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A stunningly illustrated, lyrical story about hard work, determination, body positivity, and representation. Rita the bear has always wanted to be a ballerina. She begins taking ballet classes with Monsieur le Fox and practices every chance she gets. Her best friend, Wanda, dances with her, and together, they push each other to be the best they can be. When Monsieur le Fox announces that he''s holding auditions for the studio''s prima ballerina, Rita decides that she wants the part. But how can she be the prima ballerina when she doesn''t look like the other ballet dancers in her class? A stunningly illustrated, uplifting celebration of hard work, determination, body positivity, and representation.
About the author
Stephanie Stansbie has been a children’s book editor, and then an author, for most of her adult life. She adores editing and writing in equal measure and has always worked on illustrated books, where the art is as important as the word. The books she has written have been translated into more than 15 different languages. Stephanie lives in Oxford, England, and enjoys goofing around with her family and friends, going to the theater, and chocolate porridge.
From an early age, Wendy Warren has drawn, however in her early years, she always drew people wearing ballet shoes as she couldn't do feet very well. Wendy's colorful illustrations are inspired by the people, quirky architecture, and the natural landscape around her, infusing her work with a vibrant and whimsical quality that captures the imagination. She draws by hand, experimenting with watercolor pencil and crayon. Away from illustration, Wendy is passionate about growing things (mostly, it seems, to feed slugs!). She’s also very interested in food equality.
