A TAIL OF TWIRLS

A little cat discovers her inner dancer in this picture book by Once Upon A Dance.

In an alley in Pirouette Pines at night, Kit the cat finds her way into a mysterious building. As she moves through the space, which is decorated with dance posters, Kit meets a magical talking mirror who declares the feline a born dancer and begins to teach her ballet (“I thought there’d be more … twirling and tiaras,” Kit complains). Night after night, Kit returns for her lessons until finally the mirror declares she is ready to twirl. When Kit returns the next night, the mirror has disappeared. In its place: a mop and bucket. Kit begins to clean, and as she cleans, she dances; as she dances, other animals gather to watch. Kit vows to share what she’s learned and opens a dance school for all the residents of Pirouette Pines. Maris’ whimsical watercolor illustrations conjure the enchanted ambience of the moonlit purple night and the enigma of the abandoned dance studio. The narrative has a classic fairy-story feel, infusing Kit’s reality with the magical elements of the story. The prose has a musical quality and leans on the illustrations for elaboration—the hard work of rehearsing ballet fundamentals is expressed through a one-page montage showing Kit in various positions. The text includes illustrated and annotated ballet choreography, adding an interactive component for budding dancers.

A magical celebration of curiosity and commitment.