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Kimi the BALLerina
Win a free print copy of this book!
7 days and 07:32:42
20 copies available
U.S. only
Join Kimi as she pirouettes onto the basketball court in this relatable story inspired by author Korey Watari’s experiences and illustrated by her husband, Mike Wu, former Pixar artist and creator of the Ellie series.
Kimi just wants to focus on ballet, but she knows her dad really wants her to join the basketball team. Trying new things makes Kimi feel small, quiet, and uneasy. So her dad makes her a If she gives basketball a try, he might just trade his sneakers for ballet slippers.
Kimi gives it a shot. At first it seems like all she is doing is fumbling, tumbling, and missing baskets. But her dad only encourages her more. Then he shares a story about her grandfather’s famous moves on a Japanese American basketball team and why the sport is so special to their family. It’s just the motivation that Kimi needs.
And what happens when Kimi takes some of her ballet skills over to basketball? Find out in this heartfelt story that’s perfect for dancers and sports lovers alike, or anyone who’s had to try something new.
Kimi just wants to focus on ballet, but she knows her dad really wants her to join the basketball team. Trying new things makes Kimi feel small, quiet, and uneasy. So her dad makes her a If she gives basketball a try, he might just trade his sneakers for ballet slippers.
Kimi gives it a shot. At first it seems like all she is doing is fumbling, tumbling, and missing baskets. But her dad only encourages her more. Then he shares a story about her grandfather’s famous moves on a Japanese American basketball team and why the sport is so special to their family. It’s just the motivation that Kimi needs.
And what happens when Kimi takes some of her ballet skills over to basketball? Find out in this heartfelt story that’s perfect for dancers and sports lovers alike, or anyone who’s had to try something new.
Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
About the author
Korey Watari
2 books33 followersKorey is a sansei, or third-generation Japanese American, born and raised in Los Angeles. She played basketball for a Japanese American league, graduated from the University of California, Riverside and studied at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Korey has worked in the animation and fashion industries for companies such as Disney and the Gap. I Am Able to Shine is her first picture book.
She is married to Mike Wu, the author and illustrator of the acclaimed, bestselling Ellie series, the first picture book of which was named one of NPR’s best books of the year. He is also a Pixar artist and has worked on films including The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Up, Toy Story 3, Coco, and Soul.
They live in the San Francisco Bay area in California with their two daughters.
Learn more at www.koreywatari.com.
She is married to Mike Wu, the author and illustrator of the acclaimed, bestselling Ellie series, the first picture book of which was named one of NPR’s best books of the year. He is also a Pixar artist and has worked on films including The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Up, Toy Story 3, Coco, and Soul.
They live in the San Francisco Bay area in California with their two daughters.
Learn more at www.koreywatari.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 10, 2026
Really cute and heartwarming story of a young Japanese American girl who loves ballet and decides to try basketball to make her dad happy. These sports may have vastly different rules and types of jumps, but as it turns out, they have a lot in common! Can she do both, or will she have to choose?
I loved the art style and how the author wove in history and her own love of basketball.
I loved the art style and how the author wove in history and her own love of basketball.
April 28, 2026
Who knew? basketball and ballet combined!
This was a lovely book about how learning new skills takes time, but physical skills are often similar such as the movement of basketball and ballet. It’s a very sweet story, that also sheds some light on a dark period in American history as it pertains to Japanese Americans and their internment in camps during WWII and the segregation after the war. We learn how basketball became a means of forming and enjoying community, despite the ban on playing in “regular” teams and leagues.
This was a lovely book about how learning new skills takes time, but physical skills are often similar such as the movement of basketball and ballet. It’s a very sweet story, that also sheds some light on a dark period in American history as it pertains to Japanese Americans and their internment in camps during WWII and the segregation after the war. We learn how basketball became a means of forming and enjoying community, despite the ban on playing in “regular” teams and leagues.
April 2, 2026
amazing book
Thank you Amazon first reads for the opportunity to read this book to my kids. They both loved the images and the story.
I think this is a good story for children because it shows that even if you are nervous to try new things you never know until you try it. And even if you don’t understand how to do it at first and fail practice makes perfect and you never know what skills you can transfer from one thing to another until you try.
Thank you Amazon first reads for the opportunity to read this book to my kids. They both loved the images and the story.
I think this is a good story for children because it shows that even if you are nervous to try new things you never know until you try it. And even if you don’t understand how to do it at first and fail practice makes perfect and you never know what skills you can transfer from one thing to another until you try.
November 2, 2025
Kimi the BALLerina is an adorable, heartwarming story about a young girl who discovers the beautiful connection between ballet (her passion) and basketball (her dad’s passion).
The illustrations are absolutely stunning, full of movement and warmth that bring Kimi’s world to life. I especially loved the brief history lesson Kimi’s dad shares about the Japanese American basketball league and how it began during World War II. It’s such a meaningful cultural touch woven into a fun story.
I also loved how Kimi’s parents encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone and try something new - and how her dad made a sweet deal with her to do it!
This is a wonderful read for both children and adults alike - a beautiful reminder that our passions can connect us in unexpected ways.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The illustrations are absolutely stunning, full of movement and warmth that bring Kimi’s world to life. I especially loved the brief history lesson Kimi’s dad shares about the Japanese American basketball league and how it began during World War II. It’s such a meaningful cultural touch woven into a fun story.
I also loved how Kimi’s parents encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone and try something new - and how her dad made a sweet deal with her to do it!
This is a wonderful read for both children and adults alike - a beautiful reminder that our passions can connect us in unexpected ways.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 26, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
This book is SO cute. I love how Kimi gives basketball a try, but also feels comfortable telling her parents that she struggles with it, and doesn't quite enjoy it yet. I also appreciate the inclusion of Japanese-American history, in a way that is appropriate for children and that feels inspiring rather than depressing, despite the fact that Japanese-Americans were de facto segregated. I liked the connection drawn between basketball and ballet movements (though I don't know enough about either to say if it was accurate), and the diversity shown in the basketball players, including various ethnicities, genders and even a student in a wheelchair!
This book is SO cute. I love how Kimi gives basketball a try, but also feels comfortable telling her parents that she struggles with it, and doesn't quite enjoy it yet. I also appreciate the inclusion of Japanese-American history, in a way that is appropriate for children and that feels inspiring rather than depressing, despite the fact that Japanese-Americans were de facto segregated. I liked the connection drawn between basketball and ballet movements (though I don't know enough about either to say if it was accurate), and the diversity shown in the basketball players, including various ethnicities, genders and even a student in a wheelchair!
October 21, 2025
This was a cute, relatable story for kids. I love how they incorporated family history into the why, and the parents didn't put pressure on her but she still knew it mattered.
The illustrations were adorable (I didn't do ballet myself so I can't attest to the accuracy). I loved the inclusiveness.
By the end of the book my kid was asking if they could take ballet and if it would help with their soccer practice too.
The illustrations were adorable (I didn't do ballet myself so I can't attest to the accuracy). I loved the inclusiveness.
By the end of the book my kid was asking if they could take ballet and if it would help with their soccer practice too.
November 18, 2025
Thank you so much to Two Lions and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
Kimi is a ballerina, but when her school has sign ups for basketball her dad makes a deal with her to try it. At first it’s no fun at all, but when her dad shares something personal and important with her she soon realises basketball and ballet are similar.
Such a stunning story, I really loved this, It had so much heart to it. I really adored how passionate Kimi was to her ballet how she loved every aspect of it. It was so nice seeing her willingness to try something new, making new friends and gaining new skills.
It was beautiful when her dad shared the story of his father and how much basketball meant to their family and community that was helped be built around basketball. It really inspired Kimi to want to continue with basketball and start learning more from it, which lead her friends to be in awe of what she could do thanks to her ballet skills.
A really beautiful read, love how it encourages multiple activities. I absolutely adored looking at all the stunning Illustrations in each page, they were really lovely. I liked how the author included some of her own backstory and how this book came to be because of it.
Kimi is a ballerina, but when her school has sign ups for basketball her dad makes a deal with her to try it. At first it’s no fun at all, but when her dad shares something personal and important with her she soon realises basketball and ballet are similar.
Such a stunning story, I really loved this, It had so much heart to it. I really adored how passionate Kimi was to her ballet how she loved every aspect of it. It was so nice seeing her willingness to try something new, making new friends and gaining new skills.
It was beautiful when her dad shared the story of his father and how much basketball meant to their family and community that was helped be built around basketball. It really inspired Kimi to want to continue with basketball and start learning more from it, which lead her friends to be in awe of what she could do thanks to her ballet skills.
A really beautiful read, love how it encourages multiple activities. I absolutely adored looking at all the stunning Illustrations in each page, they were really lovely. I liked how the author included some of her own backstory and how this book came to be because of it.
May 9, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for access to this ARC.
Oh my gosh! I was drawn to this book by nostalgia as two of my favorite books as a young kid were Baseball Ballerina and The Silver Slippers and this book was very reminiscent of those. However, I want to be clear that this was a wholly original story. I did not know about the basketball leagues organized by Japanese Americans after World War II and I feel that this could be a great book to use to discuss things like racism or exclusion with young kids while being able to refer back to the true story of this book.
Beyond that though, this was just a really sweet story about using the skills you have to learn something new and that trying new things can be hard but worthwhile. This book made the young me smile and I think it will make quite few others smile too!
Oh my gosh! I was drawn to this book by nostalgia as two of my favorite books as a young kid were Baseball Ballerina and The Silver Slippers and this book was very reminiscent of those. However, I want to be clear that this was a wholly original story. I did not know about the basketball leagues organized by Japanese Americans after World War II and I feel that this could be a great book to use to discuss things like racism or exclusion with young kids while being able to refer back to the true story of this book.
Beyond that though, this was just a really sweet story about using the skills you have to learn something new and that trying new things can be hard but worthwhile. This book made the young me smile and I think it will make quite few others smile too!
Review of advance copy
I thought this was a cute story as Kimi begrudgingly tries out for basketball and finds out that some of her ballerina [which she loves] skills translate into usefulness in her new sport. The internment of Japanese U.S. citizens during WWII is brought up delicately and actually contributes to the story [as opposed to being forced in unnaturally].
one issue I saw was a small one. Kimi is doing ballerina moves in front of the TV set while her brother is trying to watch a basketball game and when he rightfully complains the mother dismisses the boy's complaint and excuses the daughter's behavior as a good thing. This could reinforce children reading the book in a negative way. Just being honest here. That kind of dismissal can sting and cause negative sibling issues if continued.
one issue I saw was a small one. Kimi is doing ballerina moves in front of the TV set while her brother is trying to watch a basketball game and when he rightfully complains the mother dismisses the boy's complaint and excuses the daughter's behavior as a good thing. This could reinforce children reading the book in a negative way. Just being honest here. That kind of dismissal can sting and cause negative sibling issues if continued.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced reading Kindle copy of Kimi the BALLerina, by Korey Watari from the Prime Reading Program on Amazon.
This is a delightful plot about a young Japanese American young girl that love ballet. Her school is offering a new sports program for girls to play basketball and her family wanted her to try something new as her family has a history of playing baskketball. She tried but was horrible at this new sport until she saw a picture of her gandfather doing an 'alley oop' shot. She added a ballet move to imitate this shot and found basketball was much easier using ballet moves. The illustrations were good and went well with the plot.
One problem that happens with some children's books on Amazon is that they have very small print and it is difficult to read.
This is a delightful plot about a young Japanese American young girl that love ballet. Her school is offering a new sports program for girls to play basketball and her family wanted her to try something new as her family has a history of playing baskketball. She tried but was horrible at this new sport until she saw a picture of her gandfather doing an 'alley oop' shot. She added a ballet move to imitate this shot and found basketball was much easier using ballet moves. The illustrations were good and went well with the plot.
One problem that happens with some children's books on Amazon is that they have very small print and it is difficult to read.
May 14, 2026
A Japanese American girl who is an avid ballerina gets encouraged to play basketball, which is completely alien to how she knows how to move – and she can't shoot a hoop for toffee. But when she realises the similarities in the two crafts – and when she thinks of an alley-oop as a grand jete, etc – she finally gets to enjoy both disciplines. This is certainly helped by the pun the syllable in common between basketball and ballet allows, but is going to be a pretty effective little read. I did wonder when the family history was brought in if it would be handled well (it was), and the moral of the story is that you can certainly train at and love more than one thing at a time, especially if there are transferable skills involved. It's a good slice of positivity – four stars good.
October 24, 2025
Netgalley eARC; all opinions my own.
Kimiko liebt Ballett über alles, doch eines Tages schlägt ihr Vater vor, sich an Basketball zu versuchen. Kimi wird zum Körperklaus und verzweifelt ein wenig. Da erklärt ihr ihr Vater, was Basketball für ihn und seinen Vater bedeutet hat. Kimi schöpft neue Hoffnung und schafft es, Parallelen zwischen Ballett und Basketball zu entdecken. Das klappt natürlich nicht bei jedem Kind, geschweige denn bei jeder Sportart, aber eine schöne Kombination aus Geschichtsstunde und Motivation. Dass am Ende Kimis Vater verspricht, eine Stunde Ballett mit ihr zu machen, ist dabei nur das putzige Sahnehäubchen.
Kimiko liebt Ballett über alles, doch eines Tages schlägt ihr Vater vor, sich an Basketball zu versuchen. Kimi wird zum Körperklaus und verzweifelt ein wenig. Da erklärt ihr ihr Vater, was Basketball für ihn und seinen Vater bedeutet hat. Kimi schöpft neue Hoffnung und schafft es, Parallelen zwischen Ballett und Basketball zu entdecken. Das klappt natürlich nicht bei jedem Kind, geschweige denn bei jeder Sportart, aber eine schöne Kombination aus Geschichtsstunde und Motivation. Dass am Ende Kimis Vater verspricht, eine Stunde Ballett mit ihr zu machen, ist dabei nur das putzige Sahnehäubchen.
October 30, 2025
Four Point Five Stars
Beautiful Story of Kimi who wanted nothing more than to learn ballet. But her father wanted her to learn basketball. Kimi gives it a try and finds that she is not good at it at all. Then she talks with her father who explains why basketball is so important to him. Then Kimi tries something different and learns how similar basketball and ballet really is. She begins to enjoy both basketball and ballet.
Beautiful illustrations and also teaches kids about the formation of the Japanese American League and also a lovely story that brought a smile to my face. An enjoyable book for both adults and older children.
Thank you for the eARC Netgalley.
Beautiful Story of Kimi who wanted nothing more than to learn ballet. But her father wanted her to learn basketball. Kimi gives it a try and finds that she is not good at it at all. Then she talks with her father who explains why basketball is so important to him. Then Kimi tries something different and learns how similar basketball and ballet really is. She begins to enjoy both basketball and ballet.
Beautiful illustrations and also teaches kids about the formation of the Japanese American League and also a lovely story that brought a smile to my face. An enjoyable book for both adults and older children.
Thank you for the eARC Netgalley.
Review of advance copy
Interesting concept of comparing ballet to basketball
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 April 2026
Format: Kindle Edition
Great illustrations, and like I mentioned in the title a wonderful way of comparing ballet moves with some basketball moves. Not being sporty or dancy (sorry probably not a word) but I wouldn't really have a clue if this actually works. However the kids in the story seen to enjoy it.
I enjoyed how Kimi's family were able to reminisce about basketball being a favourite of Kimi's grandfather. The little girl pushed herself harder to learn more about the sport for their sake.
Worth checking out and I think it will appeal to boys and girls alike.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 April 2026
Format: Kindle Edition
Great illustrations, and like I mentioned in the title a wonderful way of comparing ballet moves with some basketball moves. Not being sporty or dancy (sorry probably not a word) but I wouldn't really have a clue if this actually works. However the kids in the story seen to enjoy it.
I enjoyed how Kimi's family were able to reminisce about basketball being a favourite of Kimi's grandfather. The little girl pushed herself harder to learn more about the sport for their sake.
Worth checking out and I think it will appeal to boys and girls alike.
April 30, 2026
Great Message on Trying New Things
I really enjoyed reading Kimi the Ballerina. It’s a beautiful and encouraging story about stepping out of your comfort zone and being willing to try something new. The message is uplifting and perfect for young readers who may feel unsure or nervous about new experiences.
My only concern was that the text felt a bit small at times, which made it harder to read smoothly. However, aside from that, the story itself was wonderful and meaningful.
Overall, it’s a great read with a powerful message about courage and growth.
I really enjoyed reading Kimi the Ballerina. It’s a beautiful and encouraging story about stepping out of your comfort zone and being willing to try something new. The message is uplifting and perfect for young readers who may feel unsure or nervous about new experiences.
My only concern was that the text felt a bit small at times, which made it harder to read smoothly. However, aside from that, the story itself was wonderful and meaningful.
Overall, it’s a great read with a powerful message about courage and growth.
October 20, 2025
I received a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was heartwarming book that I think any child will enjoy. The story was about trying something new and that it’s ok not to be good at it right away. Throughout the story, the author also included some personal history that took the story to a deeper level. It also included both cultural and physical disability representation I think children would enjoy.
This book would be great for a school library.
This was heartwarming book that I think any child will enjoy. The story was about trying something new and that it’s ok not to be good at it right away. Throughout the story, the author also included some personal history that took the story to a deeper level. It also included both cultural and physical disability representation I think children would enjoy.
This book would be great for a school library.
