BALLET SCHOOL

Few little girls have not dreamed of being ballerinas, but most don't know much about becoming one. In this well- designed and interesting book, from the new Crabapple starter series, children can read all about the National Ballet School of Canada and its students: how they apply, where they live, their classes and recreation. There are also some details about dance and technical terms, although there is no rhyme or reason to what is included here. The final pages of the book include preparing for performances and the performances themselves, as well as words of advice from three of the students to aspiring dancers. Crabtree's photos are very good, especially the ones of the children practicing at the barre or leaping in midair. A good but very basic book for young hopefuls from Kalman (A One Room School, not reviewed, etc.) and newcomer Gentile. (Glossary; index) (Nonfiction/Picture book. 5-8)