10+ Best Ballerina Books for 5-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect bedtime story or a new favorite read for your little dancer? Look no further! Our curated selection of Ballerina Books for 5-Year-Olds is filled with magical tales that will twirl them into a world of dance and dreams. Whether your child is a budding ballerina or just loves a good story, these books are sure to keep their imaginations pirouetting. Keep reading to discover our top picks!

Fun Ballerina Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Tallulah's Tutu by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Dance
  • Synopsis: Tallulah is determined to earn a tutu through her ballet classes, but she learns that there's more to ballet than just getting the right attire.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming story that teaches patience and perseverance, ideal for young readers beginning to explore their interests and passions.
  • Perfect for: Young dancers and any child learning the value of dedication and patience.

• Miss Lina's Ballerinas by Grace Maccarone, illustrated by Christine Davenier
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Rhyming Book
  • Synopsis: This book follows Miss Lina’s eight ballerinas who learn to dance in harmony and embrace teamwork when new students join their class.
  • Why we recommend this book: The rhyming text and lively illustrations make reading fun, encouraging young readers to enjoy the rhythm of language.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy rhythmic stories and are learning about teamwork and inclusivity.

• Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Holabird, illustrated by Helen Craig
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Angelina loves to dance and dreams of becoming a prima ballerina, though her enthusiasm sometimes gets her into trouble.
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires children to follow their dreams and shows them that hard work pays off, all wrapped up in delightful, engaging stories.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young dancers and dreamers, and anyone who enjoys stories of ambition and achievement.

• Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: Sassy worries that her large feet and long legs are too much for ballet, but she learns to appreciate her unique qualities and shines in a summer dance festival.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book promotes self-confidence and body positivity, important themes for young readers learning to love themselves as they are.
  • Perfect for: Kids who need a confidence boost and those interested in stories about overcoming personal insecurities with positivity and grace.

• Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Three orphaned sisters, Pauline, Petrova, and Posy, adopted by an eccentric explorer, enroll in a dance and stage school to pursue their individual dreams.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless tale that encourages pursuing one's passions and talents, offering a mix of adventure and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love classic tales with strong, relatable characters and those interested in the performing arts.

Educational Ballerina Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Ella Bella Ballerina and Cinderella by James Mayhew
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Ella Bella attends Madame Rosa’s ballet class and finds herself dancing through the story of Cinderella, learning lessons about kindness and bravery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of classic fairy tales, empathy, and the basics of ballet
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively combines the magic of ballet and fairy tales, making it a captivating read for young children.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fairy tales and dancing.

• Brontorina by James Howe, illustrated by Randy Cecil
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: Brontorina is a dinosaur who dreams of being a ballerina, but she is too big for the dance studio. Her determination leads to an inclusive solution.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Inclusivity, problem-solving, and following dreams despite obstacles
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children that everyone has a place in the arts, regardless of their size or shape.
  • Perfect for: Children who feel out of place and those who enjoy stories of perseverance and inclusion.

• Lili at Ballet by Rachel Isadora
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Lili loves ballet and this book follows her experiences at ballet class, from warming up to performing.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of ballet class structure, discipline in learning an art form
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a realistic look at the life of a young ballet student, inspiring diligence and passion for the art.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young dancers and those interested in what happens in a ballet class.

• Vampirina Ballerina by Anne Marie Pace, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A young vampire girl wants to become a ballerina but faces unique challenges, such as dancing without casting a reflection.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, overcoming unusual challenges, embracing one's uniqueness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun twist on the typical ballet book, encouraging kids to embrace their differences.
  • Perfect for: Children who feel different and anyone who enjoys a good story about self-acceptance and determination.

• The Only Boy in Ballet Class by Denise Gruska, illustrated by Amy Wummer
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Social Themes
  • Synopsis: Tucker loves to dance more than anything, but he struggles with being the only boy in his ballet class and the teasing that comes with it.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, resilience, breaking gender stereotypes
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses gender stereotypes in activities and supports the idea that ballet is for everyone.
  • Perfect for: Boys who dance, anyone challenging gender norms, and supporters of inclusive activities.

