A Mighty Girl's top picks of picture books about girls who love to dance!
For many Mighty Girls, nothing is more fun than moving to music! Maybe she takes formal ballet lessons, or maybe she and her family just take joy in putting on their favorite tunes and dancing together for fun. Either way, a love of dance is a great way to get exercise, have fun, and express your creativity!
If you have a child who loves to step, twirl, plie, and more, in this blog post, we've put together a collection of our favorite picture books starring dance-loving Mighty Girls that are sure to inspire and delight dancers of all ages!
For books about real-life women dancers for children and teens, visit our Creative Arts book section.
Mighty Girl Picture Books About Dancers
Baby Dance
Baby Dance
"Dance, little baby, / move to and fro / Coo and crow, baby, / there you go." Who would have thought a nineteenth-century poem would capture the joy of moving with baby so perfectly? When Mama falls asleep on the sofa, it's an opportunity for Dad and his little girl to have a swooping, twirling dance, just the two of them. This energetic book is perfect for reading aloud... or dancing to!
Do Princesses Boogie? A Read-and-Dance Book
Do Princesses Boogie? A Read-and-Dance Book
Hop, wiggle, clap, and boogie! Carmela LaVigna Coyle's irrepressible princess from Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? is back to dance and jam with her family through an ordinary day. With a little fun, a good beat, and a positive attitude, you can dance through anything you have to do! This fun, rhythmic read-aloud will have you and your Mighty Girl dancing along.
Kitchen Dance
Kitchen Dance
When this little girl wakes up at night, she hears enticing noises from downstairs. Soon, she and her brother are sneaking downstairs, only to spot their mother and father singing and dancing as they clean up the kitchen: "¡Como te quiero! Oh, how I love you!" When the parents spot their children, they quickly sweep both kids up into a joyous, loving dance... one that slowly changes into a lullaby that rocks both children to sleep. This exuberant celebration of a family dancing together is sure to delight young readers.
Flora and the Flamingo
Flora and the Flamingo
The little girl in this wordless picture book has a remarkable interaction with a flamingo! Flora's slightly awkward attempts to imitate the graceful flamingo irritate the bird, who squawks angrily, leaving Flora sulking and upset. Fortunately, friendship triumphs in the end as the flamingo urges her to join their dance again — with a grand finale of a cannonball into the pool! Interactive flaps make this book a fun and creative option for story time. For more books featuring Flora and various avian friends, check out Flora and the Penguin, Flora and the Peacocks, and the board book Flora and the Ostrich: An Opposites Book.
Ready for the Spotlight!
Ready for the Spotlight!
Tessie has been taking ballet "for a whole month now" and she just knows she's best in the class. She especially excels during the freestyle portion of the class! But her older sister Maya always seems to be the one in the spotlight — and that especially stings when Maya lands the lead in the fall recital (which comes with a princess crown), while Tessie will have to be a bumblebee. "My shoes were slippery," Tessie grumbles. "And my tutu felt so heavy. I’m sure that’s why I couldn’t keep my balance." Fortunately, Maya is there to remind Tessie that "you don’t need a crown to be a good dancer" — and the two sisters work together to ensure both can shine. With its bright colors and authentic story of jealousy and sisterhood, this charming picture book is a celebration of the joy dance can bring, in all its forms.
Thunderstorm Dancing
Thunderstorm Dancing
When a day at the beach turns into a thunderstorm, this little girl's family knows how to make the best of it! Her daddy is wild as the wind, her brother is slow and steady as the clouds, her poppy's steps rumble like thunder, and Granny's raucous piano playing helps the whole family fill the house with stomping and crashing — and her grinning face is sunny like the sky when the storm finally breaks. This energetic and imaginative story is sure to get everyone's toes tapping the next time they hear thunder in the distance.
Bedtime Ballet
Bedtime Ballet
"Two satin slippers with bunny-ear toes and stripy pajamas are dreamy dance clothes..." This ballet-loving girl has an extra-special way to get ready for bed! First, she and her stuffed bunny will dance together in the backyard, as the crickets and frogs form the orchestra while birds, bugs, and flowers join her in the dance. Then, with a glissé here and a jeté there, she brushes her teeth, says goodnight to her Mama and her brother, and gets a final tuck-in from her beloved Papa. With playful rhymes that incorporate real ballet terminology, this is a charming celebration of dance and of taking the bedtime routine and making it a little more fun — and all your own.
