Josephine Wants to Dance

Jackie French
Abrams Books for Young Readers (2006)
ISBN 9780810994317
Reviewed by Olivia Alejandre (age 4) for Reader Views (12/07)


Mom’s review / summary:
I love this book!  Not only does Josephine follow her dreams to be a ballerina, even though her brother continually tries to discourage her, but she does it through her OWN intuition and initiative!  She doesn’t wait for someone else to encourage her or help her find a creative solution to becoming a dancer.  She goes out and finds a way herself.  Wow!  Thank you Jackie French!

My daughter Olivia and I had read five new books and I asked her which one was her favorite – she pointed to this one.  She connected with the story AND the artwork – that’s relatively rare for someone of her age (she just turned 4).

I wish there was more background with the artwork, especially on the pages where Josephine danced on stage.  I was hoping that Olivia could get a visual of Josephine being on a stage in front of a crowd and not being scared.  She might remember that someday when she is in a recital or concert of some kind.  The artwork looked too similar from page to page (minor issue compared to all the positives of this book).

Olivia’s review:
“Josephine loves to dance.  ‘Don’t dance, Josephine!  Kangaroos don’t dance; they hop.’  Josephine still danced and she danced over her brother.  There was a ballet class going and ‘I am going to go to the ballet class.’  Josephine sneaked into the door and the girls in ballet class hurt their legs.  There’s a kangaroo dancing; that kangaroo can really do ballet.  And he makes a dress for Josephine and some slippers.  ‘Come out of there,’ said Josephine’s brother.  ‘No, I’m going to dance,’ said Josephine.  She can jump higher than anyone.  Last dance was from Josephine.”

Some quotes from Olivia about “Josephine Wants to Dance”:
“Is Josephine a rat?”

“Pretty.” (Josephine dancing)

“She has to try to dance because she’s never done it before.”  [Mom]: “And, what happens if she practices?” [Olivia]: “She gets better.  And, then her brother is dancing!  And, her brother doesn’t have to tell her that anymore.”

[Mom]:  “What do you think about someone telling you that you can’t do something?”
“Mean.”

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