Skip to Main Content (Press Enter)

Pre-K

Growing Reader

Ballerina Books for Your
Tiny Dancer

by Janssen Bradshaw

Photo credit: Haiku Expressed, First Light/Getty Images

If there is constant twirling, tiny ballerina buns, and an endless rotation of the five positions in your house, these ballerina picture books might be for you!

Some of them are funny stories, while others introduce little dancers to the basics of this classic art form. All of them are sure to be a hit with any young reader eager to don a leotard.

This Is Ballet

This Is Ballet

by Rekha S. Rajan, illustrated by Chris Park

Buy from:

Introduce your toddler to classical dances from around the world. From ballet to Bharatanatyam, little readers will learn what makes each dance unique and how they can incorporate dancing into their lives.
Ages 1 - 3

Buy from:

I'm a Ballerina!

I'm a Ballerina!

by Sue Fliess, illustrated by Joey Chou

Buy from:

A little ballerina invites readers to join her in class and at her first recital in this Little Golden Book. Children will love the charming illustrations and gentle story that will inspire them to pull on their tutus and dance.
Ages 2 - 5

Buy from:

Vampirina Ballerina

Vampirina Ballerina

by Anne Marie Pace, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Buy from:

Kids who love scary-cute stories will adore this book that inspired a Disney Junior series. Vampirina wants to be a ballerina more than anything, but being a vampire presents some unique challenges. Whether she’s dealing with cold feet or terrifying the other dancers, Vampirina courageously works through every setback and reaches her dream of becoming a ballerina.
Ages 3 - 7

Buy from:

Bunheads

Bunheads

by Misty Copeland, illustrated by Setor Fiadzigbey

Buy from:

Little dancers will love this New York Times bestselling picture book from prima ballerina Misty Copeland. Inspired by her own experience, the story follows young Misty as she auditions for a ballet production despite having no prior experience. With hard work and encouragement from the other dancers, Misty quickly learns the ropes. This inspiring story encourages readers to overcome their fears and try new things.
Ages 5 - 8

Buy from:

Bunheads, Act 2

Bunheads, Act 2

by Misty Copeland, illustrated by Setor Fiadzigbey

Buy from:

The bunheads are putting on a new ballet, and Misty knows her best friend, Cat, is perfect for the lead role. But when Cat gets injured, she is devastated to miss out on the performance. Thankfully, Misty and the rest of the crew support Cat through her disappointment. This story is an excellent choice for any kid who has dealt with injuries or significant setbacks.
Ages 5 - 8

Buy from:

Firebird

Firebird

by Misty Copeland, illustrated by Christopher Myers

Buy from:

This multi-award-winning picture book is a must-read for aspiring ballerinas. It follows a young girl who dreams of becoming a ballerina but struggles with confidence. Copeland’s heartfelt poetry and Myers’s stunning illustrations encourage young dreamers to work hard, persevere, and believe in themselves.
Ages 5 - 8

Buy from:

Tallchief

Tallchief

by Maria Tallchief and Rosemary Wells, illustrated by Gary Kelley

Buy from:

As a girl in the Osage Nation, Maria Tallchief was not allowed to dance. However, her parents realized she had a gift, and allowed her to pursue her dream of becoming a ballerina. Maria went on to become an influential dancer who revolutionized American ballet and became the country’s first prima ballerina. This gorgeous picture book will inspire little dancers to follow their passions.
Ages 5 - 8

Buy from:

Ballet Bunnies Series

Ballet Bunnies Series

by Swapna Reddy, illustrated by Binny Talib

Buy from:

Independent readers will love this adorable chapter book series. When Millie joins a ballet class, she doesn’t know the moves and feels out of place. A group of magical bunnies appears after class and helps her practice. Whether she’s participating in her first performance or auditioning for a TV show, the ballet bunnies are there to help.
Ages 6 - 9

Buy from:

Ballet Besties Series

Ballet Besties Series

by Yasmine Naghdi, illustrated by Paula Franco

Buy from:

Chapter book readers will love following a diverse group of friends learning to dance at the Shimmer and Shine studio. Each book in this series focuses on a different ballet student as they learn the moves, make friends, and dance in productions. These stories encourage teamwork and responsibility, and readers will find several ballet techniques in the back matter.
Ages 7 - 9

Buy from:

XO Ballerina Big Sis

XO Ballerina Big Sis

by Tiler Peck

Buy from:

Prima ballerina Tiler Peck shares her wisdom and experience in this ballet book for tweens. From puberty to stage fright, Peck offers guidance and advice that will inspire, uplift, and encourage young ballerinas. Through this nonfiction book, Peck becomes the “big sis” every young dancer needs.
Ages 8 - 12

Buy from:

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2026.