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Biff the Ballerina-dog #1
Dogs Don't Do Ballet
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
May 8, 2012
As soon as I saw this book I knew I was going to like it! It is said that you should never judge a book by its cover but when choosing children’s books the cover often tells you so much and plays a great part in the young reader’s selection. The artwork, not only on the cover but throughout the book, consists of extremely well observed, beautifully hand-drawn illustrations in a vintage style.
On the back cover, the blurb is written with the young reader in mind and will entice them from the get go, describing the story as “A fabulous feel-good book about a small dog with a big personality and even bigger dreams”.
The pages are tactile; the paper has a lovely feel it making the book a pleasure to handle before even getting to the story. I’ve read a couple of children’s story books by the same publisher (Simon and Schuster) and these are common features which they execute really well.
Biff is a pug who longs to be a ballerina. He looks longingly as his owner as she puts on her tutu ready for her ballet classes, dreaming of one day seeing his name in lights, but of course everyone knows that “dogs don’t do ballet”, or do they?
This story is a nice introduction to the idea of challenging stereotypes by asking children to consider how they would feel if they were told that they were not allowed to so something that they love just because other people thought they weren’t supposed to do it.
It is a sophisticated story with sophisticated language including some French ballet terms which my class found inexplicably, but amusingly, funny when I read the story aloud!
When there is a calamity at the Royal Ballet, Biff is able to realise his dream. This story of overcoming adversity will touch adults and children alike. It’s a story about following your dreams, however far-fetched others may think them and having self-belief to achieve your ambitions.
Highly recommended!
On the back cover, the blurb is written with the young reader in mind and will entice them from the get go, describing the story as “A fabulous feel-good book about a small dog with a big personality and even bigger dreams”.
The pages are tactile; the paper has a lovely feel it making the book a pleasure to handle before even getting to the story. I’ve read a couple of children’s story books by the same publisher (Simon and Schuster) and these are common features which they execute really well.
Biff is a pug who longs to be a ballerina. He looks longingly as his owner as she puts on her tutu ready for her ballet classes, dreaming of one day seeing his name in lights, but of course everyone knows that “dogs don’t do ballet”, or do they?
This story is a nice introduction to the idea of challenging stereotypes by asking children to consider how they would feel if they were told that they were not allowed to so something that they love just because other people thought they weren’t supposed to do it.
It is a sophisticated story with sophisticated language including some French ballet terms which my class found inexplicably, but amusingly, funny when I read the story aloud!
When there is a calamity at the Royal Ballet, Biff is able to realise his dream. This story of overcoming adversity will touch adults and children alike. It’s a story about following your dreams, however far-fetched others may think them and having self-belief to achieve your ambitions.
Highly recommended!
November 5, 2018
Un libro per bambini che è una chicca, sia dal punto di vista grafico che della storia. Il cane che vuole fare la ballerina non siamo tutti noi quando facciamo qualcosa di non scontato in definitiva?
June 8, 2012
This book is about a dog, Biff, who dreams of doing ballet. Throughout the book he is met by a number of obstacles, suggesting that he can't fulfill his dream of being a ballerina. The illustrations match the text beautifully, and add more emotion to the story; even showing Biff shed a tear.
His owner - a young girl - recognises his love for ballet and tries to bring him along to different ballet events. However, her dad keeps saying that 'dog's don't do ballet'. Biff's dreams are slowly being damaged, feeling that he will never be able to perform ballet. Then, one evening, this all changes. He is provided with the opportunity to follow his dreams and he takes it. He is no longer told he can't do what he wants, but that he can.
This is a really nice story for children as it shows them that nothing is impossible, and that even if you get told you can't do something because of who you are, it doesn't matter. It gives the message of staying true to yourself.
His owner - a young girl - recognises his love for ballet and tries to bring him along to different ballet events. However, her dad keeps saying that 'dog's don't do ballet'. Biff's dreams are slowly being damaged, feeling that he will never be able to perform ballet. Then, one evening, this all changes. He is provided with the opportunity to follow his dreams and he takes it. He is no longer told he can't do what he wants, but that he can.
This is a really nice story for children as it shows them that nothing is impossible, and that even if you get told you can't do something because of who you are, it doesn't matter. It gives the message of staying true to yourself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2017
Çocuk kitapları niye bu kadar tatlı ki?
October 18, 2020
This is a great fun read that subtly addressed stereo types about boys and ballet. Some interesting points which could be explored with children.
February 4, 2015
Great illustrations and a great, great story about a boy dog who does ballet! He doesn't care that nobody thinks dogs should do ballet. He just DOES!
March 4, 2022
2.5/5 nicely illustrated story about a dog who believes they are a ballet dancer no matter how many times he is told dogs don't do ballet. This fun story is sure to be enjoyed by young readers aged 4+ and could be a good starting point to explore gender stereotypes with slightly older children also.
October 23, 2023
I loved this book so much. It was so much fun. I felt so sorry for the poor dog at times but all works out well for him in the end. It also suggests questions around stereotypes but in such a subtle and engaging way. The illustrations are lovely and very funny. I really, really enjoyed it.
September 22, 2019
Suloinen kirja omien unelmiensa tavoittelemisesta ja lannistumattomuudesta. Tässä kuvakirjassa on myös sanoma siitä, että muiden mielipiteille kannattaa antaa vain piut paut.
December 18, 2020
A story about wanting to be something that others say you can’t and never giving up on your dream.
A dog decides he doesn’t want to be a dog and the dogis things he wants to be a ballet dancer!
A dog decides he doesn’t want to be a dog and the dogis things he wants to be a ballet dancer!
June 22, 2012
This is a wonderful book that all kids get great enjoyment from. 'Dogs don't do ballet' tells a story of a little girls who regularly attends her ballet dance classes. Each evening she goes, she know her dog wants to come but Dad always says no 'Dogs don't do ballet'. Disheartened the little girl makes her way to her dance classes but she always feels as if she is being watch. Is it Biff her dog? Throughout the story the little girl tries her best to get her dog involved in her ballet sessions but Dad has none of it. 'Dogs don't do ballet' He says. The the little girl received tickets to go to a ballet recital. She is so excited and Biff is longing to go too. 'Can Biff come too dad. please' she says. 'How many times do I have to tell you, dogs don't do ballet'. Biff was heart broken as he watched his owner go to the ballet recital. While everyone was watching the amazing show, suddenly a balerina was tripped. Who was standing confidently on stage but Biff the dog. Biff started to dance and wowed the crowd. The dog was better than any human at ballet. His owner was so proud of him/ 'Look Dad. dogs do do ballet' she shouted with joy. This is an excellent story to explain to children about stereotypes and the misconceptions people come up with for example girls dance and boys play football. This would be perfect for a PSHE lesson on that topic.
May 10, 2012
Like most stories aimed at young children this story emphasises the importance of importance of living honorably. This story is about not judging a book by its cover and also about being able follow your desires and aspirations. The main character of this book is Biff the dog who loves ballet but spends his life being told that he is unable to do ballet because he's a do. Biff goes onto sneak into the theatre and shocks everyone with his talent showing them what he can do. This book is a perfect basis for the subject of inclusion most probably because Biff is a male dog which may encourage debate about how we stereotype people because of their gender and what is expected of a typical male/female in life. This story could bring about several discussion points including hobbies, careers and even the the introduction of dance in PE. This is a great book for the classroom especially children at Year 3 and above.
October 13, 2015
This funny book is a great vehicle for discussing stereotyping and gender with children. A little girl's dog doesn't like dog stuff; he likes music, moonlight and walking on tiptoes. Her dad and ballet teacher are not so accepting of Biff the dog's ambitions to become a ballet dancer, but in the end the dog saves the day at a performance of the Royal Ballet.
This book invites a lot of discussion as reading comprehension and also in PHSE. It could also inspire drama and shared writing. It has lovely illustrations and would Ge great fun to read to a class.
This book invites a lot of discussion as reading comprehension and also in PHSE. It could also inspire drama and shared writing. It has lovely illustrations and would Ge great fun to read to a class.
June 24, 2021
"My dog is not like other dogs. He doesn't do dog stuff.... You see, my dog doesn't think he's a dog."
Don't judge a book by its cover, they said. Oh, it's really true.. Mom is relieved that she checked on Goodreads' reviews before decided whether to buy this book or not.
Sabio and Mom just watched a Korean family drama about ballet, and he quite enjoyed it. So, Mom thought Sabio could read this book, too. Mom was captured by the intriguing title. Meanwhile, its cover... Hmm, she didn't really like it.
It turns out that the story is very entertaining. Its illustrations and colour palettes are gorgeous. What was visible on the cover is just a tiny fraction. Mom likes the illustration of the children in ballet class the most, as well as the illustration on the bus. Very beautiful!
The illustrations when the dog spied on its owner are really hilarious. Sabio also looked around to find out, searching who was it, where was it.
Too bad this book is quite small in size. Those beautiful illustrations would be more enjoyable if viewed on a larger scale.
Don't judge a book by its cover, they said. Oh, it's really true.. Mom is relieved that she checked on Goodreads' reviews before decided whether to buy this book or not.
Sabio and Mom just watched a Korean family drama about ballet, and he quite enjoyed it. So, Mom thought Sabio could read this book, too. Mom was captured by the intriguing title. Meanwhile, its cover... Hmm, she didn't really like it.
It turns out that the story is very entertaining. Its illustrations and colour palettes are gorgeous. What was visible on the cover is just a tiny fraction. Mom likes the illustration of the children in ballet class the most, as well as the illustration on the bus. Very beautiful!
The illustrations when the dog spied on its owner are really hilarious. Sabio also looked around to find out, searching who was it, where was it.
Too bad this book is quite small in size. Those beautiful illustrations would be more enjoyable if viewed on a larger scale.
November 22, 2020
Dogs Don't Do Ballet by Ana Kemp is a 2011 Rainbow Book Award Winner. I watched a youtube video read-aloud of the story and was blown away by several elements. First, the illustrations are gorgeous with lots of pink and white. The drawings of the girls in tutu's and the setting are very detailed. The main character, Biff the dog, also has a strong character due to the illustrations. The narrator reads the book in an English dialect with music from Swan Lake in the background. This story has humor, sadness, and success! The LBGTQIA themes of inclusion, acceptance, and respect run through this story which I believe would be perfect for students K-4. This book could be used for lessons on inclusivity, theme, and figurative language (personification). There are a few references that students might not understand like "wee". Also, I was disappointed by the lack of not only male dancers but multiculturalism as well.
October 16, 2017
This book is one of my favorites! One reason being that I always dress up animals up in clothes and wish that they could have human characteristics and perform in them. A little girl has a dog, who isn't a normal dog, he likes to sit and watch tv, and his owner and is very sneaky about it. When she goes to ballet he follows her without her knowing, he hides behind trees and other things on her walk, but she can feel someone watching her on the way. She tells her father that her dog wants to do ballet, but he says, "Dogs don't do ballet." At a recital a girl can't perform and the dog goes in front of everyone and dances, and they are so amazed! This book made me smile and teaches such a good lesson.
November 29, 2020
A fantastic book about a dog who wants to do ballet, but everyone says 'dogs can't do ballet'. In the end, the dog 'Biff' ends up being amazing at ballet!
This book subtly explores the stereotypes around ballet and who can and who can't do ballet. I think this would be a great book to use with children and encourage discussion around stereotypes starting with the question: 'who can do ballet?'
This book also promotes inclusivity due to the variety of ways in which people are represented, such as race and gender. It also seems as if this is a male single parent household as we never see the girls mother throughout the book - this is unusual as usually it is a female single parent household or a household with both parents that we see.
Highly recommend reading this.
This book subtly explores the stereotypes around ballet and who can and who can't do ballet. I think this would be a great book to use with children and encourage discussion around stereotypes starting with the question: 'who can do ballet?'
This book also promotes inclusivity due to the variety of ways in which people are represented, such as race and gender. It also seems as if this is a male single parent household as we never see the girls mother throughout the book - this is unusual as usually it is a female single parent household or a household with both parents that we see.
Highly recommend reading this.
April 27, 2021
Biff is a dog, like no other dog. Biff likes to do ballet, in a world where dogs don’t do ballet. Throughout the book Biff follows around his owner and tries to join in with ballet and ballet activities, with his owner constantly being told that dogs don’t do ballet. However, at the Royal Ballet when one of the dancers falls, Biff steps in and receives a lot of praise for his ballet.
This book subtly introduces gender stereotypes and would be a really good opener for a lesson about stereotypes and for children to discuss why dogs can’t do ballet, or why woman can’t be firefighters or why men can’t be nurses etc etc. It would lead to lots of conversation and debates and would help children to recognise that if you’re capable to do something, you can do it.
This book subtly introduces gender stereotypes and would be a really good opener for a lesson about stereotypes and for children to discuss why dogs can’t do ballet, or why woman can’t be firefighters or why men can’t be nurses etc etc. It would lead to lots of conversation and debates and would help children to recognise that if you’re capable to do something, you can do it.
July 1, 2017
Tohle je přesně ten druh knihy, kterou bych četla svým dětem a pak si s nimi povídala o tom, jak je důležité se nevzdávat. O tom, že když někdo tvrdí, že něco nejde, nebo se to nedělá jen proto, že to ještě nikdo nezkusil, neznamená to, že to taky nemáme zkoušet. Tato kniha mi vlastně řekla, že si mám jít za svým snem a i kdyby všichni okolo tvrdili, že svého snu nikdy nedosáhnu, vždy je tu ještě vesmír, který se pokusí mi můj sen splnit, pokud se nevzdám a budu věřit. A tohle poselství se mi vážně líbí!
November 11, 2020
A lovely story about a dog who isn't like every other dog as he loves ballet. Being discouraged by everyone around him he becomes withdrawn from his dream, until one day his greatest opportunity arises. Will Biff the dog take this chance and face his fears?
I love this book as it shows children about stereotypes that just because you may not see many people doing something, doesn't mean you can't. It would help to challenge these and raise questions like, "who is allowed to do ballet?" - The answer: ANYONE!!!! (Including dogs)
I love this book as it shows children about stereotypes that just because you may not see many people doing something, doesn't mean you can't. It would help to challenge these and raise questions like, "who is allowed to do ballet?" - The answer: ANYONE!!!! (Including dogs)
May 24, 2017
This is an entertaining book with a significant theme. Mainly, Biff gets a chance to prove that, although he is a dog, he can become a ballerina. Biff longs to perform as a ballet dancer, but he is repeatedly reminded that “dogs don’t do ballet.” This book challenges assumptions and defies gender stereotypes, which can limit one’s possibilities and talents. Dogs Don’t Do Ballet is appropriate for grades K-3.
Agnes
Agnes
October 19, 2020
This would be a good book to very subtly introduce gender stereotypes in activities to children. The little girl loves ballet and so does her dog but everyone says he shouldn’t do ballet. At the end the dog saves the show by performing and everyone loves it. You could discuss with children who can and can’t do ballet or different activities to understand their viewpoints and break down gender stereotypes. This would be a good read aloud and discussion book with FS and KS1 children.
January 30, 2021
I read this story to a ks1 class and they really enjoyed it. A very entertaining story about a girl who wants her dog to join her at ballet but her dad says no. The dog follows them to a ballet performance and performs in front of everyone. Everyone thinks he is fantastic. A fantastic story about feelings, following your dreams and not letting anyone stop you from doing something you love. This would be good for a phse lesson but also a good story to use in literacy lessons.
September 24, 2017
Un beau récit original et merveilleux qui met en vedette un animal voulant se prendre pour une danseuse de ballet. Avec Anna Kemp, nous sommes toujours certain de retrouver ce petite touche de poésie et ces illustrations à nous couper le souffle, cette pincée d'imaginaire qui fait en sorte que l'on entre facilement dans le récit et en ressort grandi!
June 25, 2021
Dogs, Ballet, Being yourself - Biff is a dog, who has a ballet dancer's heart. He keeps being told that dogs don't do ballet, but he does ballet. He sneaks to ballet lessons and ultimately to a performance at the Royal Theatre, where he or she, does indeed show that dogs do do ballet! You will be rooting for Biff all the way as you read. Biff is true to themself.
October 27, 2023
A sweet little story with a valuable message. I am using it as part of the 'No Outsiders: Everyone Included, Everyone Welcome' project that our school is taking part in. I like the way it is a dog who is being told can't do things -it makes his sadness even more heart breaking and is a different approach to gender stereotypes.
December 5, 2023
I re-read this to my 9 years old when she was poorly. It was a regular bedtime book when she was a toddler - she still adored it.
The story is nonsensical, and like her other work ‘The Worst Princess’ it (perhaps more subtly) suggests that you don’t have to be what you are ‘supposed’ to be.
It’s an easy read and the illustrations are eye-catching.
The story is nonsensical, and like her other work ‘The Worst Princess’ it (perhaps more subtly) suggests that you don’t have to be what you are ‘supposed’ to be.
It’s an easy read and the illustrations are eye-catching.
October 21, 2019
Brilliant story. It is Hilariously funny and it reverts all social norms and expectations and is just a genuinely brilliant story. It also has a very interesting use of an in-text narrator which could be used with children's to enhance their writing styles.
January 28, 2024
Uno de los mejores libros ilustrados que he leído. Es sencillo, pero está muy bien escrito, los dibujos son preciosos, tiene un toque cómico y guarda un mensaje bonito.
Me encanta leerlo en voz alta porque suena genial al interpretarlo. La historia es adorable para la familia y para la infancia.
Me encanta leerlo en voz alta porque suena genial al interpretarlo. La historia es adorable para la familia y para la infancia.
June 17, 2017
Absolutely adorable!! I love ballet, and I love pugs. This book is a real treat!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews