Ballet captures the imagination of so many children — the graceful moves, the dazzling costumes, the dream of dancing on stage. If you have a ballet-loving child, they’ll adore diving into these beautiful books, both fiction and non-fiction, chosen for young readers of different ages.
1. Younger ballet fans (ages 4-8)
- Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Holabird
A classic picture book series about a little mouse who dreams of becoming a ballerina. Full of charm and beautiful illustrations. - Ella Bella Ballerina series by James Mayhew
A lovely series where Ella Bella steps into famous ballets like The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. Magical and beautifully illustrated. - Tallulah’s Tutu by Marilyn Singer
A fun story about little Tallulah, who longs to earn her ballet tutu. Perfect for early readers who enjoy humour.
2. Ages 6–9 (great for early readers moving to chapter books)
- Magic Ballerina series by Darcey Bussell
A magical adventure series where ballet-loving girls are whisked into Enchantia, a land of fairy tales and dance. - Ballet Besties by Yasmine Naghdi
A delightful new series by a real-life ballerina, full of friendship, ambition, and love for ballet.
3. Ages 7–10 (the sweet spot for young ballet enthusiasts)
- The Ballerina by Catherine Follestad
An inspiring story about following your dreams, with charming illustrations. (US author, but available in the UK.) - The Ballet Class series by Adele Geras
Stories about a group of friends sharing adventures at ballet class. Realistic and relatable for young dancers.
4. Ages 8–12 (for more confident readers)
- Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild
A beloved classic about three adopted sisters finding their place in the world of theatre and ballet. Timeless and inspiring. - Drina series by Jean Estoril
A beautifully written series about a girl who secretly dreams of being a ballerina. Perfect for readers ready for longer books.
Ballet Non-Fiction for Children
- The Ballet Book by Darcey Bussell (ages 7–10)
An excellent introduction to the world of ballet — steps, performances, costumes, and insider knowledge from a real prima ballerina. - Ballet: The Definitive Illustrated Story by DK Publishing (ages 9–14)
A stunning, detailed guide covering famous ballets, dancers, and history. Best for slightly older or very keen ballet fans. - My First Ballet Book by Kate Castle (DK) (ages 6–9)
Simple and beautifully illustrated, this book introduces basic ballet positions, steps, and the magic of performances.
Looking for more themed book ideas? Explore our other themed book collections for young readers: