Review Detail

ANGELINA ON STAGE is a charming picture book about family and jealousy. Angelina loves dancing with her class, and lately, her little cousin Henry has been trying too. He does not quite get any of the steps yet, but he really enjoys it. When the real ballet needs someone, Miss Lilly asks Angelina to be the fairy they need- and she asks Henry to be the elf. As they practice with the grown-ups, Henry cannot seem to find his way around or remember what he is supposed to do on stage, but all the adults seem to love him and they even give him a speaking line! Angelina feels jealous, but on opening night, when Henry gets lost, Angelina helps him out. When the cast sees the way she steps up, Angelina earns herself a speaking part as well!

What I loved: This is a great story to handle jealousy and related feelings. Without getting too mired in it, Angelina clearly experiences the feeling and overcomes it with care and love for Henry. By not sabotaging him or allowing him to fail, she also boosts herself in the end. The other theme around family is also one that will resonate with little ones who understand complicated feelings about younger siblings/cousins. The story manages to stay overall positive while conveying these themes.

The illustrations are lovely and detailed in the recognizable Angelina Ballerina style. The backgrounds are lush and bring the settings to life. Angelina is a great character for toddlers and preschoolers, who can appreciate the themes while seeing a character they love in new situations.

Final verdict: ANGELINA ON STAGE is a lovely new picture book with important themes of family and jealousy that are great for toddlers and preschoolers.