Ready for the Spotlight!

By Jaime Kim

An exuberant and relatable picture book about sibling rivalry, ballet, and finding your free-form self.

Confidence goes a long way, and so does practice – but the support of a loving family and community matters even more in this winsome tale of dancing your way into your own unique talents. Tessie has taken ballet for a whole month and thinks she has it down. If it weren’t for her big sister, Maya, who seems to own the spotlight, Tessie would dazzle the whole class. But when Maya lands the lead – and the coveted princess crown – in the upcoming show, not even freestyle dancing can fully rescue Tessie’s spirits. But maybe they each have something to teach and the spotlight is big enough for two? Jaime Kim’s author-illustrator debut captures the shifting emotions of competition, sisterhood, and joy in movement with warmth, charm, and a deliciously bright palette.

Categories: Picture Books

For readers aged: 3+

Publication details:
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781529503487
Published: 03 Aug 2023
Price: £12.99

Size: 240 x 270 mm
Pages: 40

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Customer reviews

Reviews

'Bright watercolor and digital art centers mercurial Tessie’s reactions to great effect, adding wonderfully wrought physical humor to this refreshing tale of perseverance, growth, and tender sibling bonds.' Publishers Weekly

'Kim’s accessible illustrations set a colorful stage for a sweet social-emotional story. With her spiky pageboy, distinct frown, and downturned black eyebrows, Tessie’s emotions take center stage in a familiar and recognizable way. . . An adorable exploration of jealousy.' Kirkus Reviews

'A relatable story. . . Kim has mastered the furrowed-brow pout, and her use of light (from stage spotlights to sunshine) and shadowed silhouettes to underscore emotions is effectively implemented. . . [the story] offers a positive example of collaboration and communication to resolve tension between siblings. Children will feel seen by this book.' Booklist

'There’s plenty of humorous snark in Tessie’s grumpy narration, and her jealousy of and annoyance with Maya ring with authenticity. . . Readers struggling with sibling rivalry or just the weight of their own expectations will appreciate Tessie’s ability to let loose and have fun.' The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

'The genesis of Jaime Kim’s funny and understanding book about sharing the spotlight is clear from the author photo on the book flap — of her and her stormy-faced little sister in the aftermath of a dance recital.' The Virginian-Pilot

'Featured in an article, 'READ TO ME: Ballet princess cleverly eases envy of little sister too clumsy for crown'' The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

'Throughout this tale of personal growth, jealousy and tender sibling bonds, it’s Tessie and her emotions that take centre stage in Jaime Kim’s splendidly expressive illustrations.' Red Reading Hub

'I strongly recommend this upbeat picture book story that shows how problems can be resolved amicably plus the importance of positive sibling relationships. It should encourage plenty of discussion about how different people have a range of skills and how they can all be admired and shared.' The Letterpress Project

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