by Laurel Snyder School Library Journal Gr 1-4-This tall, graceful picture book captures the artistic spirit, if not the entire biography, of one of the world's prima ballerinas. Pavlova's humble beginnings and early life in 19th-century tsarist Russia are merely hinted at, though spelled out more fully in an appended author's note. The spare, lyrical text instead offers imagery that is more poetic than concrete. For example, when the curtain rises on Pavlova: "She steps onto the stage alone./and sprouts white wings, a swan./She weaves the notes, the very air/into a story./Anna is a bird in flight,/a whim of wind and water./Quiet feathers in a big loud world./Anna is the swan." Morstad's artwork-done in ink, gouache, graphite, pencil, and crayon-is stylized and understated, with backdrops that suggest stage sets more than landscapes or domestic scenes. On nearly every page, the lithe and lovely figure of Pavlova appears, usually in motion, always the embodiment of beauty and grace. Even her illness and death are presented in a dramatic, theatrical manner-fitting somehow for someone who lived and breathed the stage. VERDICT An enchanting glimpse of a dancer whose name has come to be synonymous with her most famous role.-Luann Toth, School Library Journal © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. (c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Book list The daughter of a laundress, young Anna Pavlova had few opportunities to see ballet, but they were enough to fill her with wonder and an unwavering longing to dance. Written in spare, evocative text, the narrative follows Anna's life as she studies at the Imperial Ballet School, becomes a beloved famous dancer, and travels the world to share her love of ballet. The graceful illustrations illuminate the text and capture Pavlova's essence beautifully. Simple line drawings evoke an earlier age, and Morstad deftly uses fine details to capture the time period. Thoughtful palette choices mirror tone and setting: the bright colors of India, the drab surroundings of her childhood apartment, and the rich but subdued curtains of the stage. The author takes special care to emphasize Anna's belief that hard work is the foundation of success, but also that ballet was for everyone, not just the elite. The author's note sheds light on Pavlova's motivation and includes fascinating tidbits about dancers' lives in Russia. A short bibliography is also included.--Hayes, Summer Copyright 2016 Booklist From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission. Publishers Weekly In spare, verselike prose, Snyder follows the life of Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova from her artistic awakening as a dancer to the height of her fame and her death in 1931. Morstad gives Pavlova the grace of a porcelain doll, whether she is dancing as she hangs clothing on a line ("Shirt, shirt, laundry./ Shirt, shirt, laundry"), honing her craft after being admitted to the Imperial Ballet School, or performing her signature role in The Dying Swan. Snyder emphasizes Pavlova's determination and hard work throughout, as well as her belief that "ballet was for everyone" ("When people throw flowers, Anna tosses them back"). An author's note expands on biographical details hinted at in this tender, delicate recounting. Ages 5-8. Author's agent: Tina Wexler, ICM. Illustrator's agent: Emily van Beek, Folio Literary Management. (Aug.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved |
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