Challenging Ballerina Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Ballerina Dreams by Ann Bryant, illustrated by Salvatore Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This story follows Rosie, a young girl with a disability who dreams of becoming a ballerina despite the challenges she faces.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces themes of disability and perseverance, encouraging young readers to think deeply about resilience and inclusivity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a powerful message about following your dreams no matter the obstacles, and it promotes empathy and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Young readers facing their own challenges, and anyone interested in stories about overcoming adversity with courage.

• Sophie's Ballet Show by Angela Kanter, illustrated by Helen Craig
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Sophie is preparing for her first ballet show, dealing with stage fright and the excitement of performing.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book deals with the emotional complexity of performing arts, including overcoming fear and gaining confidence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It realistically portrays the nerves and triumphs of performing, which can help children understand and manage their own anxieties.
  • Perfect for: Young performers and any child who needs encouragement to face their fears.

• Magic in the Mix by Annie Barrows
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Miri and Molly are twin sisters who find themselves whisked away to a magical ballet academy where their dancing skills can save a fantastical kingdom.
  • Why this book is challenging: It blends complex fantasy elements with the discipline of ballet, providing a rich narrative that challenges the imagination.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the allure of fantasy with the beauty of ballet, engaging young readers with a compelling adventure and dynamic characters.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and adventure, as well as those interested in ballet.

• The Ballet Book by Darcey Bussell
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This detailed guide, written by a former principal dancer of the Royal Ballet, teaches about the history, techniques, and performances of ballet.
  • Why this book is challenging: It offers in-depth information that goes beyond a simple story, including technical terms and historical context.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's educational and inspiring, providing a thorough insight into the world of ballet, ideal for budding dancers who are serious about learning the art.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring dancers and young readers with a keen interest in the technical and historical aspects of ballet.

• A Dance of Sisters by Tracey Porter
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: Delia and Pearl are sisters who attend the same ballet school but experience it in very different ways, exploring their relationship and individual paths in dance.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores complex family dynamics and personal growth through the lens of ballet, offering a deeper emotional and psychological exploration.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a poignant look at sibling relationships and personal development, wrapped in the context of dance.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy family stories and those who appreciate a deeper look into personal and emotional challenges.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your little one develop good reading habits while enjoying some enchanting ballerina books, you're in the right place. Here are some fun and effective exercises designed specifically for 5-year-olds. These will not only enhance their reading skills but also deepen their love for stories about twirling, leaping ballerinas.

• Read and Act
  • What it is: Read a ballerina book and then act out a favorite scene.
  • How it helps: This exercise helps children connect physically with the story, enhancing comprehension and retention.
  • Tips: Keep props handy like a makeshift tutu or a toy tiara to make the acting more fun and engaging.

• Picture Reading
  • What it is: Look at the pictures and tell a story before reading the text.
  • How it helps: Encourages imagination and helps kids make connections between images and words.
  • Tips: Ask questions about the pictures to guide the child’s storytelling.

• Dance to the Words
  • What it is: Create a simple dance routine based on the events of the book.
  • How it helps: Integrates physical activity with reading, making the experience memorable and fun.
  • Tips: Use music that fits the theme of the story to make the dancing more exciting.

• Character Interview
  • What it is: Pretend to interview the main character of the book.
  • How it helps: Develops empathy and deeper understanding of the character’s motivations and feelings.
  • Tips: Prepare funny and thoughtful questions in advance to make the interview more engaging.

• Story Sequencing
  • What it is: Cut out pictures from the book or draw scenes, and arrange them in order.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding the sequence of events and logical reasoning.
  • Tips: Mix up the pictures and let your child figure out the correct order as a puzzle.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a dynamic and interactive experience. Ballerina books are perfect for these activities, as they come with beautiful illustrations and stories that naturally lend themselves to movement and imagination. So, grab your favorite ballerina book and let the fun begin!