Book Review: Grand Jete and Me by Allegra Kent an Robin Preiss-Glassner

Grand Jeté and Me
written by Allegra Kent with art by Robin Preiss-Glassner (jP Kent)

Not having kids of my own, I don’t often read juvenile picture books. But sometimes, the art on one of them is so compelling that I can’t help but indulge. That was the case with Grand Jeté and Me.

 

This gorgeous picture book was written by Allegra Kent, who danced for 30 years as a prima ballerina with the New York City Ballet. The illustrations are by Robin Preiss Glasser, the artist responsible for the incredibly popular series of “Fancy Nancy” picture books.

 

A(n unnamed) young girl is dropped off by her mother for a day out with her grandmother, whom she calls Grand Jeté — since the grandmother was a former prima ballerina. Grand Jeté and granddaughter fix lunch, get dressed up, and head out of her apartment to attend a performance of “The Nutcracker” at the New York City Ballet. At every step along the way, they use ballet movements, which Grand Jete explains to the granddaughter, and during the ballet, the granddaughter narrates the plot of The Nutcracker for us, the reader.

Grand Jeté and Me is a truly beautiful book, and the love between the characters shines through Glasser’s illustrations. Kent’s simple, yet effective, explanations for complex ballet terminology make this an excellent introduction to the world of classical dance for young readers. I really loved this book, and I highly recommend it for both ballet fans and for those looking for charming stories of grandparents and grandkids interacting!

 

(If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor, with illustrations by Robin Preiss Glasser, or Allegra Kent’s earlier picture books (with other artists), Ballerina Swan and Ballerina Gets Ready.)

 

( publisher’s official Grand Jete and Me web page ) | ( Allegra Kent page on Wikipedia ) | ( Robin Preiss-Glassner page on Wikipedia )

 

Recommended by Scott C.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Service

 

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