Beautiful book tells story of seaside ballet in rhyme

 

The Crab Ballet

Written by Renée LaTulippe and illustrated by Cécile Metzger

Cameron Kids, 2022

“The Crab Ballet” tells the story of a seaside ballet in rhythmic rhyme. The poetry’s meter moves the story along, giving it the feel of a dance. All sorts of sea creatures join the show.

The author Renée LaTulippe weaves in many ballet terms that she defines in a glossary in the back of the book.

Act 1 emerges from the spray — observe this gleaming sea ballet! 

Anemones sway to and fro, squids link arms in balancé,

turtles spiral in between. A seahorse pair glides on the scene,

bows deep and low, then soubresaut! An elegant marine routine.

LaTulippe tells the story in two acts with an intermission. She builds to a climax just before the intermission.

In Act 2, starfish spin, a sea urchin rules, Medusa makes a cameo, and dolphins dance in relevé. Finally, the show ends as the sun sets.

The sun begins to kiss the shore. Performers bow to calls for more!

Our stars approach to close the show—how they pose and swoop and soar!

Six legs bent in full plié. Arabesque! Now grand jeté! 

Then dancers dip and dive below—

Bravo! Bravo for Crab Ballet!”

Illustrator Cécile Metzger sets the stage with her soft watercolors. Her pastel palette creates a beautiful watery world.

Children will enjoy the rhyme and lovely illustrations. At the same time, they can identify sea creatures and learn about ballet.

About the Author

Renée LaTulippe is a children’s book author and poet. This is her first book with Cameron Kids. She lives by the sea with her family in Italy. Visit her at www.reneelatulippe.com.

About the Illustrator

Cécile Metzger is a French artist and illustrator. She lives in Florence, Italy. Visit her at www.coucou-illustration.com or on Instagram at coucou_illustration.