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Parker Shines On: Another Extraordinary Moment
The New York Times bestselling team behind Parker Looks Up returns with an uplifting story about Parker making a new friend and learning about self-expression, opening your heart, and helping others.
Parker Curry loves being a big sister. She gets to play dress-up with her little sister, Ava, and piano with her baby brother, Cash. And Parker loves to dance, twirling and leaping and spinning in joy.
But when a dancer joins her class and needs her help, Parker wonders if she has what it takes to be not only a real dancer, but a real friend.
This inspirational picture book has an afterword by prima ballerina and New York Times bestselling author Misty Copeland.
Parker Curry loves being a big sister. She gets to play dress-up with her little sister, Ava, and piano with her baby brother, Cash. And Parker loves to dance, twirling and leaping and spinning in joy.
But when a dancer joins her class and needs her help, Parker wonders if she has what it takes to be not only a real dancer, but a real friend.
This inspirational picture book has an afterword by prima ballerina and New York Times bestselling author Misty Copeland.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published November 2, 2021
3 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 8, 2023
How my heart opened up, right from the start: "Parker Curry loved being a big sister."
* Watching her expression in the illustration, with the singing raspberry jam and a motherly-sisterly expression on her adorable face.
* Then meeting Parker's younger sister, dreaming away as she drew a rainbow.
* And then meeting Parker's equally adorb baby brother, with his chubby little toddler feet and so-alive fingers and eyes that could take in EVERYTHING.
The seamless narrative moves swiftly. Soon I'm watching Parker find a magnificent poster with a dancer and super-important words from Misty Copeland. (Yes, THE Misty Copeland.)
Some people DREAM of success while others wake up and work for it.
How I love the ending. (No spoiler from me. Though I will admit to tears.)
* Watching her expression in the illustration, with the singing raspberry jam and a motherly-sisterly expression on her adorable face.
* Then meeting Parker's younger sister, dreaming away as she drew a rainbow.
* And then meeting Parker's equally adorb baby brother, with his chubby little toddler feet and so-alive fingers and eyes that could take in EVERYTHING.
The seamless narrative moves swiftly. Soon I'm watching Parker find a magnificent poster with a dancer and super-important words from Misty Copeland. (Yes, THE Misty Copeland.)
Some people DREAM of success while others wake up and work for it.
How I love the ending. (No spoiler from me. Though I will admit to tears.)
July 1, 2022
Parker is back and is focused on being a ballerina. Readers see her work hard and still have fun with her family. Parker figures out that in order to excel at ballet, she has to focus and practice and believe in herself.
January 24, 2022
This book was so, so precious and adorable!
April 22, 2022
This was so cute and inspiring and the art was gorgeous!
October 20, 2021
Dancing joy mixes with sibling adventures to showcase a heart-warming balance, which beams from every page.
Parker loves her brother and sister, and enjoys spending time with them, but when a new girl at the ballet school makes each step and plie shine, Parker realizes that she'll need to practice more if she wants to achieve her dreams of becoming an amazing ballerina, someday. Unfortunately, that means she doesn't have as much time to play with her siblings...not to mention that they even get in the way. When the day of the recital finally arrives, she's surprised to see that the new girl, despite her talent, is afraid to go onto the stage. But maybe, that's exactly when having wonderful siblings might give the extra, needed edge.
Parker's energy and joy for life (as well as ballet) are impossible to miss, making her easy to like and connect with. Her love for her siblings and the fun they have playing together is inspiring. Even when they 'bother' Parker during her practice, there isn't even the touch of ill-feelings. Rather, Parker misses having the time to spend with them. So, this is a book with positive vibes pure.
The dance scenes with Parker will make ballet and dance fans smile. The basic terms are mentioned and the illustrations fit right along, allowing young ballet hopefuls to easily see themselves dancing, too. But then, this is a book, which also rotates around Parker's joy for dance. Even when the new girl is more advanced, Parker doesn't harbor negative thoughts. Rather, it pushes her to do better herself and realize that it takes practice to achieve something...and that it's not a right or handed over on a silver platter. The only thing, which made me raise an eyebrow, is the way in which the problem of stage fright was solved. It is caring and makes the heart feel warm, but I'm not sure it would go over well with most dance teachers.
The illustrations are pretty, pink, and bring across the atmosphere and emotions wonderfully. The depictions of Parker and the others give everything a positive glow and inspire the entire way through.
The text is kept short, making it great for a read-aloud with even more impatient listeners. At the end, there is a short biography of each true-to-life ballet dancer, which has been shown in posters on the walls in the illustrations. This can be used in discussions with the listeners or is great as extra information for the caretaker.
