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Angelina Ballerina
Angelina Ballerina
In an encore performance, Angelina Ballerina returns in this refreshed picture book from acclaimed author Katharine Holabird and celebrated artist Helen Craig!
Angelina is a pretty little mouse who wants nothing more than to be a ballerina. She dances all the time—at home, at school, even in her dreams! In fact, she’s so busy dancing that she forgets all about the other things she’s supposed to do, like cleaning her room and joining her family for breakfast!
Her parents don’t know what to do—especially after her arabesques in the kitchen knock over the milk! Then one day they come up with an idea that will change Angelina’s life forever…
With Katharine Holabird’s lively writing and Helen Craig’s charming illustrations, the original story, now refreshed and re-released, will continue keeping a whole new generation of young ballerinas leaping with delight.
Angelina is a pretty little mouse who wants nothing more than to be a ballerina. She dances all the time—at home, at school, even in her dreams! In fact, she’s so busy dancing that she forgets all about the other things she’s supposed to do, like cleaning her room and joining her family for breakfast!
Her parents don’t know what to do—especially after her arabesques in the kitchen knock over the milk! Then one day they come up with an idea that will change Angelina’s life forever…
With Katharine Holabird’s lively writing and Helen Craig’s charming illustrations, the original story, now refreshed and re-released, will continue keeping a whole new generation of young ballerinas leaping with delight.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 1988
23 people are currently reading
2694 people want to read
About the author
Katharine Holabird
290 books81 followersKatharine Holabird is an American writer, best known as the author of the Angelina Ballerina series.
As a child, Holabird was an avid reader who loved fairy tales and stories about heroic animals, and she frequently saw ballets like Cinderella and Swan Lake with her grandmother. The young, imaginative Holabird loved animals, playing in her tree house, and dancing with her sisters. In 1969, she received a B.A. in literature from Bennington College in Vermont and then worked at Bennington College as a literary editor for a year after her graduation. Holabird then found herself in Italy as a freelance journalist where she met her husband, Michael Haggiag. The two married in 1974 and moved to London where she continued to write and worked at a nursery school.
In 1983, her first children’s book, Angelina Ballerina, was published. Holabird’s son, Adam, was her inspiration for the character Henry, and Angelina’s character was inspired by her daughters’ love for dressing up and dancing. Holabird wrote the first draft of Angelina Ballerina at the kitchen table with her daughters dancing around her. In fact, the Angelina books were originally about a girl, but then Craig drew a mouse, and Holabird loved it. “The impulsive character of Angelina came alive,” says Holabird, “and seemed to pirouette off the page with enthusiasm and energy, while her plump and ebullient body expressed drama and attitude in every twitch of her tail.” Angelina is a very emotional character; she is sensitive and often bursts into tears right before offering an apology. She struggles with her conscience but always ends up doing the right thing—which is very familiar to many young children. The universal childhood themes in Angelina include friendship, jealousy, loyalty, & dedication. Holabird’s goal was to realistically portray the difficulties of growing up. According to Holabird, it is a ballerina book for “all the passionate little dancers and performers in the world,” including her own two daughters, which is why she “decided to explore the impulsive, highly emotional character of a small but determined ballerina.”
The first American edition of Angelina Ballerina was published in 1984. A year later, Holabird received the Kentucky Bluegrass Award for Angelina Ballerina. In 1986 and 1987, she received the ALA Notable Book Awards. Angelina’s Christmas was selected as Child Study Association’s Children’s Book of the Year in 1987. The following year, Holabird and Craig published Alexander and the Dragon, their first Alexander book; it is aimed at preschool children who want to be consoled about bedtime monsters. In 1990, Holabird wrote the Alexander sequel, Alexander and the Magic Boat, which portrays a strong mother/son relationship while the two go on a voyage to imaginary worlds. Also in 1990, Holabird received the British Book Design and Production award.
In 1999, HIT Entertainment in London (known for Thomas the Tank Engine, Bob the Builder, and Barney) secured the rights for Angelina Ballerina and commissioned Grand Slamm Children's Films to make an animated TV pilot. HIT also developed a lot of Angelina merchandise. Angelina made her worldwide television debut in 2001 on CITV in the United Kingdom. In 2002, the Angelina series premiered on PBS Kids TV in the United States. Angelina Ballerina’s Invitation to the Ballet received the prestigious Oppenheim Platinum Award in the U.S. in 2004. That same year, Angelina was named the official spokesperson of National Dance Week in the United States. In 2005, Angelina made her debut on PBS Kids Sprout, a twenty-four-hour digital television channel for preschoolers in the U.S.
As a child, Holabird was an avid reader who loved fairy tales and stories about heroic animals, and she frequently saw ballets like Cinderella and Swan Lake with her grandmother. The young, imaginative Holabird loved animals, playing in her tree house, and dancing with her sisters. In 1969, she received a B.A. in literature from Bennington College in Vermont and then worked at Bennington College as a literary editor for a year after her graduation. Holabird then found herself in Italy as a freelance journalist where she met her husband, Michael Haggiag. The two married in 1974 and moved to London where she continued to write and worked at a nursery school.
In 1983, her first children’s book, Angelina Ballerina, was published. Holabird’s son, Adam, was her inspiration for the character Henry, and Angelina’s character was inspired by her daughters’ love for dressing up and dancing. Holabird wrote the first draft of Angelina Ballerina at the kitchen table with her daughters dancing around her. In fact, the Angelina books were originally about a girl, but then Craig drew a mouse, and Holabird loved it. “The impulsive character of Angelina came alive,” says Holabird, “and seemed to pirouette off the page with enthusiasm and energy, while her plump and ebullient body expressed drama and attitude in every twitch of her tail.” Angelina is a very emotional character; she is sensitive and often bursts into tears right before offering an apology. She struggles with her conscience but always ends up doing the right thing—which is very familiar to many young children. The universal childhood themes in Angelina include friendship, jealousy, loyalty, & dedication. Holabird’s goal was to realistically portray the difficulties of growing up. According to Holabird, it is a ballerina book for “all the passionate little dancers and performers in the world,” including her own two daughters, which is why she “decided to explore the impulsive, highly emotional character of a small but determined ballerina.”
The first American edition of Angelina Ballerina was published in 1984. A year later, Holabird received the Kentucky Bluegrass Award for Angelina Ballerina. In 1986 and 1987, she received the ALA Notable Book Awards. Angelina’s Christmas was selected as Child Study Association’s Children’s Book of the Year in 1987. The following year, Holabird and Craig published Alexander and the Dragon, their first Alexander book; it is aimed at preschool children who want to be consoled about bedtime monsters. In 1990, Holabird wrote the Alexander sequel, Alexander and the Magic Boat, which portrays a strong mother/son relationship while the two go on a voyage to imaginary worlds. Also in 1990, Holabird received the British Book Design and Production award.
In 1999, HIT Entertainment in London (known for Thomas the Tank Engine, Bob the Builder, and Barney) secured the rights for Angelina Ballerina and commissioned Grand Slamm Children's Films to make an animated TV pilot. HIT also developed a lot of Angelina merchandise. Angelina made her worldwide television debut in 2001 on CITV in the United Kingdom. In 2002, the Angelina series premiered on PBS Kids TV in the United States. Angelina Ballerina’s Invitation to the Ballet received the prestigious Oppenheim Platinum Award in the U.S. in 2004. That same year, Angelina was named the official spokesperson of National Dance Week in the United States. In 2005, Angelina made her debut on PBS Kids Sprout, a twenty-four-hour digital television channel for preschoolers in the U.S.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
October 28, 2019
This really should have a sticker on the cover to indicate that it's the politically correct edition. I was curious about what had been changed in this "refreshed" version so I read it aloud while my daughter followed along in our copy of the original book. The only changes we found were all related to the use of words suggesting that characters were male or female. Angelina is no longer chased by the "little boys" in her class, but by "mouselings;" the "little girls" in her ballet class are also now "mouselings," and Angelina can't even refer to herself as a girl, and instead calls herself "the happiest little mouseling" in the world. One could argue that I'm making a big deal out of a minor change in wording, but clearly, the publisher doesn't see it as minor since they felt it was necessary to change the text of the book after 30 years. The changes are subtle, but they're enough to make me want to keep my original copy and send this new one to the donation pile.
October 16, 2019
Originally published in 1983, and then presented in this 25th Anniversary Edition in 2008, this first story about that dancing mouse, Angelina Ballerina, is immensely charming. Always dancing, always moving, Angelina is the despair of her mother, as she causes destruction wherever she goes with her arabesques, and is always running late because she is imagining her life as a ballerina. Then Mrs. Mousling speaks to Mr. Mouseling, and they cook up a plan: they will give Angelina a beautiful ballet dress and shoes, and send her to classes. This has positive results, and not just in the short term...
I've been aware of Angelina Ballerina and its many sequels for quite some times now, but am only just now getting around to picking it up. How glad I am that I have, as I found Katharine Holabird's story sweet, and Helen Craig's artwork adorable. I particularly loved all the little details in the scenes depicting the Mouselings' home, and was reminded a bit of Jill Barklem's work, in the Brambly Hedge books. Young ballet enthusiasts will take this one to heart, but so will children who enjoy stories about mice and other little animals.
I've been aware of Angelina Ballerina and its many sequels for quite some times now, but am only just now getting around to picking it up. How glad I am that I have, as I found Katharine Holabird's story sweet, and Helen Craig's artwork adorable. I particularly loved all the little details in the scenes depicting the Mouselings' home, and was reminded a bit of Jill Barklem's work, in the Brambly Hedge books. Young ballet enthusiasts will take this one to heart, but so will children who enjoy stories about mice and other little animals.
February 16, 2024
I don't know how I missed this series as a kid! I was aware of the series, but I'm wondering if my mom's total and complete abhorrence of mice (yes, even Beatrix Potter's mice!) had something to do with it. I loved (love) ballet, and this charming tale of a young mouse who has to dance won my heart. Her bedroom is the stuff of dreams. I would live there in a heartbeat.
March 20, 2022
The core story of a girl full of energy who just wants to dance is fine, but there are more recent books that cover that theme without the regressive gender roles. Not a big fan of one of the things solved by Angelina’s dance lessons being that she no longer runs faster than the boys chasing her and now lets them catch her sometimes.
March 7, 2022
A fun, well written story with above average artwork.
April 13, 2012
Angelina loves to dance;so much so, that she forgets to clean and to get ready for school--so much so, that she even ruins her neighbors pansies in the process! So, her parents decide to buy her a brand new, pink ballet dress and slippers. This is the "Oh, Angelina syndrome"--she means well, ya know, she doesn't know any better. After she gets her brand new gear, Angelina attends dance class and is more responsible at home. She eventually becomes a famous ballerina.
How is any of this logical?
I understand that Angelina has a dream and nothing will stop her, even her parents, even the rules. I just don't see how this is a nice lesson or story for children. It's almost saying don't pay any attention to the people around you, behave selfishly, and you will eventually push them to give you what they want. This story would have been better if her parents had taught her to have respect for her family and for the property of others and if she had learned all of these things, perhaps they would be able to help her begin to dance.
As a side note, I also hate the campy glitter on the cover of the new edition. This book is clearly geared for young girls (4-8).
How is any of this logical?
I understand that Angelina has a dream and nothing will stop her, even her parents, even the rules. I just don't see how this is a nice lesson or story for children. It's almost saying don't pay any attention to the people around you, behave selfishly, and you will eventually push them to give you what they want. This story would have been better if her parents had taught her to have respect for her family and for the property of others and if she had learned all of these things, perhaps they would be able to help her begin to dance.
