Barefoot Book Of Ballet Stories Written with Jane Yolen Illustrated by Rebecca Guay Barefoot Books 2004 ISBN# 1841482293 ISBN# 1-84148264-1 (Available in US and British editions)

This book was tough to write. There was a lot of research to be done and it took a very long time to figure out exactly which ballets we would include. We didn't want to retell only sad stories. Once we had the list we wanted, we sent it into our editor and, as happens, she wanted different stories. So, we went back and forth until we had a complete list and we started to research and write. Of course, we had all agreed upon "Peter and the Wolf" which, once completely written, was tossed. These things happen.

Meanwhile, we were told the name of the illustrator and we visited her website and were thrilled with her work. This was going to be a gorgeous book! Later, we were told that there was a new illustrator found who would be even better for the book. We were worried, but when we found out the illustrator was Rebecca Guay--someone who my mother had wanted to work with--we were even more excited! Rebecca has not only done the most amazing illustrations (two of which we bought--Swan Lake's last page hangs in our living room and Shim Chung leaping from the boat is above my bed) but she has become a new friend since she lives in Amherst, MA, just 20 minutes from us.

Rebecca Guay, Jane Yolen, and Heidi Stemple at the Ballet Book Opening Party

Even more exciting news!
Amherst Ballet, a local ballet school, is staging a ballet May 28 and 29, 2005 based on our book! My mother and I will be doing on stage narration and all the sets and costumes are from Rebecca's illustrations. My daughter Maddison is dancing the role of a squid (yes! a squid!) in Shim Chung.

This is us and my daughter Maddison (in the purple sweater) with some of the other cast members of the ballet.

Top Row: Molly Stamell, Lydia Wileden, Soleil Sonoda, Irene Bright-Dumm, Choreographer Sam Kenney and Anna Caldwell
Middle Row: Kate Stamell, Sarah Cycon, Hannah Goodwin, Ann Quigley, Mariel Lugosch-Ecker, Marianne Wald, Sara Klugman and Marissa Hashizume
Bottom Row: Abby Odell, JY, Maddison Stemple-Piatt, Margaret Woodbridge (who plays Shim Chung), HEYS, Elizabeth Mealey and Aliya Cycon
Not in picture: Catherine Fair, Director of Amherst Ballet

I could not be any more excited about this!
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I will update information about the ballet as it comes.

What reviewers have said: "Guay's colorful illustrations will appeal to the most romantic dreams of any balletomane, emphasizing the brilliant colors, elaborate costumes and choreography usually associated with the ballets in performance. Overall, a wonderful book for school age children and up either to read or have read to them." -- A Fairy Tale Book Store (online)

"Lots of young girls dream of becoming ballerinas some day, and this book is packed with classic ballets that will take them to another world. You'll be enchanted by the stories of Swan Lake, Cinderella, The Nutcracker and more. This book also includes a brief history of classical ballet. The enchanting illustrations bring the ballets to life." -- Kidsbookshelf

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