Celestine, Drama Queen

by Penny Ives

For the younger sisters of FANCY NANCY, here's a tiny duck with a BIG personality -- and an even BIGGER case of stage fright!

From the day she danced out of her shell, Celestine knew she was born to be a star! She dresses herself carefully every day, prefers to eat only pink food, and insists on wearing a tiara at all times -- as all good stars should. The school play is the perfect chance to show the world just how special she is, and she has a secret role that not even her family knows about. But will a sudden case of stage fright keep her from making her grand debut? No matter how the play ends, she'll always be a star to her family.

Genres: Picture Books, School, Childrens, Fantasy, Family, Juvenile

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2008

Reviews

[Nichole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn't call Celestine a drama queen. I think she just likes attention... that's not the same.

[Juliet Bryant · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of long, hard for kids to follow. I wish there was more and less at the same time. Kids liked showing me what was on their clothes though, after pointing out Celestine’s clothes.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has more sensitive, beautiful pictures than most in its genre. Sadly, what is that genre?

A young person must show the world how special she (or he) is by PERFORMING.

AMONG TODAY'S BIGGEST MYTHS: Nothing Matters More than Performing for an Audience!!!

Must we really share this kind of fantasy with impressionable young readers?

Must we teach them words like the following, as though they amounted to the highest virtue in life, actions most praiseworthy?

* Star
* Performing in a play
* Fabulous

What could we be teaching our children instead?

* To live with honor
* To use our brains and our hearts
* To give back to society
* Helping others, not only (and always) ourselves

SURE, I'll give this fantasy book FIVE STARS.
But if you've outgrown the allure of such books, I'd say, good for you!

[chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was cute the artwork was really nice baby seemed interested up until the end

[Danielle Tropea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is perfect for young children who, either want to be in some kind of show/play, or for children who want to be big stars when they grow up. The readers in this story follow Celestine throughout he early life, from her birth, to shortly after she delivers the "most important part" in a play that her school is giving. At the end of this story young readers will learn the life lesson that one mistake does not mean that you cannot follow your dreams.
Children are going to be entertained by this book, not only because of Celestine's antics, but also by the beautiful pictrures that are throughout the book. The text in this book is also unique. Instead of the usual straight text that, let's face it, is so monotonous throughout the majority of literature that noone notices it, this text leaps off of the page. It is printed sideways, upside down, in circles, which is going to make the children have to interact with the book.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Celestine, a duckling who danced right out of her egg ready to be a star. She exhibits all of the normal "princess" type behaviors we find in young girls like her. She wears a tiara to school, because a star must set a good example. Also, she only eats pink food and tells the teacher that she can call her Princess Druscilla Drake. But when the class puts on a play, will Celestine prove to be star-worthy?

I love this book. I think it is perfect for little girly girls. The illustrations are absolutely adorable and will cause everyone to fall in love with this little drama queen.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Harriet chose Celestine, Drama Queen by Penny Ives at a recent trip to the library. She was drawn to the duckling dressed in a pink tutu.

Celestine is very much like Olivia the Pig. She has the same flare for drama and personal expression. When the school play is announced she wants to have the most important role. Like Olivia in Olivia Acts Out, Celestine doesn't get the lead role but she makes the most of what she's given.

Although my daughter chose the book she didn't sit through to the end of the story. I think she found Celestine a little too demanding and melodramatic.

[Randie D. Camp, M.S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Celestine is most certainly a drama queen. She loves to dance, wear fabulous clothes, eat pink food, and was born to be a star...or was she?

Celestine's class is putting on a play. Will Celestine get the lead role? Will she prove that she is a star?

Despite the conceited attitude of this little cute duck, Celestine eventually becomes humble and drops the drama queen behavior. The illustrations are cute, pink, sparkly, there is even a tiara---everything little girls admire.

Be prepared to discuss Celestine's behavior, children should know that some of her early behaviors are rude.

[babyhippoface · Rating 3 out of 5]

That Celestine, she's a cutie, she is. Confident little Drama Queen Extraordinaire. And I love her particular way of speaking (it's very nearly perfect).

(Of course, if she was older than age 10, that attitude would just be incredibly annoying. Good thing she's a teeny duck. And was it just me, or did anyone else keep thinking of Marcia Brady in the "Romeo & Juliet" episode while reading this??)

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celestine Duck is special even before she's born. And when her egg hatches, even she knows she was meant for the stage. So when she has a chance to perform in the school play she is over the moon excited. But when the big night comes, Celestine gets stage fright. She can't speak her line until the Mrs. Gobble rescues her with a jazzy tune on the piano. Hearing this Celestine's feet begin to dance of their own accord. And she's wonderful, even if she did forget her line.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book. It teacher children to face their fears. You actually get excited about what Celestine is going to do and you want her to succeed. When she get's stage fright, you feel her fear. I also like how some of the lines in the book aren't just straight. The line spin, curve, and swirl in circles. It is a great book!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just so you know, I am Celestine's mother. Or I might as well be, anyway. This is an Easter basket book for my very own little drama queen, and I know she will love it. While it's true Celestine's attitude would get very old with an older child, it is pretty pitch perfect for the 4-6 year old range. I do appreciate the fact that Celestine gets a little come-uppance towards the end.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Celestine wants to be a star from the time she is hatched...but faces stage fright when she's finally in the spotlight. Sweet story just to read for fun or even to share with a child (it's pretty girly this book) who is going to be in a play.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for a sassy student who love pink princesses, and tiaras. It also teaches why we can not be divas. It is a good book about pride. It is also a good book about overcoming your fears. The book selects random words to put in bold/ It is a great book for new vocabulary.

[jacky · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the children's librarians helped pick this out for our letter Q week. It was a pretty good fit for Natalie who loves singing and dancing loudly. I think the bit about stage fight was a little beyond her, but we enjoyed reading it a couple times.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan of most any children's book which can correctly use the term jaunty and twirl without breaking context. Celestine is bound to make friends with many a Fancy Nancy or Laura Numeroff fan with her stage presence and quirky charm.

[Riley Sorem · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would be a wonderful example to children to show that even if they mess up and get embarrassed that everything is ok and they are still loved. Celestine is quite the drama queen and center of attention until she has to become the center of attention on stage during a play. Super cute.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry, but this one's kinda lame. It reads like a take-off of Fancy Nancy.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun read a like for fans of Olivia. Celstine is born the star that she knows she is but when she has her first big day on stage things do not go the way she expects. Ages 4+

[The Library Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sort of what would happen if Angelina Ballerina and Fancy Nancy were combined into a duck. Lame, though I'm sure I will have patrons who will ADORE it.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

It may appeal to Fancy Nancy fans, but it isn't as clever by half. The illustrations are lovely though. Very pink.

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think Celestine needed her confidence shaken a bit. Her star-like attitude strikes me as more obnoxious rather than cute.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun read a like for fans of Olivia. Celstine is born the star that she knows she is but when she has her first big day on stage things do not go the way she expects. Ages 4+

[Becky H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute book about self worth.

[Marge]

queen of drama

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about a duck who is so into her dramatic life. But when given the opportunity to be on stage, things aren't so easy. Reminded me of someone's daughter.

[Sydneia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celestine was born to be a star, and she really shines in this book. The illustrations perfectly enhance the story, and even the text dances around on some pages. This book would be great for 5-7.

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars This has such potential to be so cute but the story was run of the mill the pictures were faded and boring...but someone might like it!

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Celestine is a duck and her parents know she is going to be special from the moment she hatches. She is definitely a show off and so she is very excited about the upcoming school play.

[Tracy Schillemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun story about a girl who knows she is a superstar.