Tallulah's Solo

Tallulah #2

by Marilyn Singer, Alexandra Boiger (Illustrator)

Tallulah is certain she will have a solo in her dance school’s upcoming performance of The Frog Prince. After all, she is now an excellent ballerina. And she’s proud that her little brother, Beckett, has started taking ballet too, even though he spends most of his time goofing off. But then Tallulah gets an unexpected surprise . . . and not the good kind. What’s a ballerina to do when everything does not go as planned? Ballet and sibling rivalry meet head-on in this fabulous follow-up to Tallulah’s Tutu.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Family, Growth Mindset, Kids

40 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2012

About the author

Marilyn Singer was born in the Bronx (New York City) on October 3, 1948 and lived most of her early life in N. Massapequa (Long Island), NY. She attended Queens College, City University of New York, and for her junior year, Reading University, England. She holds a B.A. in English from Queens and an M.A. in Communications from New York University.

In 1974, after teaching English in New York City high schools for several years, she began to write - initially film notes, catalogues, teacher's guides and film strips. Then, one day, when she was sitting in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, she penned a story featuring talking insect characters she'd made up when she was eight. Encouraged by the responses she got, she wrote more stories and in 1976 her first book, The Dog Who Insisted He Wasn't, was published by E.P.Dutton & Co.

Since then, Marilyn has published over seventy books for children and young adults. Her genres are many and varied, including realistic novels, fantasies, non-fiction, fairy tales, picture books, mysteries and poetry. She likes writing many different kinds of books because it's challenging and it keeps her from getting bored. She has won several Children's Choice and Parents' Choice Awards, as well as the following: the Creature Carnival, Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award Honor Book, 2005; I Believe in Water: Twelve Brushes with Religion, New York Public Library's "Best Books for the Teen Age," 2001; Stay True: Short Stories for Strong Girls, Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults, 2000 (YALSA); On the Same Day in March, Booklist's Top Ten Science Books of 2000; NCSS-CBC Notable Book, 2000; Deal with a Ghost, finalist, YA category, Edgar Award, 1998; It Can't Hurt Forever, Maud Hart Lovelace Award, 1983; The Course of True Love Never Did Run Smooth, ALA Best Book for Young Adults, 1983; Turtle in July, NCTE Notable, N.Y.Times Best Illustrated and Time Magazine Best Children's Books of 1989; Turtle in July was also a Reading Rainbow review book.

Marilyn currently lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her husband Steve; their standard poodle Oggi, a cousin of their beloved and recently departed poodle Easy, seen in the home page photo; a cat named August ; two collared doves named Jubilee and Holiday; and a starling named Darling. Her interests include dog training, reading, hiking, bird-watching, gardening, meditation, playing computer adventure games and going to the movies and the theatre. She's also a major Star Trek fan.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tallulah, the young would-be ballerina introduced in Tallulah's Tutu , who learned an important lesson about having patience and working toward a goal, in that earlier story, returns in this second adventure, which sees her conscientiously applying herself in her ballet class. Her younger brother Beckett, who imitated her at home in the first book, is now also a member of the class, but his constant antics, and inability to pay attention for very long, are a source of embarrassment for Tallulah, who has dreams of being the star of the upcoming Winter Recital, and fears that he won't even get a part in the chorus. When the exact opposite proves to be true, and Beckett is assigned an important role, while she herself is relegated to the chorus, Tallulah is outraged at the injustice of it all, and refuses to speak to her brother. Will she come around in time to lend him a helping hand, when he needs it, or will her desire to be a star continue to cloud her judgment, and effect her behavior...?

Tallulah's Solo being a "feel-good" tale, there's never much doubt as to the outcome, but the process whereby Tallulah is reconciled to the choreographer's casting choices for the recital is sensitively captured by author Marilyn Singer, and makes for an immensely appealing read. It helps that Alexandra Boiger's watercolor illustrations are just as darling here, as they were in the first installment of Tallulah's saga. The color palette she uses is just lovely, and I appreciated many of the little details - the adorable endpapers, featuring a plié and a relevé; the contrast between the heroine's daydreams, and the reality around her - and the expressive faces. If the ending, in which Tallulah is rewarded for finally coming around and helping her brother, feels a little too convenient, it was still quite satisfying. All in all, a sweet little book, and a worthy follow-up to the first - recommended to all young would-be ballerinas!