Amy Wu and the Ribbon Dance
Amy Wu and the Ribbon Dance
Amy Wu just can't stay still when she hears music: she needs to wiggle, or shimmy, or tap her toes! Then she sees Chinese ribbon dancing for the first time and she's absolutely captivated: she has to learn it too! But a ribbon dance needs an extra special ribbon, and the ones Amy has just don't feel right. It's not long before she's discouraged, and even stops dancing altogether. Fortunately Mom has a special story that reminds Amy of something important: "Maybe the most important thing isn't dancing ribbons. Maybe the most important thing is just to dance." Fans of Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao will love this charming, colorful book that celebrates a love of dance — and the importance of perseverance.
Meet Angelina Ballerina
Meet Angelina Ballerina
Angelina Ballerina wakes up every morning and starts dancing — she pliés in her bedroom and twirls in the kitchen (until her mother tells her to be careful!) And today she's extra excited: Her hometown of Chipping Cheddar is about to have its annual summer festival, where the Royal Ballet is performing. She's so excited that she bumps her neighbor, Mrs. Hodgepodge — who is NOT a fan of dancing — on her way to ballet school. As Angelina dances through Chipping Cheddar, young readers will meet all of her friends, family, and dance teachers... and maybe even Mrs. Hodgepodge will get won over. This 8X8 storybook with a sparkly cover is the perfect gift for Angelina's fans — or ballerinas of all ages.
I Will Dance
I Will Dance
Eva dreams of dancing — but she has cerebral palsy, and she has never seen a dancer in a wheelchair. Then one day, she learns about a dance company which promises lessons for "all abilities." Although Eva is hesitant when she first arrives, she's delighted to see dancers of all sorts, including those using canes, walkers, and prosthetic limbs — and with time, she realizes that she really can be a dancer! This exuberant picture book, which includes a note from the executive director of the real-life Young Dance company, celebrates a love of dance and the impact of inclusion on kids with disabilities.
Parker Shines On
Parker Shines On
After being inspired by a portrait of Michelle Obama in Parker Looks Up, the dance-loving girl is now getting to start ballet classes! But she finds some of the moves tricky, and a new student, Mira, seems to be able to pull them off with ease. To reassure herself, Parker looks up at the posters of famous Black ballerinas — and to improve, she practices non-stop (even when she gets interrupted by her younger siblings.) But on the day of the recital, Mira gets a bad bout of stage fright. Fortunately, Parker knows just how to ensure she and Mira can both shine! This uplifting story is a celebration of friendship, dance, and kindness.
Lena's Slippers
Lena's Slippers
Lena loves to dance, but when her teacher announces the dancers need a new costume for a recital, she's worried. She's sure her parents can't afford it: in her home in communist Romania, there are long lines even for basic necessities. Her mother manages to find yellow fabric for the skirt (even if it's not quite the right yellow), but the only slippers they can find are hand-me downs that are brown, not white like Mrs. Pascu wants. As she struggles to find a solution, though, Lena will discover that, slippers or no slippers, what you do is most important of all. Based on an experience from the author's childhood, young dancers will feel for Lena as she worries about getting her costume just right, and leap for joy along with her as her passion for performing shines through.
Waltz of the Snowflakes
Waltz of the Snowflakes
It's a grey, dreary day when this little girl's grandmother arrives to take her on a special outing to see "The Nutcracker" — and the granddaughter isn't thrilled. She doesn't want to wear her scratchy, formal clothes, and she's sure the ballet will be boring... as is the equally fidgety, skeptical little boy sitting next to her. But when the curtains rise, the magic of the theater takes over, and by the time the show is done, she's made a new friend — and discovered a new passion. In this wordless picture book, author / illustrator Elly MacKay's cut-paper illustrations burst into vibrant color when the dance begins, capturing the amazing moment that a dance-lover is born.
This Is It
This Is It
A young girl adores dancing — but jitters about her upcoming audition have taken all the pleasure out of it. As she stands at the door to the theater, though, something magical happens: her shadow comes to life! Soon, it's leading her on an exploration of her city — leaping and twirling all the way. Through her journey, she rediscovers her confidence and her joy, and she returns ready to take her place on the stage. Many girls will recognize themselves in the awkward and anxious main character, who realizes that a dose of courage and confidence leads to great things.
Ruby Rose: Off to School She Goes
Ruby Rose: Off to School She Goes
Ruby Rose dances wherever she goes — she even belly-dances while she brushes her teeth! At school, her dancing can get a bit disruptive: her pirouettes and arabesques in art class splatter paint everywhere, and when she enlists her classmates in a line dance, things get completely out of hand. When her teacher finally gets her to sit still, Ruby is horrified to hear that there is no time for dancing at school...but an accident makes sure that the whole class, including the teacher, gets moving anyway. Full of silly humor and exaggerated fun, dance-loving kids will love trying to predict how Ruby Rose's bursts of movement will affect her prim and proper classroom.