As a side note, I also hate the campy glitter on the cover of the new edition. This book is clearly geared for young girls (4-8).
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May 30, 2020The mouse cottage in this book has forever been my house goals™️. All around childhood favorite!
August 19, 2021
Rated by my 4 year old as just “okay.” 🤷♀️
August 31, 2019
This is a sweet book about a mouse that dances all the time instead of doing what she is supposed to be doing like cleaning her room or getting ready for school. When her parents give her an outlet for that talent and interest, she starts doing as she is supposed to do.
The book has beautiful drawings and add to the story. I really like how the coloring changed when Angelina reached her goal.
Overall, it's a good story. It's missing that little extra that would make it great but it would make a great discussion starter for a parent and child.
The book has beautiful drawings and add to the story. I really like how the coloring changed when Angelina reached her goal.
Overall, it's a good story. It's missing that little extra that would make it great but it would make a great discussion starter for a parent and child.
February 13, 2019
rating: 3.5
I haven't read any of the Angelina stories with my 3-year-old niece, yet, but they were only twenty-five cents each at the local thrift store, so I went ahead and bought the four Angelina books they had. This niece is into twirling and dancing, so she may identify with Angelina. The illustrations are so thorough that there's almost no need for words. The last page wasn't what I expected.
I haven't read any of the Angelina stories with my 3-year-old niece, yet, but they were only twenty-five cents each at the local thrift store, so I went ahead and bought the four Angelina books they had. This niece is into twirling and dancing, so she may identify with Angelina. The illustrations are so thorough that there's almost no need for words. The last page wasn't what I expected.
September 9, 2019
Angelina can think of nothing but ballet; she dances as she walks, she thinks about dancing, and she even dreams about dancing. Somehow everything else is neglected and she makes a bungle of the things she is asked to do. Then her mother has an idea and it changes everything.
Angelina Ballerina is a modern classic for children, with a relatable story and wonderful illustrations.
Angelina Ballerina is a modern classic for children, with a relatable story and wonderful illustrations.
June 19, 2020
I was going through our storage and found a few of my old books and this one's cover caught my eye. I recognized it and remembered the beautiful illustrations, but not the plot. So poof I reread it and I love it. One of my favorites and would highly HIGHLY recommend to anyone ages 2-5. This might even make my favorites shelf.
May 29, 2012
I first heard of Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Holabird through the animated series. We were in Bend, Oregon on a trip. Harriet was getting over a stomach bug and I was coming down with one. We were holed up in our hotel room eating take out and watching kids television. Harriet was just learning to walk at the time. I don't know if her first exposure to Angelina Ballerina made any lasting impression or not.
Fast forward two and a half years to Harriet being in preschool. She started taking a dance class that teaches both tap and ballet. She loves her dancing class and even participated in the recital. She'll be doing that again this year.
Around the same time we started getting Netflix through our Wii. There were the Angelina Ballerina episodes. Harriet started watching them and fell completely in love with them, both the older traditionally animated ones as well as the weirder CGI version.
So with Harriet so passionate about her dancing and interested in the Angelina Ballerina episodes I decided to check out the book that inspired the series. Despite her love of the series, we read the book only once. I guess once was enough.
In this first book, Angelina is just a young mouse but she's passionate about dancing. She desperately wants to take dance lessons but her parents think it's just a passing phase. Of course it isn't and eventually the parents give in, allowing her to take lessons with Miss Lily.
The ending of the book explains why it is that Angelina is so often the lead in the school performances. She does grow up to be a star ballerina.
Although it's a simple story, it was nice to see where everything began.
Fast forward two and a half years to Harriet being in preschool. She started taking a dance class that teaches both tap and ballet. She loves her dancing class and even participated in the recital. She'll be doing that again this year.
Around the same time we started getting Netflix through our Wii. There were the Angelina Ballerina episodes. Harriet started watching them and fell completely in love with them, both the older traditionally animated ones as well as the weirder CGI version.
