The Little Crooked Bookshelf

THE CRANKY BALLERINA
by Elise Gravel 

This week's pick is from Cottager Jamie Michalak.

What it's all about . . .
Ballet makes Ada cranky. No matter how hard she tries, she's the worst in Miss Pointy's class. But Ada discovers her awful moves in ballet are awesome in Mr. Chop's School of Karate.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . .
Subversive and sassy, THE CRANKY BALLERINA reassures kids that even if they're horrible at one activity, they might excel at another. 

My favorite line . . .

"Arabesques are grotesque."

My favorite illustration . . .

From THE CRANKY BALLERINA. Illustration copyright 2016 by Elise Gravel.

Why kids will love it . . .
THE CRANKY BALLERINA is a funny story about real feelings. Kids will relate to Ada and love her stuffed animal sidekick, who steals the show. 

Why grown-ups will love it . . .

For the same reason kids will. Every kid -- and grown-up -- has had their Ada moments.