Ballet Kitty by Bernette Ford and Sam Williams

Ballet Kitty loves ballet but unfortunately cannot find her ballet shoes (and instead must wear her pink sneakers) when her friend Pussycat comes to visit. The text is big and bold and the illustrations are very cute and fun to look at. No one can resist the ultimate cuteness of Ballet Kitty and everyone is happy when she remembers where she put her ballet shoes at the end of the book!

Boxer Books, 2007.

Brontorina by James Howe Illustrated by Randy Cecil

Brontorina wants to become a ballerina and with the help of Madame Lucille and some upwards and positive thinking children, she is able to accomplish her dreams, no matter how BIG they might be. This book is a spin on an old concept (wanting to become a ballerina) but it involves dinosaurs. Children will be inspired at the effort put forth by the ballet students and Madame Lucille in making Brontorina accepted and welcomed into Madame Lucille's Dance Academy, even though she is a larger-than-life sized Brontosaurus!

Candlewick Press, 2010.

Hattie Hippy by Christine Loomis Illustrated by Robert Neubecker

Hattie is this adorable pure-intentioned little hippo girl who always seems to mess everything up. It's a cute little book that is fun to read in rhyme in short stories about Hattie's adventures.

Orchard Books, 2006.

Belinda Begins Ballet by Amy Young

Poor Belinda has the feet the size of....well, honestly I can't think of anything long enough to compare them too, but I can sympathize greatly. Anyhow, she is always stuck with this disability her extra-extra-large feet have left her with. But she decides she wants to be a ballerina after she is inspired by seeing a ballerina. Of course, she must learn to overcome her struggles and her difficulties (with Mrs. Rhino- appropriately named for the HUGE honker she has on her face--who has assigned Belinda to be the clown n the talent show).

This is a great book for girls who love ballet, anyone with big feet, and anyone who strives to overcome struggles to reach a goal.

Viking, 2008.