So with Harriet so passionate about her dancing and interested in the Angelina Ballerina episodes I decided to check out the book that inspired the series. Despite her love of the series, we read the book only once. I guess once was enough.
In this first book, Angelina is just a young mouse but she's passionate about dancing. She desperately wants to take dance lessons but her parents think it's just a passing phase. Of course it isn't and eventually the parents give in, allowing her to take lessons with Miss Lily.
The ending of the book explains why it is that Angelina is so often the lead in the school performances. She does grow up to be a star ballerina.
Although it's a simple story, it was nice to see where everything began.
September 28, 2020
Angelina Mousling loves to dance so much she even dreams of dancing but when she starts to dance herself right into trouble, her parents decide that it's time to ballet lessons! Soon, Angelina is dancing her heart away in class instead of through her neighbors' pansies. Problem solved. Everyone is happy and Angelina lives on to become a famous ballerina!
What lovely illustrations! This is an old edition but the illustrations are almost timeless!
Read to my daughter to cross off the 1001 Children's Books to Read Before You Grow Up list.
What lovely illustrations! This is an old edition but the illustrations are almost timeless!
Read to my daughter to cross off the 1001 Children's Books to Read Before You Grow Up list.
January 2, 2024
What do you do with a mouse who loves to dance so much she can't seem to do anything else? We give her direction. This is the story of how Angelina came to be a real ballerina. Sweet story and delightful art combine to make this one of my favorites in the series.
June 28, 2019
Work hard for what you want. Enjoyable book
January 29, 2023
#110 - 1001 Children's Books To Read Before You Grow Up
July 4, 2024
What a throwback
Reading the books I’m giving my little niece😂🫶🏻
Reading the books I’m giving my little niece😂🫶🏻
June 4, 2025
All time fave- no judgement please xx
November 6, 2025
With the state the world is in, I needed this
April 23, 2017
I loved this book as a little girl, and now it's my birthday and it's four in the morning and I'm not crying YOURE CRYING
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May 6, 2025Read by momma
April 25, 2024
As a little girl I would have loved this book. The illustrations are absolutely stunning. Such an adorable read!
May 1, 2023
Funnily enough, I'm docking a star for the reason another reviewer hates the newer editions: gendered roles talking about getting chased by little boys versus other mice (are we starting the "they like you if they're mean" this early?) Mrs. Mouseling is doing most of the housework while Mr. smokes his pipe, I guess?
But the main theme is: enroll your kids in activities so they don't bounce off the walls to and from school and with hard work, will be big in their fields, I guess?
But the main theme is: enroll your kids in activities so they don't bounce off the walls to and from school and with hard work, will be big in their fields, I guess?
December 5, 2019
A stroy about a pretty little mouse who loves to dance so much that she never does any of her chores.
It is a good book targeted for 4-6 yr olds to follow your dreams but I wonder if the children are gonna take away the fact you can do what you want to achieve your dreams after reading the book. A minor point maybe but something that made me think.
It is a good book targeted for 4-6 yr olds to follow your dreams but I wonder if the children are gonna take away the fact you can do what you want to achieve your dreams after reading the book. A minor point maybe but something that made me think.
January 7, 2011
The illustrations are lovely and extremely detailed. Every time I look at the picture of Angelina dancing around her kitchen I see something new. scrub brushes under the sink. herbs drying in the window. oven mitts above the stove.
August 2, 2010
I had heard about Angelina Ballerina so I was expecting a lot, but this book wasn't outstanding or anything. DS did learn the word "curtsy" from this book.
March 28, 2015
LOVED THIS BOOK AS A CHILD.
November 20, 2017
Angelina dreams of being a ballerina and she dances all day; before school, at school, while she's supposed to be doing her chores.
September 2, 2025
i just love this book! maybe i will be a ballerina when i grow up
we read it again as a blast from the past and this is a fav
we read it again as a blast from the past and this is a fav
Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews