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Angelina Ballerina
Angelina and the Princess
Hardcover, 1984. English. 10.5 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
24 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1984
4 people are currently reading
215 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 42 reviews
February 16, 2024
Quintessentially English Mouselandish. I especially loved the illustrations in this one! Angelina is a born performer, and I loved the sweet moment of resolution for poor Flora.
October 20, 2024
An engaging story, easy enough to sum up for Tot, who is particularly interested because she is also a ballerina. The art is incredibly pretty.
May 1, 2022
utterly adorable with dainty illustrations. simply charming but also highlighting noteworthy life values.
November 24, 2011
Another Angelina book, even more fun and dancing. I was so glad that Angelina got her chance in the end! =)
June 30, 2019
Even though I have boys, the Angelina stories are too precious to pass up. We love the illustrations and the simple, but entertaining stories. I especially enjoy the perseverance she demonstrates in this story and this is definitely a quality I wish my children would display in the future
January 5, 2021
Adorable story of a little mouse ballerina named Angelina that plans to dance for her kingdom's princess. Trouble ensues and Angelina faces obstacles to achieve her dream of dancing for the princess.
March 15, 2021
Read aloud to the kids. The kids and I are loving the Angelina series.
July 7, 2021
Pretty illustrations. It was mostly about Angelina wanting to have the lead dance. Flora had more to do with the Princess. Pleasant read. 3.7 stars rounded to 4
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December 17, 2021bringin it back to my childhood.
didn't love the ending, too convenient for the main character..., smmmm
didn't love the ending, too convenient for the main character..., smmmm
March 5, 2022
A favorite as a kiddo. I just love the illustrations too 💗
June 15, 2024
Oh, I do love Angelina.
July 15, 2024
Loved this book when I was little and just reread it. I came to the realization that everything I know and believe came from this book.
April 8, 2025
Helen Craig's illustrations are lovely! The story is well done too. There are consequences, hard work, and a happy ending! Sweet, lovely to look at, and enjoyable.
books-i-have-read-to-eleanor
May 19, 2025Read at nanny's at bedtime after a busy day of picnics and BBQs. she went right to sleep.
August 29, 2025
MY CHILDHOOD RIGHT HERE
September 9, 2025
Apie pelytę, kuri norėjo būti pagrindine baleto šokėja. Bet suserga ir viską susigadina.
April 22, 2021
I love this book from my own childhood. It is a lovely story and has a wonderful message about making the best of any situation, no matter what role you play.
September 9, 2016
Summary: This book is about a little mouse named Angelina who goes to ballet school and is auditioning for the lead role in their production. On the day of the audition, Angelina gets sick and her mom will not let her go to tryouts. Angelina then sneaks out of her house and attends auditions sick, despite her mother's orders. Angelina messes up and does not get one of the lead parts in the production. She is so upset but her mom reminds her that not everything in life is fair and all you can do is your best. Angelina learns her part as well as the lead part for fun. Right before the show, one of the leads gets injured and Angelina is able to step in. She saves the show and everyone is happy.
Theme: The theme of this story is to always do your best because not everything in life is going to be fair. It is easy to get caught up in what went wrong, but Angelina was reminded by her mom that doing her best is the only thing she can control.
Personal Response: This book reminds me of the time when I did not make the dance team I wanted to be on in 5th grade. It seemed like the end of the world, but it was the beginning of another opportunity occurring. I began to play lacrosse and became very good at it, which I would have never tried if I had made the A team for dance. Similar to Angelina, I was so upset after the audition results, but in the end I learned that my best was all I could do and she got to save the day, just as I got to be great with another opportunity.
Recommendation: I would recommend this book for children who are feeling upset because they did not get what they wanted. This could include not making a team they wanted, not getting the grade they thought they deserved, or even got into a fight with a friend. It is an important lesson to not just children, but adults too: all we can do is our best.
Theme: The theme of this story is to always do your best because not everything in life is going to be fair. It is easy to get caught up in what went wrong, but Angelina was reminded by her mom that doing her best is the only thing she can control.
Personal Response: This book reminds me of the time when I did not make the dance team I wanted to be on in 5th grade. It seemed like the end of the world, but it was the beginning of another opportunity occurring. I began to play lacrosse and became very good at it, which I would have never tried if I had made the A team for dance. Similar to Angelina, I was so upset after the audition results, but in the end I learned that my best was all I could do and she got to save the day, just as I got to be great with another opportunity.
Recommendation: I would recommend this book for children who are feeling upset because they did not get what they wanted. This could include not making a team they wanted, not getting the grade they thought they deserved, or even got into a fight with a friend. It is an important lesson to not just children, but adults too: all we can do is our best.
October 17, 2012
This story is about Angelina who really wants the major part in a ballet because they are performing in front of The Princess of Mouseland. She is so determined to get the part that she practices far into the night when instead she should have been sleeping. Her mom declares her ill the next morning, but Angelina sneaks out to go try out anyway. Because she wasn't feeling well, two other girls got the leading roles. She was given a minor role, but her mother, after seeing her upset, told her to make the best out of her role. So, Angelina rehearsed and practiced for her role as well as memorizing the major role that her friend got. In the end, her friend sprained her ankle, and Angelina was the one to take on the role. This is a good book for children to see that wanting something so bad, doesn't mean it's always going to happen. Sometimes, it takes a different path for you to get where you want to be. The colorful pictures and cuteness of using mice as ballerinas is very engaging and I think would capture the attention of children.
LE: In small groups, the teacher will re-read the story, and as he/she reads, they will ask the children how one should handle the situation. Should Angelina be mad, sad, upset? Or happy, determined, excited? I think engaging the children in a small group while reading this story would be beneficial for the children to express how they think she should be acting.