I received an ARC, am giving this one 4.5-stars, and rounding up.
Parker loves her brother and sister, and enjoys spending time with them, but when a new girl at the ballet school makes each step and plie shine, Parker realizes that she'll need to practice more if she wants to achieve her dreams of becoming an amazing ballerina, someday. Unfortunately, that means she doesn't have as much time to play with her siblings...not to mention that they even get in the way. When the day of the recital finally arrives, she's surprised to see that the new girl, despite her talent, is afraid to go onto the stage. But maybe, that's exactly when having wonderful siblings might give the extra, needed edge.
Parker's energy and joy for life (as well as ballet) are impossible to miss, making her easy to like and connect with. Her love for her siblings and the fun they have playing together is inspiring. Even when they 'bother' Parker during her practice, there isn't even the touch of ill-feelings. Rather, Parker misses having the time to spend with them. So, this is a book with positive vibes pure.
The dance scenes with Parker will make ballet and dance fans smile. The basic terms are mentioned and the illustrations fit right along, allowing young ballet hopefuls to easily see themselves dancing, too. But then, this is a book, which also rotates around Parker's joy for dance. Even when the new girl is more advanced, Parker doesn't harbor negative thoughts. Rather, it pushes her to do better herself and realize that it takes practice to achieve something...and that it's not a right or handed over on a silver platter. The only thing, which made me raise an eyebrow, is the way in which the problem of stage fright was solved. It is caring and makes the heart feel warm, but I'm not sure it would go over well with most dance teachers.
The illustrations are pretty, pink, and bring across the atmosphere and emotions wonderfully. The depictions of Parker and the others give everything a positive glow and inspire the entire way through.
The text is kept short, making it great for a read-aloud with even more impatient listeners. At the end, there is a short biography of each true-to-life ballet dancer, which has been shown in posters on the walls in the illustrations. This can be used in discussions with the listeners or is great as extra information for the caretaker.
I received an ARC, am giving this one 4.5-stars, and rounding up.
December 30, 2021
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is Parker Shines On: Another Extraordinary Moment, written by Parker Curry and Jessica Curry, and illustrated by Brittany Jackson.
A sequel to the real life-inspired Parker Looks Up, we catch up with the irrepressible Parker and her young siblings, Ava and Cash. Parker is a wonderful and caring older sister, always making time to play and have silly dance parties with her little sibs. However, when she’s in ballet class, she stays focused on learning how to be a “real” dancer. Inspired by Mira – a new and talented dancer in class – and a collection of legendary Black ballet dancers, Parker resolves to dedicate her dancing at home to serious practice… even if it means less silly dancing with Ava and Cash. Yet when the big recital comes, Parker may reconsider everything she thought about what it means to be a “real” dancer…
Wonderful. There are several themes at play throughout the story, and they dovetail nicely in the climax, telling a story that encourages kindness and supportive friendship/siblinghood, as well as balancing passion and commitment to one’s endeavors. I especially liked moments that subverted typical tropes; for instance, when another dancer is more talented than Parker and wins the solo in the recital, Parker reacts with support and admiration rather than jealousy. It’s a small moment, but a great reminder that another’s shine does not dim our own. Jackson’s illustrations are graceful and heartwarming, the length is great, and JJ thoroughly enjoyed the story, but this former dancer does have a quibble: several ballet terms are used incorrectly, and Parker and her fellow students are shown dancing en pointe at far too young an age (which can permanently injure a dancer’s feet). Otherwise, this is a lovely continuation of Parker’s story, and we liked it. Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
March 17, 2022
See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/parker...
PARKER SHINES ON is a sweet picture book about practice, family, and reaching for your goals. Parker loves to play with her siblings, Ava and Cash - one of their favorite things is to have dance parties around the house. Parker also loves to do ballet and enjoys her dance classes. She aspires to be a great dancer like Misty Copeland - and like Mira, the talented student at the ballet school who also gets a solo in the recital. Parker practices hard as the recital approaches. When it is time for Mira's solo, she confesses that she is too nervous to go out. Parker is not sure how to help until her sister yells out "Dance Party!" Together, she and Mira go out and dance, having a wonderful time.
What I loved: This is such a sweet story that captures all the love of family and the complex relationships between siblings, when they help and when they annoy - but the feeling of love overall. Another theme of the book is around the importance of practice to achieve your goals, and it is great to see how Parker sticks with it and does her best - with amazing results. She is not always perfect, but practice helps her to dance beautifully. Her admiration for Mira felt so genuine, and her vulnerability and nerves will resonate with young readers. The resolution that pulls in Parker's kindness and her family is really lovely.
The illustrations are detailed and beautifully done, bringing the story to life. The expressive characters, ballet scenes, and fantastic details make for an engaging read. The length of text is just right, conveying the story along with many pictures that will keep preschoolers as well as older readers entertained.
What left me wanting more: As a small thing, the book shows a jete twice where Parker is standing in a position, but a jete in ballet is a jump. I assume maybe this was supposed to be where she was before she did the jete, but it's a bit out of sync with the other things she practices.
Final verdict: A lovely story of family, ballet, and persistence, PARKER SHINES ON is a charming and beautifully illustrated picture book that is sure to delight young readers. Highly recommend for older toddlers through elementary school aged readers.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
PARKER SHINES ON is a sweet picture book about practice, family, and reaching for your goals. Parker loves to play with her siblings, Ava and Cash - one of their favorite things is to have dance parties around the house. Parker also loves to do ballet and enjoys her dance classes. She aspires to be a great dancer like Misty Copeland - and like Mira, the talented student at the ballet school who also gets a solo in the recital. Parker practices hard as the recital approaches. When it is time for Mira's solo, she confesses that she is too nervous to go out. Parker is not sure how to help until her sister yells out "Dance Party!" Together, she and Mira go out and dance, having a wonderful time.
What I loved: This is such a sweet story that captures all the love of family and the complex relationships between siblings, when they help and when they annoy - but the feeling of love overall. Another theme of the book is around the importance of practice to achieve your goals, and it is great to see how Parker sticks with it and does her best - with amazing results. She is not always perfect, but practice helps her to dance beautifully. Her admiration for Mira felt so genuine, and her vulnerability and nerves will resonate with young readers. The resolution that pulls in Parker's kindness and her family is really lovely.
The illustrations are detailed and beautifully done, bringing the story to life. The expressive characters, ballet scenes, and fantastic details make for an engaging read. The length of text is just right, conveying the story along with many pictures that will keep preschoolers as well as older readers entertained.
What left me wanting more: As a small thing, the book shows a jete twice where Parker is standing in a position, but a jete in ballet is a jump. I assume maybe this was supposed to be where she was before she did the jete, but it's a bit out of sync with the other things she practices.
Final verdict: A lovely story of family, ballet, and persistence, PARKER SHINES ON is a charming and beautifully illustrated picture book that is sure to delight young readers. Highly recommend for older toddlers through elementary school aged readers.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
February 9, 2022
This cheerful picture book celebrates dancing from the heart. Six year old Parker loves ballet, as well as dancing with her little brother and sister at home. When the new girl in her ballet class, Mira, gets the recital solo, Parker isn’t jealous – she’s more in awe. But on the night of the recital, Mira gets super nervous. At just the right moment, Parker’s little sister shouts out “Dance party!” from the audience, and Parker knows how to help Mira. The two girl enter the stage together, channeling happy ‘dance party’ energy: “letting their outsides celebrate the way they were feeling on their insides.”
The serious and loving sides of this little dancer are realistic and relatable. The digital art is animation-like, and there are lots of pinks and purples to channel the ballet theme. It’s also nice that there are only friendly, positive vibes at ballet class. Fans of the first book with Parker, Parker Looks Up, will notice the pivotal moment when she looks up at posters of famous African American dancers, and realizes that she can be a great dancer too. Ballet-obsessed youngsters, especially African American girls, will love all the ballet class scenes and terms.
The book was written by a real life Parker, who is six, with her mom, who is a blogger.
The art was a bit slick for me, making all of the children look Disney-fied, with identical giant eyes. I also would have loved to see boys in Parker’s class.
The serious and loving sides of this little dancer are realistic and relatable. The digital art is animation-like, and there are lots of pinks and purples to channel the ballet theme. It’s also nice that there are only friendly, positive vibes at ballet class. Fans of the first book with Parker, Parker Looks Up, will notice the pivotal moment when she looks up at posters of famous African American dancers, and realizes that she can be a great dancer too. Ballet-obsessed youngsters, especially African American girls, will love all the ballet class scenes and terms.
The book was written by a real life Parker, who is six, with her mom, who is a blogger.
The art was a bit slick for me, making all of the children look Disney-fied, with identical giant eyes. I also would have loved to see boys in Parker’s class.
Read
February 9, 2022Gorgeously illustrated, Parker's newest adventure sees her following her heart and her love for dance. Parker loves ballet, but she realizes that one of the very best aspects of dance is having fun with her friends and siblings. I will say that I wasn't quite sure about the solution that Parker came up with to the main conflict in the story (in real life, this isn't the solution I would recommend to a child, at least not right off the bat), but I did love the heartfelt message of friendship and joy that was conveyed!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher for review purposes. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher for review purposes. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
May 25, 2023
Parker loves being a big sister, which isn't really relevant to her journey as a ballerina, but it is important to Parker. She goes to ballet class and practices and practices and finally learns to work as a team with the other dancers at the critical moment.
Honestly, this is a really sweet story, and I love all the cultural icons who appear in Parker's posters. The climax moment is lovely as well. I'm just super confused what the main plot is supposed to be about. This doesn't feel like a plot so much as a memory, which is alright, but I'm curious what it's doing in a published book.
Honestly, this is a really sweet story, and I love all the cultural icons who appear in Parker's posters. The climax moment is lovely as well. I'm just super confused what the main plot is supposed to be about. This doesn't feel like a plot so much as a memory, which is alright, but I'm curious what it's doing in a published book.
December 20, 2021
I wish I would've seen books like this when I was younger. I actually felt like this book was for a younger me. Illustrations spot on. Parker definitely did a great job helping Mira she forgot about her own fear. "Dance Party." I think I want this physical books. I would love to read it to the younger students. I also noticed other African American ballerinas on the poster. Well thought out. I dig it ☺️☺️☺️
February 10, 2022
This is a story about a child named Parker who loves to dance. IThe story includes ballet terms that are modeled or drawn as the child dances and dreams of her own solo. The m.c. is very serious about dancing as other ballerinas have done but the text is too technical for most 4-8-year-olds to read on their own about a real child. The letter in the back signed by Misty Copeland, a principal ballet dancer in a professional troupe gives it a non-fiction theme.
September 15, 2022
Parker Curry continues to shine and develop as a ballerina, but still loves spending time with her siblings. They enjoy dance parties, but when it's time for serious practice Parker must focus. Her practice and focus pays off during a recital when Parker helps the solo dancer, Mira, perform through her jitters on stage.
January 3, 2023
This was such a sweet book. The illustrations were fantastic. I love how various black ballet stars are woven throughout the background of the book. The best though was Parker's description of dancing... "It was her outsides celebrating the way she felt on her insides."
June 30, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. It is about dancing, getting cold feet when it is time to go on stage and the ups and downs of having siblings. I also like how the author show you need to practice, practice, practice.
Absolutely adorable illustrations.
Absolutely adorable illustrations.
December 11, 2021
I liked this one even better than the first! I love the message that dedication is needed to be great at something (dancing) but also joy!
December 24, 2021
I love the biographies of other black ballet artists at the back of the book. For younger ages.
December 26, 2021
Not as special as Parker Looks Up, but it was great to see what Parker is up to.
January 4, 2022
Another great story about Parker.
January 4, 2022
Beautiful! Friendship and practice plus a note from Misty Copeland at the end!
January 4, 2022
Another celebrity book.
Great marketing, poor story.
Great marketing, poor story.
January 13, 2022
Parker helps Mira shine at the ballet recital.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2022
Outstanding book that gives representation to Black dancers. The illustrations jump of the page and give life to dancers every where.
March 24, 2022
A cute story about a precious little girl who loves ballet.
May 12, 2022
A companion book to "Parker Looks Up" describes how dancing is Parker's happy place and if you practice and have the passion it will be a beautiful dance.
July 10, 2022
I am loving this series!
January 22, 2024
Love the story message and the beautiful illustrations!
August 16, 2024
Inspiring book authored by a 6 year old!! we really like your book.
October 23, 2024
This books promotes good theme of confidence, helping others, dealing with complex emotions, and new talents. All traits children will experience in their lives.
February 2, 2022
In this follow-up to the Currys' Parker Looks Up, young Parker demonstrates grace under pressure as she struggles to prepare for her ballet recital. While she loves dancing and playing with her brother and sister, she is determined to learn her part for the upcoming recital. This leads her push them away so she can practice. When the time comes to perform, Parker is ready, but her friend Mira, who is dancing the solo, gets stage fright. Parker's confidence in her preparation helps both girls get out on that stage. This fun book has many elements that help it stand out. It's about a popular topic: dancing. The illustrations are absolutely adorable and shine with life and light. All in all a sweet book that young dancers especially be able to appreciate.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews