Not Just Tutus Author:Rachel Isadora Short, often humorous poems introduce a troupe of endearing young dancers, describing their aspirations, endless toil, and the ultimate thrill of performing. In the first section, "Dreams and Practice," the boys and girls do endless stretches and bends ("Nose to knees/And splits while sitting/Toes on head/You gotta be kidding"); make mistakes ("... more »I turned around/And struck a pose/She turned left/And banged my nose"); yet still manage to keep their hopes alive. In the second part, "Makeup and Lights," the children experience the ups and downs of being on stage. These verses touch upon topics such as costumes that don't quite fit, getting a case of the last-minute jitters, losing one's tights during a glorious leap, and reveling in applause. One poem sums up the reason for all of the hard work: "I put on wings/Just watch me fly/I turn and jump/And touch the sky." Printed on salmon-colored paper, the elegant pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations depict dancers of all shapes and sizes. Beautifully rendered, the pictures incorporate graceful moves and poses with realistic glimpses of children fidgeting, fooling around, grandstanding, and having a good time. Although filled with lighter moments, these poems depict dancers with a real sense of commitment to their art, making the book most appropriate for youngsters who have taken a few steps beyond "Angelina Ballerina" books.« less