LE: In small groups, the teacher will re-read the story, and as he/she reads, they will ask the children how one should handle the situation. Should Angelina be mad, sad, upset? Or happy, determined, excited? I think engaging the children in a small group while reading this story would be beneficial for the children to express how they think she should be acting.
November 8, 2016
8.) Angelina and the Princess is a girly read about a ballerina mouse. Angelina has worked very hard to tryout for the lead part in her school's annual recital. However, after getting sick and sneaking out of her house, Angelina the mouse does not receive the role that she was really wanting. The story comes to an end with Angelina accepting her role and being the back up for the position that she had originally wanted because the girl that got it ended up getting hurt and could not perform. The moral of this story is to understand that life has its ups and downs and there is not anything that you can do about it. Rather than trying to change it, embrace it and love what you can do and who you are. This is such a special book for girls of all ages because I know from personal experience, we will all go through trials of hard times and this book will leave you with a sense of hope. Therefore, I highly recommend it for children of all ages who are going through hard times. As you can see, I really enjoyed this book because it left me feeling happy and reminded me of times that I had been disappointed and let down and then would later realize that God had a great plan set out for me. I loved this and I highly recommend Angelina and the Princess.
October 26, 2013
This wonderful story is about Angelina, a small mouse, who wants to be the major part in a ballet because the company is performing in front of The Princess of Mouseland. She is so determined to earn the part that she practices late into the night when instead she should have been sleeping. She becomes ill the next morning upon awakening but decides sneaks out of her home against her mother's wishes to go try out anyway. Due to not feeling well, two other female mice land the roles and she was given a minor role. Her mother told her to make the best of her situation so Angelina rehearsed and practiced for her role as well as the major role that her friends got. Right before the event, her friend sprained her ankle, and Angelina took the stage. This is a wonderful book for children to understand that wanting something so badly, doesn't mean it's always going to happen the way that you want it to.
Interest Level
Grades PreK - 1
Reading Level
Grade level Equivalent: 3.9
Lexile Measure®: Not Available
DRA: Not Available
Guided Reading: Not Available
Interest Level
Grades PreK - 1
Reading Level
Grade level Equivalent: 3.9
Lexile Measure®: Not Available
DRA: Not Available
Guided Reading: Not Available
February 15, 2024
Miss Lilly's Ballet School has been asked to perform for the Princess of Mouseland. The night before the audition, Angelina is too excited to sleep. She practices her dance steps late into the night. The next morning she wakes with a headache and fever. Her mother forbids her to go to the audition. Angelina sneaks out while her mother isn't watching. She dances miserably and is given a small part instead of the lead. Angelina is so devastated that she vows never to go back to ballet school, but her mother convinces her that even her small part is important to the whole performance. During the rehearsals, Angelina practices the lead parts as well as her own. When Flora, one of the leads, sprains an ankle just before the performance, Angelina takes her place. She does beautifully. The princess thanks her for saving the show.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
March 14, 2016
Angelina wanted desperately to play the part of one of the flower fairies in the ballet at Miss Lilly's studio. Unfortunately she stayed up too late the night before and was actually not well the day of the tryouts and she was given a lesser role. Although Angelina had not gotten the role she wanted, her mother told her not to worry, but to do a good job in the role she was given. As it turned out, the day of the show, one of the flower fairies broke her ankle and Angelina (having memorized their parts) was able to fill in. The Princess of Mouseland was in the audience and thanked Angelina for saving the show.
March 18, 2016
Angelina wanted desperately to play the part of one of the flower fairies in the ballet at Miss Lilly's studio. Unfortunately she stayed up too late the night before and was actually not well the day of the tryouts and she was given a lesser role. Although Angelina had not gotten the role she wanted, her mother told her not to worry, but to do a good job in the role she was given. As it turned out, the day of the show, one of the flower fairies broke her ankle and Angelina (having memorized their parts) was able to fill in. The Princess of Mouseland was in the audience and thanked Angelina for saving the show.
December 10, 2011
The illustrations are very pretty and the story is sweet. There are plenty of surprises, when Angelina works herself sick practicing her plies and pirouettes only to stumble when the day of auditioning for the "Dance of the Flower Fairies." Even so, Angelina bounces back and work hard. In the end, she meets a princess and gets to do what she loves best---dance ballet.
For those familiar with the Accelerated Reader Program, this is a level 4.4 book.
For those familiar with the Accelerated Reader Program, this is a level 4.4 book.
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March 28, 2016Angelina was ill the day of tryouts for the special ballet, but she attended the tryouts anyway and all did not go well. But when it came time for the performance Angelina saved the day and the show went on for the Princess of Mouseland the invited guest. Love the "human" details that the mice portray in the illustrations for this series and this title's illustrations were especially good.
June 30, 2016
Both kids agree that this was a good book. When Angelina decided to not let her being sick stop her my son knew she was in for some trouble because she needed her rest and was not at her best. My son said, "Oh no, this isn't going to be good!" They wanted to know what happened next and both were on the edge of their seats. Fun story time book.
September 8, 2025
Angelina is excited to try out for the Royal Ballet and perform The Dance of the Flower Fairies for the Princess of Mouseland. The morning of the tryouts Angelina becomes ill, but still tries out, and gets a smaller part. How will the set back effect the Ballet, and will Angelina still do her best, although she is disappointed, because after all the show must go on.
August 28, 2012
39 months - Angelina is always a hit in our house but I loved the lessons in this one. Angelina isn't perfect at everything but with a good friend to help and lots of practice she can learn to do something well. An even better lesson is to stick by your friends even when they are struggling.
August 2, 2013
The grandkids are here today, so we are reading. Callie loved this book Because what's not to love about a book with a princess and is taking it home. The pictures are fun and interesting and the story teaches about being disappointed but doing your best anyway.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews