Angelina on Stage

Angelina Ballerina

by Katharine Holabird, Helen Craig (Illustrator)

Angelina and Henry have parts in a ballet. During rehearsals, Angelina's excitement turns to jealousy when Henry becomes the favourite of Madame Zizi. But after a near disaster on opening night, Angelina and Henry become better friends than ever.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Animals, Juvenile

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Katharine 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.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

That dancing mouse, Angelina Ballerina, returns in this fifth picture-book devoted to her adventures. Thrilled when she is offered the part of a flying fairy in an adult ballet production, Angelina has mixed feelings when her younger cousin Henry is also offered a part, and begins to become quite jealous, when she sees what a fuss the adult performers make over the small boy. But when Henry freezes up on the night of the actual performance, Angelina takes pity on him and proves that she is a kind cousin after all...

Like its predecessors, Angelina on Stage features a sweet story from author Katharine Holabird and adorable artwork from illustrator Helen Craig. Angelina herself is an engaging young heroine, one with a good heart but enough flaws to be believable. Jealousy is a common enough feeling in childhood (as well as adulthood, alas), and the story explores that reality without making anyone the "bad guy" (or girl). Fans of the Angelina Ballerina books will enjoy this entry in the series, as will young children who love ballet, or who just enjoy stories about mice and other small creatures.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The kids have been to plays since they were two-years-old, and they seem to enjoy every minute. I always expect them to get bored or sleepy, but that hasn't happened, yet. I expect my niece to be entranced by the idea of a 'child' actually performing in a major production. (And the topic of jealousy is nicely addressed.)

[Lorellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming story of looking after the littles and beautiful to look at. Perfect for our wee ballerina.

[Janet C-B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book to read to my 4 year old niece when she visits. I enjoyed both the story and the illustrations. I think my niece will, too. Like Angelina, she loves dancing and performing on the stage. She also has a little brother, like Henry, who can be annoying. I like the way the author writes about jealousy within the context of the story.

[C.D. Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindness wins over jealousy.

[Haley Falls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: Angelina On Stage begins with Angelina and her little cousin Henry in ballet class. They are both offered a special part in a “grown up” ballet, and the two could not be more excited. Angelina is the more talented dancer and constantly has to help Henry keep up. However, Henry immediately becomes the center of attention, and Angelina becomes very jealous. As the story progresses, Angelina must decide whether to help Henry when he needs it most or let her jealousy control the show.
Major Themes: The Major Themes are Overcoming Jealousy, Integrity, and Challenging Gender Stereotypes
Personal Response: I love this book for multiple reasons. I grew up dancing and often encountered jealousy when I either was or was not given a special part. I was always so excited to get a special part but felt bad for my friends who did not receive a special part. I also felt jealous when others received special parts, and I didn’t. However, learning to be happy for my friends helped me develop integrity. I also love this book because it challenges gender stereotypes. When people think of a ballerina, a beautiful girl in a pink tutu typically comes to mind. I had the opportunity to dance with boys in my dance classes. As much as they loved dance, at school they experienced a lot of judgement. My friends were constantly asking me if they were gay or feminine. I think the author, Katharine Holabird, was wise to make Henry a boy because it shows readers that you can be whatever you want to be.
Recommendation: I think Angelina On Stage would be such an asset to have in the classroom setting. It could be used as a story to help children understand the concept of jealousy and how it can affect their inner self and others. It also shows how overcoming jealousy is the right thing to do and helps develop integrity. It is also a perfect book to start a conversation about gender stereotypes. It sheds light on the fact that both males and females can be dancers. It spreads the message of self-acceptance and self-confidence. Angelina On Stage teaches children to be who they are.

[Olivia]

See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/angeli...

ANGELINA ON STAGE is a charming picture book about family and jealousy. Angelina loves dancing with her class, and lately, her little cousin Henry has been trying too. He does not quite get any of the steps yet, but he really enjoys it. When the real ballet needs someone, Miss Lilly asks Angelina to be the fairy they need- and she asks Henry to be the elf. As they practice with the grown-ups, Henry cannot seem to find his way around or remember what he is supposed to do on stage, but all the adults seem to love him and they even give him a speaking line! Angelina feels jealous, but on opening night, when Henry gets lost, Angelina helps him out. When the cast sees the way she steps up, Angelina earns herself a speaking part as well!

What I loved: This is a great story to handle jealousy and related feelings. Without getting too mired in it, Angelina clearly experiences the feeling and overcomes it with care and love for Henry. By not sabotaging him or allowing him to fail, she also boosts herself in the end. The other theme around family is also one that will resonate with little ones who understand complicated feelings about younger siblings/cousins. The story manages to stay overall positive while conveying these themes.

The illustrations are lovely and detailed in the recognizable Angelina Ballerina style. The backgrounds are lush and bring the settings to life. Angelina is a great character for toddlers and preschoolers, who can appreciate the themes while seeing a character they love in new situations.

Final verdict: ANGELINA ON STAGE is a lovely new picture book with important themes of family and jealousy that are great for toddlers and preschoolers.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another sweet little Angelina book. This time, Angelina is selected to be in a real grown-up's ballet and so is her little cousin Henry. Henry's clumsy dancing is endearing in Angelina's dance class, but she finds it less amusing on stage. Not to mention all the grown-ups think Henry is so cute and keep expanding his part.

I think it's a great book to help kids name their emotions and work through the consequences of their emotions. Do our actions have to reflect our emotions? Can we set aside our emotions to do the right or responsible thing? Does doing the right and responsible thing actually change our emotions?

Anyway, I liked it better than the first one--Angelina Ballerina.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think sometimes every Angelina story can be summed up in one word: Jealousy.

This time Angelina becomes jealous when she needs to share a grown-up stage production with her cousin Henry. She liked being the special fairy, but then Henry gets a SPEAKING PART and she about loses it.

Thankfully she's still got a good heart in that little furry body of hers and so she still manages to save Henry on several levels, and for the sake of him (and the production) can lay aside her feelings long enough to do the right thing. Yay Angelina for getting it right!

Overall, this was a cute story. I love the artwork so much from these older stories.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read aloud to the kids. The kids and I are loving the Angelina series.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Angelina is jealous of her cousin Henry when both are cast in a grown-up ballet.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

LOL while I like mine in storybook form and I don’t care for them in real life. And here is the dear ballerina Angelina and her younger cousin Henry in a bit of stage fright.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read to babies in the Tf2.

[☆alesha☆ · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book is too short and it’s quite boring i wouldn’t recommend it to people that like interesting books

[Jessica Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was cute and relatable. I enjoyed the illustrations as always.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Angelina needs to share the spotlight, but she learns to do so with grace and great success.

[Brenna Mclean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Angelina On Stage is another charming story by Katharine Holabird. In this story, Angelina loves helping little Henry since she is a very skilled dancer. She receives a huge honor by being asked to be a fairy in a big performance, but is not too happy when she finds out that Henry also has a role in the play. Angelina's jealousy comes into play when all of the cast loves and adores Henry even though he is messing up all of the time. Henry gets so nervous during the performance and forgets his part. While initially Angelina thought he deserved it, her conscience kicked in and she helped him out, saving the show.
Katharine Holabird did a good job, again, having Angelina act like a normal young girl who likes to have the attention and be praised for her talents. The storyline is interesting, having the excitement turn into jealousy, and then leading to a happy ending. However, I did not enjoy the abrupt ending of the story, again. I was expecting more to happen, or for there to be a closing scene, but the story just seemed to stop. Helen Craig did an amazing job with the illustrations. The facial expressions went directly with the story. It was obvious when Angelina was sad, or when Henry was loving the attention. On the page where Henry freezes up on stage, the hundreds of little eyes from the audience made me completely understand why Henry was so nervous! The costumes, the backgrounds and stage sets were very detailed and made me want to stare at each page and notice everything before turning the page.

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Angelina is a good dancer. Henry is not so good. They are both chosen to be in a big production and in a round-about way Angelina learns how each part is important and how she can help Henry.

Caution: Angelina's attitude is portrayed with a slighty/not so slightly selfish twist which I wanted to address with my kids.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angelina and Henry are asked to perform in one of Mr. Zopoff's ballets. Angelina is a fairy (on a wire -- which goes counter grain to the cartoon) and Henry is an elf with stage fright and no sense of direction.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angelina and her little cousin Henry are asked to be in a grown up play. She gets jealous that everyone thinks Henry is cute and does a good job, even when he is always messing up. But Henry gets stage fright on the night of the performance. Will Angelina now be the star of the play?

[Seth Lebaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Angelina series appears to be a great series of how people are suppose to act. They talk about feelings and reactions people have to situations. This series of books would be great to be used as ice breakers to deeper classroom disscusion about feelings of others.

[Kate Stead · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 3 year old is a big fan of Angelina.
I have to admit I find her reasonably irritating but that's only because the moral message is so blatant in each book. This does work well with toddlers so, whilst slightly painful to me I can't complain too much as it's very effective for them.

[Keli Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

cute kids book that I found at a thrift store in Sterling

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was not one of my favorites because I thought it was a little boring. I probably would not use this book in a classroom unless I wanted to discuss the illustrations or theater work.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

My girls are obsessed with these books right now. Can you tell?

[Elanor]

All by herself!

[Twotwo]

ar 4.6

[Danny · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book I read to my unborn child.

[Kimmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angelina learned a sweet lesson in this charming story. We loved meeting her cousin Henry and the opportunity they each were given.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angelina is invited to join the grown - ups in a ballet. Her little cousin Henry joins her for her ballet lessons and is also asked to be in the ballet, only he makes a few mistakes, which turn out okay in the end.