Kristy Dempsey, Author
Floyd Cooper, Illustrator
Philomel Books, Fiction, Jan. 2, 2014
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes: Ballet dancing, African-Americans, Discrimination, Janet Collins
Opening: “Stars hardly shine in the New York City sky, with the factories spilling out pillars of smoke and streetlights spreading bright halos around their pin-top faces. It makes it hard to find a star, even harder to make a wish, the one wish that if I could just breathe it out loud to the first star of night, I might be able to believe it true.”
Synopsis: A little girl living in Harlem in the 1950s has a dream of becoming a ballerina. Her mama works all day long and some times into the night for the ballet school, cleaning and stitching costumes for dancers. The girl spends a lot of time around costume fittings and rehearsals, watching every move and practicing in the wings. One day the Ballet Master sees her talent and arranges for her join the lessons, even though she can’t perform onstage with white girls. When the first African-American prima ballerina Janet Collins performs at the Metropolitan Opera House, the aspiring dancer and her mother attend. The girl is inspired and realizes that she doesn’t need to wish on stars in the sky because dreams are possible.
Why I like this book: This book is a keeper for any child who has a dream of becoming a dancer, musician or artist. Kristy Dempsey ‘s lyrical text is so beautiful with lines like “It’s like Miss Collins is dancing for me, only for me showing me who I can be,” and “You don’t need stars in the sky to make your dreams come true.” Janet Collins inspires the dreams of young ballerinas everywhere, showing them that talent and hard work, not the color of their skin, lead to success. Floyd Cooper’s lively and passionate illustrations are painted in hues of brown and pink and beautifully capture the child’s dream of dancing on the stage.
Resources: There is an author’s note at the end of the book. One interesting note, Janet Collins danced at the Met four years before singer Marian Anderson made her debut. Visit Kristy Dempsey’s website. This is a good book to pair with When Marian Sang by Pamela Munoz Ryan and Josephine by Patricia Hruby Powell during black history month.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Beautiful choice, Pat. Sounds like a sweet book. Big dreams should always be a part of life.
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Yes, I liked the book for that reason. It’s important for children to have dreams.
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Pat, this sounds like a beautiful book. Great review! Happy Valentine’s day!
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It is a beautiful book about a young girl being inspired by Janet Collins, a black prima ballerina.
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I LOVE this. I would like to write something inspired by this. It is so true that black girls were not seen as being able to become ballet dancers. Thank you to Kirsty Dempsey, and to you, Pat.
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Thank you Niamh. I’m happy it inspired you. It’s heartwarming to read a story like this and to see how a young black girl was inspired to pursue her dreams of dancing after seeing Janet Collins. I love historical fiction.
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What a lovely title and beautiful cover! And the story sounds just wonderful! I love the lines you quoted – lyrical indeed. And I love the message about reaching for the stars and achieving your dreams!
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It is a beautiful story about reaching for the stars to achieve your dreams, especially during a time of segregation. I just loved this story.
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I absolutely love the language in that opening!
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The book is very poetic.
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You have offered lovely titles to pair with this one as well Pat!
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I’ve read all three and thought they would compliment each other.
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Just looking at the cover grabbed me into the book. Beautiful. I can’t wait to read it. 🙂
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Yes, the illustrations are beautiful, as is the poetry and story.
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It’s on my Library list. thanks so much! 🙂
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Oh, Pat-this looks AMAZING! I wasn’t familiar with Janet Collins story, and I love Floyd Cooper’s work. This is definitely on my list to find.
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I wasn’t familiar with the Janet Collins story either. I knew about Marian Anderson. I love to find beautiful books like this one.
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Lovely selection….and I love the opening lines and the quotes….they touch the heart.
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The entire book will touch your heart. A beautiful story about pursuing your dreams.
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I adore Floyd Cooper’s style, has a grace all to itself. Thanks, Patricia.
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Yes, I love Floyd Cooper’s style. I’ve reviewed other books with his artwork.
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I know – I come over to ‘your place’ to see all the masters of traditional illustration!
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That would be wonderful, but you have to bring your stash!
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Haha!
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What a dreamy book about reaching for the stars! Very inspiring and lovely review, Pat.
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Thank you! It is an inspiring book for young people.
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I love dancing! I love to dance myself, I love to dance with the Mom Person, I love to watch kids dancing. It’s a JOYful pursuit. And my Princesses are little ballerinas so I’m always on the lookout for good ballerina books. This one looks quite lovely! Not only about dancing, but about dreams as well. Thanks for sharing!
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Rhythm, I’m glad you liked A Dance Like Starlight — perfect for you little princesses.
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Beautiful, love historical fiction. The cover is eye catching and the words dance and the message inspiring. Great choice, Pat.
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Wished I’d thought of “the words dance” because they do. We have similar interests.
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That’s a beautiful story, Pat.
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I’m glad you liked the story. Great book to use to talk about dreams with kids.
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Yes, Floyd Cooper created a very dreamy cover. I like his illustrations.
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I love stories about dreams and stars and dancing and finding out that you can make your dreams come true. Kids need stories that share this kind of hope.
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I agree. This book is very lyrical and has a great story for kids.
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This sounds very good. Sounds like a great book for anyone who wants to follow their dreams! Josephine was a great book! 🙂
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Yes, I liked your review. I think Josie would love this book and you might want to check it out at the library! You’d enjoy the lyrical style and historical fiction.
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A wonderful book for all kids to remind them not give up on their dreams. Historical fiction is so great as it is based on something real making it much more believable.
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Darlene, it is a wonderful book. Yes, I like how history is woven into this special story. Thank you for tweeting.
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The opening is fabulous! “bright halos around their pin-top faces” Wow! What a wonderful phrase. This book sounds amazing. My library doesn’t have it yet, but hopefully they’ll get it.
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I hoped you’d read this review as I knew you’d love the beautiful language. It is so lyrical. You want to savour every phrase.
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Hoping my library has this one.
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Glad you liked the story Stacy. My library has the book.
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