Zombelina
Zombelina
Zombelina's love of dance is appreciated by her friends and family — but when she joins a ballet class for real girls, a bout of stage fright leaves her onstage moaning and staggering like, well, a zombie... and scares away most of the audience. Those who are left, though, are the ones who appreciate exactly who Zombelina is. This lovely story of family — with just a hint of spooky atmosphere — is sure to please! Fans of Zombelina will also want to check out Vampirina Ballerina for ages 4 to 8, which features a dance-loving vampire.
Grand Jeté and Me
Grand Jeté and Me
This little girl adores her grandmother, a former prima ballerina; in fact, instead of calling her Nana, or Grandma, or Abuela, she calls her Grand Jeté, like the ballet move! Today, she's joining Grand Jeté to prepare for a very special outing. They'll practice their pliés (while making lunch), dress up to look their best, and go to a production of The Nutcracker together. They even get to throw a bouquet of flowers to the prima ballerina who dances the Sugar Plum Fairy! And when the girl admires the ballerina onstage, Grand Jeté encourages her to dream big: "I was just like her, my darling," she says. "And someday you might be too." This charming picture book from former prima ballerina Allegra Kent and bestselling Fancy Nancy illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser celebrates a love of dance and a special grandmother-granddaughter relationship.
Gloria's Promise: A Ballet Dancer's First Step
Gloria's Promise: A Ballet Dancer's First Step
Young dancer Gloria has a very important audition today: the chance to be part of the summer program at the American Ballet Theatre! "You’ve got this," she tells herself, and looks wide-eyed at the room full of professional dancers getting ready. She watches the demonstration of the steps carefully, but she ends up falling — right in front of the teacher! She's tearful, but determined, and asks if she can try again. Still, as she waits for a letter with her results, she can't help but wonder... is her determination enough? Any dance-loving kid who's faced the anxiety of auditions will relate to this charming book by bestselling Fancy Nancy illustrator — and former professional ballet soloist — Robin Preiss Glasser.
The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker
For many Mighty Girls, a Christmas viewing of The Nutcracker is what starts their passion for ballet. This picture book version of the story follows Marie (who is renamed Clara in the ballet version) on her adventures with the nutcracker turned soldier. The simplified story is perfect for reading aloud, either before watching the ballet or to relive the magic afterwards, and Susan Jeffers' beautiful watercolor illustrations are vibrant and striking. She'll be imagining herself dancing one of the roles in no time!
Tallulah's Tutu
Tallulah's Tutu
Dance lessons can teach a lot more than technique! Tallulah dreams of wearing her very own tutu, so she starts ballet class, but when two lessons go by and she still hasn't received one, she challenges her teacher, who tells her that a tutu is something you earn with practice. Impatient, Tallulah quits... but it's easier to leave class than to leave behind her love of dance. Soon, she realizes that dancing is about far more than a tutu. Fans of this book will also want to check out the other Tallulah books, including Tallulah's Nutcracker, Tallulah's Tap Shoes, Tallulah's Solo, and Tallulah's Toe Shoes.
My Mama Had A Dancing Heart
My Mama Had A Dancing Heart
A grown woman remembers how she and her mother used to welcome the change of every season: with a wild, exuberant, outdoor dance! From spring meadows to summer beaches, fall orchards to winter snow, their dance together celebrated the beauties of nature, the power of a joyful life, and the love they had for one another. Today, the woman — a ballerina about to go one stage — says another thank you to the mother who gave her a dancing heart. With elegant text and evocative illustrations, this tribute to a mother-daughter tradition might just inspire you to start your own.
Dancing in the Wings
Dancing in the Wings
Sassy loves ballet more than anything, but she worries that her large feet, her long legs, or her big mouth will keep her from reaching her dream. When a famous director visits Sassy’s class, looking for talent for a dance festival, she tries to get his attention by wearing a vibrant leotard and leaping as high as she can. Soon, Sassy learns that, sometimes, it’s good to stand out from the crowd. Inspired by Debbie Allen’s own experiences as a young dancer, this story encourages empathy, but also captures the joy a dancer who finds her own way to soar.
