Zuri Ray Tries Ballet
By (Author) Tami Charles
Illustrated by Sharon Sordo
HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Quill Tree Books
1st December 2021
United States
Children
Fiction
Childrens / Teenage general interest: Dance, ballet
Childrens / Teenage general interest: Communities, places and peoples
Childrens / Teenage personal and social topics: Self-awareness and self-esteem
Childrens / Teenage personal and social topics: First / new experiences and life
813.6
40
Width 229mm, Height 279mm
417g
From New York Times bestselling author Tami Charles and rising star illustrator Sharon Sordo comes the first book in a charming picture book series about a fun, spunky girl with a huge heart!
Meet Zuri Ray. Shes always willing to go the extra mile for family and friends and is up for any challenge. At least, that was before her best friend, Jessie, asked her to join a ballet camp.
Now Zuri isnt sure if shes up for everything. While Jessie cant wait to chass and pli while wearing tight hair buns and frilly tutus, that doesnt sound like Zuri at all! But she cant let her friend down. Maybe classical ballet just needs a new spin . . .
Perfect for fans of Fancy Nancy and Fresh Princess, Zuri Ray Tries Ballet encourages kids to follow their hearts and stay true to themselves!
"This sweet picture book is a fun departure from the typical ballet story. Sordos bright, busy illustrations express the characters personalities and moods with energy and pizzazz.A refreshing celebration of individuality, friendship, and exploration." Kirkus Reviews(starred review) Radiating warmth and care, readers will adore the vividly animated characters and feel encouraged by Zuri Ray and her example of finding compassion for herself and practicing honesty in friendship. A wonderful addition to any collection. School Library Journal (starred review) "Its nice to see a variation on the traditional ballet take, one that resolves into a gentle comedy of fearless girlhood and friendship." Publishers Weekly "Get ready for a hilarious adventure with a memorable best-friend duo...This work is a great choice for units on friendship, managing conflict, and learning concepts related to personal interests and hobbies." Booklist
Tami Charles is a former teacher and full-time author of picture books, nonfiction, middle grade, and young adult novels such as Freedom Soup, Like Vanessa, and Fearless Mary. As a teacher, she made it her mission to introduce her students to all types of literature, particularly diverse books. Doing so reignited Tami's passion for writing and childhood dream of becoming an author. She lives in New Jersey. Sharon Sordo is an illustrator, cat hugger, and expert soup maker. As a Mexican girl growing up in America, Sharon found it difficult to relate to the many character designs and children's books available. Since then, she strives to represent different cultural backgrounds through her art. Sharon is the illustrator of the Ana & Andrew series with a small, private publisher as well as the picture book, My Food, Your Food, Our Food, with Capstone. She lives in San Diego, CA.