[Maddypictures · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tallulah's outraged when she doesn't get a starring role in the ballet recital. In the meantime, her younger brother Beckett is awarded the part of the frog prince. "'The frog! That's not fair!' Tallulah cried. 'He got a big part even though he goofs off. I got a little part, and I work so hard!'"
The endpages feature Tallulah and Beckett trying out different ballet positions, pliés and relevés. Soft watercolor and watercolor and gouache illustrations with plenty of white space give a gentle feel to an emotionally difficult topic: sibling jealousy. Eventually Tallulah realizes how much Beckett looks up to her: he started ballet because he wants to be more like her and they make up. A sweet book.

[Set · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are many elements to this story that resonate with any dancer. One lesson is that there is only one solo and not every one gets to be Prima Ballerina. The case in most ballet schools is that the solo or best part goes to the ballerina that the company owner chooses; she may not be the most talented or the most beautiful but that cannot hinder the other ballerinas from doing their best. In the ballet school I went to, the best parts went to the riches girls whose parents would pay off the owner (donations, gifts, purchases, mooching) or the owner could personally "like" and got along with a girl. In this book, we see that Mr. Fontaine took into consideration that he liked Tallulah's attitude and decided to take her into account for another recital. Point proven. You shouldn't get a role because of your attitude but for how talented you are. That the difference between the mediocrity in some of the ballet schools in the US and the excellence of the ballet schools in Europe.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because she works so hard at ballet, Tallulah is certain that she will be chosen for a solo during the winter recital. Despite her remonstrations and advice, her brother Beckett, who also takes ballet, daydreams and plays during ballet class. Much to her dismay, Beckett is cast as the frog in The Frog Prince, and she only gets to play one of the ladies-in-waiting. Tallulah is so angry that she sulks and distances herself from her brother. Eventually, she realizes that he took ballet because of her, and ends up helping him. I smiled a great deal when Beckett ignores Tallulah's advice and simply goes on with his own activities at certain points in the story, an action that strikes me as typical of many younger siblings. The illustrations created with watercolor and watercolor mixed with egg yolk and gouache are filled with soft colors that allow the personalities of the characters to shine through, especially through their eyes and their movements. This title would be excellent to share with family members, each of whom is looking for a unique place in the world. Not only do we get by with a little help from our friends, but sometimes we gain confidence from knowing we can depend on our family for support.

[Zinnia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it would be more of one person's struggle but its a sibling story. I noticed that older children get the grasp of it but younger kids lose attention towards it. It was cute, nice, and simple I liked it.

[Jessie Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are some of my favorites of Libbie's books. Because Tallulah is a dreaming, selfish, funny kid. The illustrations are fantastic and Tallulah does learn her lessons. And if your kid is obsessed with dance, all the better!

[Donalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tallulah returns. This time, her little brother, Beckett, joins ballet and Tallulah doesn't think he's doing his best. A sweet story for siblings.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations are wonderful! As a big sister I might be biased toward the story, but it was very sweet.

[Nancy Jo Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tallulah is so enigmatic! I love her return in this book as she helps her brother learn ballet. She seems like a real little girl that I know. Another great book by Marilyn Singer!

[Kirsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daughter (6) loved this book and was read, reread and read to herself several times while we had it out of the library.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet sibling story

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a big sister, I adored this big sister/little brother story and admired how Tallulah swallowed her pride to help her brother despite her disappointment.

[Morgan Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

My little ballerina absolutely adores all of the Tallulah books! And I love them because they teach about patience and kindness.

[Ali Book&Seaglasshunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tallulah is excited for her little brother Beckett to join ballet class, and for the upcoming auditions for the “Frog Prince” ballet. She dreams of getting a solo spot and works very hard to achieve it. Meanwhile, Beckett doesn’t work very hard at all. When the tryouts are over, Tallulah is left feeling jealous and angry at what she feels is an unjust awarding of told in the dance. But when her brother needs her will she be able to set aside her feelings to help out?

This was an adorable book with some very nice lessons. I love when realistic sibling relationships are depicted in books, but also when brother/sister relationships are shown in a positive light. I appreciate the lessons on facing disappointment when you don’t get something you’ve worked for, as well as in feeling jealousy, and on having patience and continuing to work hard. The ballet theme is nice as many children enjoy dancing (love that there are boy ballerinas as well), but a love of dance isn’t necessary to enjoy and learn from this book. The pictures are so cute too, with a lovely softness front he use of color and line. I appreciate the little touch of “how to” ballet moves presented on the endpapers.