Frances Dean Who Loved to Dance and Dance
Frances Dean Who Loved to Dance and Dance
Frances Dean loves to dance everywhere she goes — from the movement of the wind to the singing of birds, everything inspires her to move! But when other people are around, her knees get shaky, her stomach trembles, and her feet feel like lead. One day, though, while dancing with the birds, she stumbles across another little girl, whose singing lifts her heart. Maybe, she realizes, if she can share her love of dance, she can also inspire the people around her. With spare text and endearing illustrations, this story reminds girls that their joy in movement can be infectious!
Brontorina
Brontorina
When Brontorina Apatosaurus shows up at Madame Lucille's dance studio, dreaming of being a ballerina, all people can see are the problems: she's too big to fit in the studio, and she doesn't even have the right shoes! Two of her students urge Madame Lucille to give it a try, but it seems like the skeptics were right: Brontorina is graceful, but every time she leaps she crashes into the ceiling. Fortunately, Madame Lucille realizes that the problem isn't that Brontorina is too big: it's that the studio is too small! A bit of hunting later, and Madame Lucille's Dance Academy for Girls and Boys and Dinosaurs is open for business. This delightful story celebrates ingenuity, and also carries a strong message of body positivity.
Deer Dancer
Deer Dancer
The little girl is struggling with ballet class, and she desperately wants to become a better dancer. So she sneaks off to a peaceful clearing to practice where no one can see her. She tries to remember her teacher's advice to hold her head as if she was wearing antlers, and she even sticks a few branches in her hair to help. And then, a deer steps into the clearing too, and together, the girl and the dancer leap and gambol around the meadow. Even once the deer leaves, the girl dances, newly inspired. Full of evocative artwork, this book celebrates the beauty that exists in the great outdoors — and within all of us.
Jingle Dancer
Jingle Dancer
After seeing a video of Grandmother Wolfe jingle dancing, Jenna, a Muscogee girl, wants to continue her family’s tradition at the upcoming powwow. But how can she get enough jingles for her dress? By taking a few jingles from dresses belonging to a neighbor and several of her relatives, Jenna is able to sew a dress that will jingle properly. Grandmother helps her practice, and at the powwow, Jenna represents all four women who shared parts of their dresses and their memories with an eager young girl. This book not only celebrates not only the joy of dancing, but also the pride of continuing family and cultural traditions.
Suki's Kimono
Suki's Kimono
Suki's grandmother visited her over the summer, and she brought a special gift: a blue cotton kimono. On the first day of school, Suki wears her precious kimono to school, and when her teacher asks what she did over the summer, she decides to tell the story of joining a circle dance with her obachan at a local street festival. In fact, she gets so caught up in the story that, soon, she's humming the music and dancing away! This story of an exuberant little girl who literally dances to her own drummer is also a great way to celebrate how our differences make our world richer.
Bunheads
Bunheads
Young Misty has just started taking ballet classes when her teacher introduces the class to the story of Coppélia, a ballet about a toymaker with a plot to bring a doll to life — and she is captivated. She's desperate to play the heroine, Swanilda, but she's just beginning to learn dance, so she's worried she won't be up to standard in time for auditions. Fortunately, with the help of her fellow "bunhead" dancers, Misty and her class put on an amazing show! The first in a series of picture books by prima ballerina and New York Times bestselling author Misty Copeland about her early experiences with ballet, this charming story celebrates dance and the courage it takes to take on a new challenge.
Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina
Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina
When Sylvia Townsend saw Swan Lake on TV, she was captivated. She borrowed books about dance from the bookmobile and taught herself — and picked the skills up so quickly that she started teaching other kids, too! When her fourth grade teacher offered to pay for lessons, Sylvia discovered another, unexpected obstacle: in the 1950s, dance studios won't teach an African American girl. But eventually, Sylvia found a teacher who did appreciate her talent — and she grew up to teach other children who are ready to fly! This inspiring picture book biography is a celebration of dance and determination — and a reminder of the value of libraries.
Firebird
Firebird
A young ballerina looks up at her idol and despairs: how can she ever hope to achieve such heights? But her idol speaks back to her, telling her about the thousands of hours of practice that it took to become the Firebird — and the dreams that every generation inspires in the next. Ballerina Misty Copeland's lyrical text is dreamy and poetic, while Christopher Myers' vivid and dynamic illustrations capture the combination of power and serenity in ballet. The book includes an author's note about Copeland's ballet journey, as well as her desire to provide diverse role models for girls.
Additional Recommended Resources
- For even more books about Mighty Girl dancers, visit our Dance Collection.
- For books celebrating creative Mighty Girls, visit our Creativity & Imagination Collection.
