Ballet of the Elephants - Hardcover

Schubert, Leda

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1596430753 ISBN 13: 9781596430754

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, 2006

Synopsis

Sparking watercolors-and-ink illustrations dance across the page and spill out onto a horizontal foldout of elephants and ballerinas spotlighted together--in the true story of "Circus Polka," choreographed in 1942 by George Balanchine, with music by Igor Stravinsky and performances by John Ringling North's elephants. Robert Andrew Parker brings his love of theater, dance, and costume to this captivating story. Leda Schubert's background note includes black-and-white photos of the actual performance.

About this title

About the Author

LEDA SCHUBERT was the school library consultant for the Vermont Department of Education, and she has an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College.

ROBERT ANDREW PARKER a costume and set designer, fine artist and printmaker, has work in the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan, and the Whitney. His many children's books include Cold Feet, winner of the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, and Action Jackson, a Robert F. Sibert Award Honor Book. He and his wife live in West Cornwall, Connecticut, where he is the drummer for the Bob Parker Quintet.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4-This fascinating historical vignette traces the paths of three famous men-circus-owner John Ringling North, ballet-master George Balanchine, and composer Igor Stravinsky-and shows how their lives intersected to create a one-of-a-kind event. The Circus Polka, a ballet featuring 50 elephants and 50 dancers, all in pink tutus, took place in New York City in 1942. In a smooth storylike narrative, Schubert weaves biographical details about the participants with descriptions of the preparations, rehearsals, and dazzling performance. The book ends with an author's note and black-and-white photos, one of which shows a long line of costumed elephants with their feet resting on one another's backs. Presented on single pages and full spreads, and using variations of bright and muted colors, the watercolor-and-ink illustrations capture the movement and vitality of this creative undertaking. For the most part, the paintings focus tightly on the performers, providing close-up glimpses of Madoc, a large Indian elephant, and Vera Zorina, the featured dancer. Scenes that depict the full company in action include only two or three pachyderms, and, in one spread, the animals become a backdrop for the ballerinas. Children can best appreciate what the elephant corps de ballet looked like by viewing the photo, which shows most of the stage area. Clearly written and vividly illustrated, this book provides a unique introduction to three interesting individuals and a look at a curious moment in musical history.-Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA
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About this edition

• Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1596430753
• ISBN 13: 9781596430754
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 34
• Illustrator: Parker Robert Andrew