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a good sibling story, showing a brother and sister who love each other and want good things for each other but don't always know how to handle it when those good things don't look quite like what they expected.

It's also about the important thing not always being what we thought it was. Tallulah does eventually get a solo, but first she helps her brother with his, and that's just as important a way for her to make the performance being as good as it can be.

[Christine (Tina) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations in these books are remarkable! Lili enjoys the "imagined" images portrayed from Tallulah's inner thoughts about her ballet performance and desire to earn a solo. She also loved that Beckett, Tallulah's younger brother, now dances with her!

[Anders Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains the word “stupid”- used on the same page 2 times. Just a heads up. I usually change the words.

[Cyndy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book. Tallaluh wants the leading role in the ballet, but she is disappointed until she realizes her mom speaks the truth.

[Autumn Kearney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's about sibling rivalry, friendship, and cooperation. Oh yeah, it's also about ballet. :)

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I have not yet read Tallulah's Tutu after experiencing Tallulah's Solo I have added it to my wishlist. Tallulah is a cute little girl who loves her ballet very much and has dreams of what she is capable to become. When her brother starts taking ballet and is not quite as dedicated as she, her frustration abounds. Then to throw in that he gets a special choreographed part and she's plain mad.

This is a gorgeous picture book that may help to teach children to stop and look at the big picture of events when something appears to be unfair and completely frustrating to them. The illustrations are very pretty and the characters are quaint. I enjoyed watching the interactions of Tallulah with her family and class. Having more and more boys involved in ballet makes me happy and I think this is a great introduction for others.

I know ballet was a short activity in my youth and as just now AppleBlossom is getting an introduction through various books and movies we'll see what she might want to do.

*Thanks to HMH for providing a copy for review.*



schedule posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review via Cracking the Cover

Remember Tallulah, the little girl who desperately wanted a tutu? That charming little girl is back in “Tallulah’s Solo,” a fine follow-up that really captures the love of dance.

Tallulah’s much more dedicated to dance than her little brother, Beckett, who always seems to be playing around during class. She concentrates well and practices all the time. In fact she’s certain she’ll be chosen to dance a solo in her school’s winter recital, “The Frog Prince.” So when Beckett is chosen as the frog, Tallulah can’t help but feel jealous. He’ll get all the attention while she’s dancing in the background, Tallulah thinks. But when Beckett needs her help, Tallulah can’t stay upset. After all, Beckett did start taking ballet because of her.

Once again, Marilyn Singer has captured the joy that comes from dance. Illustrator Alexandra Boiger picked up where she left off, depicting ballet positions correctly while still presenting them how at child’s execution level. While I enjoyed the whole book, my favorite illustration is on the title page — Tallulah on eleve with her back to the audience, her arms gracefully extended, and a faint smile on her face as she looks over her shoulder with joy.

[Destiny Dawn Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tallulah is thrilled that her little brother has decided to take ballet classes like she does. Although she's less than impressed by his behavior in class. After all, auditions for the recital are coming up and Tallulah plans to land the solo. She works hard to be the best dancer in class. But when the casting announcement is posted, Tallulah is in for a surprise.

This is a great book to help kids learn about coping with unmet expectations, and processing the emotions that accompany disappointment.

The story line is well-written and believable. It also deals with a situation that I think most kids could understand and relate to. Even if they haven't danced, it could also apply to acting, singing, trying out for a sports team, or more.

As with the last Tallulah book I read with my daughter, I enjoyed the illustrations. They're soft and round with a touch of whimsy. I like that people are depicted with fairly realistic proportion--little girls with slightly round tummies and teachers with strong thigh muscles. I like that they're not idealized or over-exaggerated since ballet has a history of association with body image issues.

And, as a final note, I love that a little boy takes ballet class and it's not a big deal at all. I know that boys often get teased for wanting to dance or do gymnastics (at least, here in the US), but in the book it was a complete non-issue.

[Kate McGinty aka Caryn Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tallulah is a fabulous ballet dancer - and she knows it. She works hard in class, she practices at home, and she loves to dance. So when she learns that a choreographer is casting parts for his upcoming ballet, she is certain she will land a big role. But her brother Beckett is given a much better part than she is, even though he is new to dancing and frequently goofs off in class. When Beckett has trouble learning his role, will Tallulah let her jealousy stand in the way of her love for her brother and for ballet?

This fun story about sibling rivalry will especially appeal to children who are interested in ballet, who have been thwarted when trying to do something big, or who have sibling issues of their own. The dreamy artwork complements the story perfectly, revealing extra layers of emotion to the story. Although this is not the first Tallulah book (see also Tallulah's Tutu), it reads fine as a standalone.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tallulah loves ballet and dreams of having her moment in the spotlight. Now that she’s taking ballet classes, she knows that she is going to be a beautiful ballet dancer, certain that she will get the lead in the upcoming recital. Tallulah is happy that her younger brother Beckett is taking ballet classes too, but she is NOT patient with his zooming and jumping around. When Beckett is chosen for a big role in the recital, Tallulah is shocked and discouraged. Little children will be drawn to Boiger’s soft watercolor illustrations, but they will also appreciate her attention to the character’s emotions and movement. The resolution is touching and realistic, as Tallulah finally reaches out to help the crying, nervous Beckett. Singer creates a story that celebrates the sparkly sweetness of ballet and resonates at a deeper level of sibling relationships.

[Daniel Riles · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter, 6, is interested in ballet as so many other girls her age are. It is part of the package of being a girl: ponies, ballet, and pink. She asked me to get some books about dance, and I brought home a stack of over 20 from the library. This one made the cut.

Both she and my son, 3, love to have this one read, and it features an older sister/younger brother relationship. Tallulah envisions herself being the best dancer and getting adoring attention from her fans while the other dancers are relegated to the background. She spends her time in class both practicing but also trying to keep her brother in line. When he gets a better part in the ballet, she is upset, but with some support comes around to repair her relationship and then the two siblings get a dual role in the next ballet.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tallulah is certain she will be given the role of "Princess" in hte next ballet performance. Imagine her surprise and dismay when her brother (an undisciplined beginner) is cast as the "Frog Prince" and she is left to dance as one of the ladies in waiting. Tallulah will have to dig down deep to get past her hurt pride and help her brother, who truly wants to be a great dancer like his sister. The beautiful watercolor illustrations let the personalities of the characters shine through on every page. The use of colors lets the reader differentiate between Tallulah's real life and her dreams. This story is a lesson in dreaming, working hard, accepting disappointment, moving past it, and helping each other along the way. A well written story that will be enjoyed by young readers.

[Teresa Bateman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tallulah loves ballet, and now her little brother is taking lessons as well! That's good...or is it? She's happy to help him learn the ropes...or the barre, as it were. After all, she has more experience and is willing to share it. However, things take a bad turn when Tallulah longs for a solo at the recital. She ends up not getting it, but her brother gets one instead. Jealous and angry she doesn't want to help him prepare, but Tallulah eventually comes around. This is another dance story with just the kind of cover that will attract young girls. The watercolor illustrations are beautiful and go well with the text. If you have a young ballet-lover this may be the perfect series for him or her.

[Jeff Corrigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Librarian Uncle gives another big thumbs up for Tallulah! Alexandra Boiger beautifully illustrates another one of Marilyn Singer's book to perfection. Don't worry about an overload of pink in this children's ballet book, because the color pink did not throw up all over it. The illustrations are just fantastic and the story is very well done. The book teaches not only do you not always get what you want, but it also teaches the importance of being an older sibling and that it's your responsibility and duty to take your younger sibling under your wing when they need help. Maybe it's actually two thumbs up instead of just the one big one I gave it initially?!?! The Librarian Uncle gives two thumbs up.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tallulah and her brother both audition for parts in the school show.

Tallulah dreams of being the princess, but is selected as a lady-in-waiting instead. She's incensed when her brother (who has trouble paying attention in class) is selected as the Frog.

Eventually, she remembers that her brother started ballet because SHE did it and she steps in to help him learn and perform his part. He does really well and the adults notice. When they realize it's because of her help, she gets a better part next time.

Gently shows the unequal treatment of boys in dance -- especially at young ages there are so few that they get selected for bigger parts than a girl at their level. (Of course, we know that boys who dance frequently face misunderstanding and teasing in society.)

[Mikailah Shackleford · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, it shows illustrations at the beggining and end of how to do ballet moves (such as releve and others). It is educational and sends a good moral. In the book, the girl was a good ballet dancer and was excited to have her brother join her in her class. But her brother does not listen in class and gets put in time-out all the time. Then her brother gets a part in a dance show but Tallulah gets mad because he has better moves than her and he misbehaves. She then realizes she should be supportive of her brother because he joined to be with his big sister. They then do a wonderful duet! It sent a good message and had very cute pictures!