Product Description

James the beagle was a real dog. His master and mistress worked with the National Ballet of Canada, and between 1961 and 1972 he went with them to the studio, the rehearsal hall, and the theater where the dancers performed. Perhaps this is what James dreamed about when he lay quietly on the floor, his eyes fastened on the twirling dancers.

From puppyhood James wanted to dance. Now, he certainly helped the dancers. He practiced their lifts with them. He helped them keep their figures trim by sharing their lunches. He allowed himself to be patted as a good luck talisman before the dancers went on stage. But this was not enough for James. In his heart he longed to be a dancer himself, to soar across the stage, the spotlight on him.

One day the notice is posted that the company is to perform Giselle. The ballet includes a meaty role for a hunting dog, and James is sure that his moment has come. But the role goes instead to a long-legged wolfhound. James is left out in the cold. That is, until the wolfhound gets stage fright.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1006374 in Books
• Published on: 2004-10-12
• Released on: 2004-10-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 24 pages

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3–Dogs can have big dreams, too. Not just doggie dreams of slow, fat cats, but of a grander life. And so it is with James. His parents go to the ballet company each day. So does James. The dancers practice their moves. So does James. Maybe some don't recognize that he has a dancer's soul, but he is not deterred from his goal. He wants to perform in the spotlight. When a wolfhound is chosen for the part of the hunting dog in Giselle, he is devastated. However, when the animal gets stage fright, James is ready. Based on a real dog who worked at the National Ballet of Canada, this is a delightful story of determination, hope, and being prepared when opportunities arise. Children will love James and sympathize as he doggedly pursues his dream. Johnson's cartoon ink-and-watercolor illustrations are light-filled and add detail and humor to Maybarduk's charming story. The text is well paced and well spaced, creating a book that leaves children with a lovely, sweet aftertaste. Combine it with Patricia Lee Gauch's Presenting Tanya,the Ugly Duckling (Philomel, 1999) and Elizabeth Winthrop's Dumpy La Rue (Holt, 2001) for a trio of heartwarming books about unlikely animals with dreams of dancing.–Mary Hazelton, Warren Community School, ME
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
PreS-Gr. 3. Maybarduk, who danced with the National Ballet of Canada, builds a story around a real dog that came to the studio daily and befriended the company. James the dog works hard, practicing plies and jumps in class. He longs to dance on stage, though "his dancer's soul stayed wrapped in a beagley body." When an elegant wolfhound is chosen as the dog in the hunting scene of Giselle, James aches with disappointment, but on opening night, the wolfhound's stage fright paves the way to James' triumph. The ending is a bit predictable: a grand jete of a climax, followed by a cascade of flowers from the adoring audience. But long before that point, the grace and wit of both the story and the ink-and-watercolor illustrations will have drawn most children squarely into James' corner. Johnson's artwork, reminiscent of Quentin Blake's style with its lithe figure drawing and blithe spirit, ably captures both the dancers' bodies and the dog's emotions. A pleasing picture book that is as light as a leap yet as down-to-earth as a beagle. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author
Linda Maybarduk was born in New York City and raised in Orlando, Florida. During her fifteen-year career as a first soloist with the National Ballet of Canada, she danced a wide range of leading roles and was hailed as one of the company’s most versatile dancers and actresses. She has also appeared in guest appearances on stage, television, and film. Her partners have included Mikhail Baryshnikov, Peter Martins, Anthony Dowell, Fernando Bujones, and Rudolf Nureyev. Her first book, The Dancer Who Flew: A Memoir of Rudolf Nureyev – a tribute to her colleague, mentor and friend – garnered several North American award nominations and provided Linda with a new career as a guest lecturer and teacher to major arts and dance organizations, performing arts centers, and universities. While in the National Ballet, Linda toured and shared many lunches with the star of this book, James the Beagle. Today, she shares her life with her husband, three children, and her airedale, Ivy.

Gillian Johnson is a gifted athlete, teacher, storyteller, and artist. Her first children’s book, Saranohair, was awarded Honorable Mention for the Graphics Prize in Bologna in 1992. My Sister Gracie, published in 2000, was awarded the Alcuin Design Award and has earned fans in Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Iceland, and Venezuela. She has collaborated with author Richard Scrimger, providing the illustrations for their books about Baby Bun Bun, which include, most recently, Eugene’s Story. She also illustrated Dennis Lee’s The Cat and the Wizard. Gillian Johnson lives with her husband, writer Nicholas Shakespeare, and their sons in Tasmania and England.