Hyena Ballerina

Usborne Phonics Readers

by Russell Punter

Hyena longs to become a ballerina, but will her dreams come true? This lively story features bright illustrations and simple rhyming text, specially written for children who are learning to read. A delight to share with very young children, with parents notes on phonics at the back of the book.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Poetry

24 pages, Paperback

Published April 23, 2017

About the author

Russell Punter was born in Bedfordshire, England. From an early age he enjoyed writing and illustrating his own stories. He trained as a graphic designer at art college in West Sussex before entering the world of publishing. He has written over one hundred books for children of all ages, ranging from original stories to adaptations of classic novels.

Reviews

[Natasha M. Nurse, Esq. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and fun book to read with a little princess of your own 🤗

[Kerri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nobody has reviewed or rated this book? That means I have to. Enjoyable concept and cute illustrations, though I'm not sure of its "moral". I know it's weird to dissect children's books but this one just leaves a weird dissatisfied feeling if I think on it too long. Ah well.

EDIT: I gave this to children who liked it. And I found that a lot of what I didn't like before didn't even matter anymore, and the "moral" of "don't give up on your dreams" came through much more strongly than anything else. Going up a star!

[Nicola · Rating 1 out of 5]

Miss 4 didn't like this one (despite loving ballet) and the messaging in it made me distinctly uncomfortable. Stork's ballet school ignore Hyena's obvious talent to verbally racially discriminate against her, the only way she can dance is to join a vaudeville show of dogs because they will accept her being furry and stocky. I was horrified as an adult at the racism; it's not just that it isn't clearly identified and addressed but that it's an unnecessarily complex issue to introduce into a super short phonics book where there isn't the time to discuss it properly.

Miss 4 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.

[Faith Sample · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It was like a rhyming poetry book and I read it to the two girls that I babysit and they really enjoyed me reading it to them. they love the pictures! It followed a hyena trying to become a ballerina in a ballet school and everyone judged her for her looks. She told herself that she can’t give up dancing and entered in a local talent show and at the end of the show they applauded her and she became the star of the show. It was a easy read and I recommend it to families!

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whilst it had some tolerable rhyming, the story was mean. Swan was very racist and only wanted birds in her ballet school despite the fact hyena was an amazing ballerina. It all ended ok but Swan's issues were not addressed.

[Becky Galambos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book in my Usborne Consultant kit. This is going to be a fun one to read to my niece!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty advanced for a phonics reader, but a cute story about a rejected wannabe dancer who finds her place. My daughter particularly liked this one.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book with good rhythm and message about acceptance and inclusion and celebrating differences.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great storytime read..

[Carol Torres]

This book will teach readers that you should pursue your dreams even when others make you feel like you cannot or should not. This story would be great for students who dance, especially those who practice ballet.