THE LITTLE DANCERS: SHOWTIME!

Five little children sparkle at their dance-class recital.

When their teacher announces that the class will perform at “the Butterfly Ball,” the four girls and one boy are all excited—except for Rosa, who is the youngest and who has had “less practice.” The others are extremely helpful to her, and all work diligently on their whirling and twirling and balancing. When the roles are assigned, Rosa is upset because she will be a glowworm—not a butterfly. Ollie, the one boy in the group, teases her, but she is reassured by the teacher that it is a very important part. Over a dinner of spaghetti and meatballs, Grandma shares a story from her childhood that makes Rosa laugh and feel so much better. A gift of a glowworm from one of her fellow dancers adds to her happiness. The recital is perfect, and Rosa, the glowworm “steals the show.” Macdonald’s little story is filled to the brim with camaraderie, albeit laced with a small amount of teasing. Practice and cooperation are as important as actual dancing ability. Sutcliffe’s hand-drawn and digitally colored illustrations are adequate to the text. Rosa presents white, as does one other girl; Ollie and the other two girls are children of color.

Dance is a team sport in a narrative that is serviceable but not inspirational.