through the art of ballet, perfect for introducing young readers to this elegant dance form.
  • Perfect for: Young dancers beginning to learn about ballet and readers who enjoy alphabet books with a thematic twist.

• The Only Boy in Ballet Class by Denise Gruska, illustrated by Amy Wummer
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Tucker loves to dance more than anything, but he struggles with being the only boy in his ballet class and the teasing he faces from others.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, resilience, breaking gender stereotypes
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses gender stereotypes in a sensitive way and encourages children to be true to themselves.
  • Perfect for: Boys who dance and any child who feels like they don't fit in with traditional gender roles.

• Vampirina Ballerina by Anne Marie Pace, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A young vampire girl wants to become a ballerina but finds it tricky to adapt her nocturnal habits to the world of dance.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Adaptation to new environments, perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun twist on the typical ballet book, blending spooky elements with charming dance scenes.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a mix of humor and fantasy with their dance stories.

Challenging Ballet Books for 5-Year-Olds

• A Dance Like Starlight: One Ballerina’s Dream by Kristy Dempsey, illustrated by Floyd Cooper
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in the 1950s, this book tells the story of a young African-American girl who dreams of becoming a ballerina despite the racial barriers of her time.
  • Why this book is challenging: It discusses complex themes of racial discrimination and perseverance through historical context, which are advanced for this age group.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a powerful message about hope and striving for one's dreams against difficult odds, which can inspire resilience and determination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and those who need encouragement to pursue their dreams despite challenges.

• Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Julie Morstad
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book is a lyrical portrayal of the life of Anna Pavlova, one of the most famous ballerinas in history, from her humble beginnings to her global fame.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces biographical and historical content, paired with poetic language that requires a deeper level of comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: The beautiful illustrations and poetic text inspire appreciation for the arts while teaching about the dedication required to excel in fields like ballet.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring dancers and any child who appreciates stories of historical figures overcoming adversity.

• The Nutcracker Comes to America: How Three Ballet-Loving Brothers Created a Holiday Tradition by Chris Barton, illustrated by Cathy Gendron
  • Genre(s): Children's Non-Fiction, History
  • Synopsis: This is the true story of how the Christensen brothers brought the now-beloved Nutcracker ballet to America and established a holiday tradition.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes historical details and the process of bringing a ballet production to life, concepts that are typically more advanced for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an engaging look at a cultural phenomenon, encouraging an interest in both history and the performing arts.
  • Perfect for: Children curious about dance history and those fascinated by how traditions are formed.

• Dance Dreams: Coloring a Path to the Future by Misty Copeland, illustrated by Salena Barnes
  • Genre(s): Children's Non-Fiction, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: Created by celebrated ballerina Misty Copeland, this book combines inspirational quotes and stories with interactive coloring pages that explore the world of ballet.
  • Why this book is challenging: It encourages self-expression and critical thinking through activities that are tied to personal and career aspirations, which is a sophisticated concept for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uniquely blends reading, learning, and artistic expression, fostering creativity while educating about ballet.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and dancers who enjoy interactive and motivational stories.

• Firebird by Misty Copeland, illustrated by Christopher Myers
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: Written by renowned ballerina Misty Copeland, this book encourages a young ballet dancer to believe in herself and her potential, inspired by the author's own experiences.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses metaphorical language and inspirational themes that challenge young readers to think beyond their immediate world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a motivational story that boosts confidence and encourages young girls, particularly those of color, to pursue their dreams in the arts.
  • Perfect for: Young dancers needing inspiration and a boost in self-confidence, especially those who can see themselves in Misty Copeland’s journey.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing young children to the world of reading can be as enchanting as ballet itself. When you combine the grace of ballet with the magic of books, you create a wonderful learning experience for your 5-year-old. Here are some engaging exercises to help develop good reading habits while exploring ballet books:

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Flipping through the book and looking at all the pictures before reading.
  • How it helps: Stimulates curiosity and sets a context for the story.
  • Tips: Ask your child to guess what the story might be about based on the pictures.

• Story Prediction
  • What it is: Making predictions about the story based on the title and cover.
  • How it helps: Encourages analytical thinking and engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Discuss why they think the story will go a certain way and revisit their predictions after reading.

• Read and Dance
  • What it is: Reading a page or a passage and then expressing it through dance.
  • How it helps: Combines physical activity with reading for better retention and understanding.
  • Tips: Play some background classical music that might fit the mood of the story to make it more immersive.

• Character Connection
  • What it is: Discussing the characters and relating them to real-life or personal experiences.
  • How it helps: Enhances empathy and deeper understanding of the narrative.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to talk about how a character might be feeling and why.

• Role Play Reading
  • What it is: Taking turns reading dialogues of different characters.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a fun and interactive experience.
  • Tips: Use different voices for different characters to make the session more entertaining.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Creating a chart that rewards reading milestones.
  • How it helps: Motivates children to read more often.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards like extra playtime or a special snack for a certain number of books read.

These activities not only make reading more enjoyable but also help in developing a lifelong love for books. By incorporating these exercises, you're setting the stage for a wonderful journey into the world of words and dance. Happy reading and twirling!