A nonfiction picture book, illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker, published by Roaring Brook Press, April, 2006
NYPL: "Children's Books 2006: 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing"
NYTBR Editor's Choice, May 21,'06
CCBC CHOICES, 2007
BCCB Guide to Gift Books, 2006
NEWS
Horn Book Magazine chose BALLET OF THE ELEPHANTS for its annual Fanfare. From the review: "Give Schubert and Parker a standing ovation." And Kirkus chose BALLET for its year-end Editor's Choice. Pinch self, pinch self, self is black and blue.
Also, I had a little piece, "Best in Show," in the July/August '06 Horn Book. See "Bio and News" section for a link.
The May 14, 2006 New York Times Book Review had a fantastic review (if I do say so myself, which I do) of Ballet of the Elephants. Jed Perl, the reviewer, is art critic for the New Republic and an author as well; he is also my new best friend, even though I have never met him.
The May 21 NYTBR had BALLET listed as an Editors' Choice!
What's it about?
The spotlight flashes through the crowds
under the Big Top.
Countless clowns climb out of a tiny car.
Gymnasts form a gravity-defying pyramid.
Trapeze artists fly high above the spectators.
And then
in all three rings,
fifty elephants,
their feet on each other’s backs,
their crowns glittering,
their tutus fluttering,
dance with fifty ballerinas.
Their steps choreographed by George Balanchine,
their polka written by Igor Stravinsky.
How did it happen?
Like this.
From THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW, May 7, 06:
"...Leda Schubert's deft, incisive way of telling the incredible story will set young minds spinning. ... This is a true-life adventure that has some of the unexpectedness of a tall tale, and Schubert weaves the strands together with a flashing speed ..."
And: "What may at first interest children as a circus story turns out to contain many other stories, and for a young reader who has some as yet inchoate fascination with the arts, 'Ballet of the Elephants' offers the excitement of glimpses, perspectives, possibilities."
starred review, HORN BOOK, July/August: "[raises} the barre for clarity in nonfiction...give Schubert and Parker a standing ovation."
starred review, KIRKUS, March 15, 06
"...Schubert’s understated but informative text contrasts delightfully with the grand goings-on as elephants rehearse for weeks in lovely pink tutus. With Modoc, an Indian elephant performing a pas de deux with Vera Zorina, a popular ballet and Broadway star, the staging was a dazzling success. Parker’s watercolor designs swirl about, capturing the procession of elephants, the skyline of St. Petersburg and the exuberance of four-legged creatures looking even more elegant than ballerinas. An afterword and photographs provide additional information and confirm that the ballet, occasionally performed today with ballet students, actually took place. A charming tale to share with young fans of the circus and ballet."
From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, April, '06
"In a smooth storylike narrative, Schubert weaves biographical details about the participants with descriptions of the preparations, rehearsals, and dazzling performance...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."
From BOOKLIST, April, '06
"Schubert’s book tells an astonishing true story about circus elephants in the U.S...The words are simple and lyrical (“they let the audience see the music and hear the dance”), and the beautiful, freely sketched double-page ink drawings, tinted with watercolors, celebrate the excitement and glamour of the huge animals’ dance." Hazel Rochman
From PW, April '06:
"A memorable piece of circus history takes center ring in Schubert's (Here Comes Darrell) fact-filled tale."
