The Bear Who Wanted to Dance
by Stephanie Stansbie
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date Oct 07 2025 | Archive Date Oct 08 2025
Publisher Spotlight | Tiger Tales
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Description
Rita the bear has always wanted to be a ballerina. She begins taking ballet classes with Monsieur le Fox and practices every chance she gets. Her best friend, Wanda, dances with her, and together, they push each other to be the best they can be.
When Monsieur le Fox announces that he's holding auditions for the studio's prima ballerina, Rita decides that she wants the part. But how can she be the prima ballerina when she doesn't look like the other ballet dancers in her class?
A stunningly illustrated, uplifting celebration of hard work, determination, body positivity, and representation.
Advance Praise
"A classic ballet story infused with themes of body positivity and the importance of seeing oneself reflected in art. " - Kirkus Reviews
"A classic ballet story infused with themes of body positivity and the importance of seeing oneself reflected in art. " - Kirkus Reviews
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781664300767 |
| PRICE | $18.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 32 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 12 members
Featured Reviews
Deanna V, Educator
This was a very sweet and inspiring book. It reminds us of no matter how different we are from stereotypes we can achieve the same goals. I will definitely be recommending this to all my fellow educators and friends
Aleisha G, Librarian
This book is so good! The artwork is absolutely stunning and really draws you in. This is a sweet story of working hard to achieve your dreams, even if it looks a little different for you than others. There is a great message about body-positivity. We will definitely purchase this title for our library. This will be a great storytime book!
Librarian 1848089
Precious! I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to use it in story time. The artwork is beautiful and the storyline is lovely. I loved the different approach the author took to body positivity. Who wouldn't want to read a book about a cute animals being ballerinas?! Thanks Netgalley!
Kristen T, Reviewer
Thanks to NetGalley and Publisher Spotlight for an advanced reading copy of The Bear Who Wanted to Dance in exchange for my honest opinion. This book will be released to retailers on October 7, 2025.
This book is just precious. It’s perfect for dreamers who want to read bigger paragraphs and are ready for independent reading. Students will love the beautiful illustrations and cheer for the bear to be the dancer she wants to be. I definitely want to buy this for my library, and for my daughter!
Kaitlyn O, Reviewer
A very sweet book about a bear ballerina accepting that her body is different from the other ballerinas, but becoming the prima ballerina anyway! This book is perfect for any young girl in dance, or even just in general. It has messages of body positivity, perseverance, and friendship. The illustrations are great as well. I would definitely read this book with my daughters.
Susan F, Reviewer
This was such a sweet story and delightful illustrations. Just heartwarming. Rita wants to be a ballerina. Then she starts to have doubts because she isn’t like the others. Her dance master and friends all encourage her. Highly recommend.
I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
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