Read
April 4, 2026I chose this book for my Amazon free Kindle read for the month of April. My little granddaughter is taking ballet classes and I think she will enjoy the book when I read it to her.
She is too young to understand the Japanese internment camps of WWII. However since it is important to the story, as well as a life experience of the author's family, I'll talk with her Mom to see how to approach that topic when it comes up in the story.
She is too young to understand the Japanese internment camps of WWII. However since it is important to the story, as well as a life experience of the author's family, I'll talk with her Mom to see how to approach that topic when it comes up in the story.
Review of advance copy
A fun story to show that skills can be used through many different tasks. The love of one thing does not mean that you cannot try or find enjoyment in another sport or hobby, just that you need to give it time. It is also a great way to learn about some of the history that Japanese-Americans went through post WW2. I loved the art style, it brought together the life, vitality, beauty and clumsiness that is part of learning. A great story.
Review of advance copy
I had the honor of reading this book before it was published thanks to amazon prime reader pre-release books. 🌷April 2026🌷
Children's Book:
This book was a wonderful story about not being afraid to try new things, never giving up and remembering to use what we already know to apply it to something new. This book may have been written for children, but I think the message it conveys is a great one for all of us.
Children's Book:
This book was a wonderful story about not being afraid to try new things, never giving up and remembering to use what we already know to apply it to something new. This book may have been written for children, but I think the message it conveys is a great one for all of us.
October 19, 2025
This is a cute story of Kimi who combines her passion of being a ballerina and basketball. Her dad knows her strength and encourages her to give basketball a try. Kimi is shy with new things, but she gives it a go. She fumbles and is uncoordinated, then she realizes she can incorporate her ballet moves. Thanks to the publisher for a copy.
October 22, 2025
Kimi loves ballet but her dad loves basketball. She wants to make her dad happy and play basketball but she only loves ballet. Her dad convinces her to try basketball and at first she struggles. She keeps trying and with a positive attitude she learns to play.
A great story with lovely illustrations that any child would love.
A great story with lovely illustrations that any child would love.
October 23, 2025
This was a very sweet read. I thoroughly enjoyed the message, it’s good to teach children about different perspectives and how to apply their own experiences to them. My toddler really enjoyed this, it’s great that this book was able to have a bit of history in it, in a way even a toddler can understand.
November 7, 2025
I thought this one was okay when I read it, but the more I thought about it, the more I liked it. While I wish it would've touched more on the camps, the way it did mention the camps was great for kids. I do wish Kimi hadn't felt like she HAD to play basketball, that her dad hadn't pressured her (that's what it felt like to me), but I did love the ending.
April 8, 2026
A fun and inspiring read for young minds.
A very engaging book, I shared this book with my 4 year old daughter, we were able to read it on my phone whilst on holiday which saved space in the luggage! I enjoyed the history involved with this book and so it was an enjoyable read for me also.
A very engaging book, I shared this book with my 4 year old daughter, we were able to read it on my phone whilst on holiday which saved space in the luggage! I enjoyed the history involved with this book and so it was an enjoyable read for me also.
April 17, 2026
cute story
Such a cute story. Loved how she incorporated basketball and Ballet to make basketball easier for her. Love how she added history (world war 2) and sports to teach children. After reading this book children can learn about world war 2, basketball and ballet. Thanks for this!
Such a cute story. Loved how she incorporated basketball and Ballet to make basketball easier for her. Love how she added history (world war 2) and sports to teach children. After reading this book children can learn about world war 2, basketball and ballet. Thanks for this!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I love how basketball is compared to ballet on an even playing field. There is respect shown to both. I also like how there is a mini history lesson tossed in, in an age appropriate way without dragging down the story.
Everything flows together showing how parents and kids can bond over sharing the things they love.
Everything flows together showing how parents and kids can bond over sharing the things they love.
April 27, 2026
I want to love it... but can't.
I can see that the graphics are beautiful & I'm hopeful someday they'll fix the glitch and send us an updated email with better access to the book. My only issue is that it's TINY, the lettering is MICROSCOPIC, I can't zoom, change page orientation, I can't change a single setting... you can't read it on a mobile device.
I can see that the graphics are beautiful & I'm hopeful someday they'll fix the glitch and send us an updated email with better access to the book. My only issue is that it's TINY, the lettering is MICROSCOPIC, I can't zoom, change page orientation, I can't change a single setting... you can't read it on a mobile device.
May 5, 2026
I’ve never thought to compare basketball and ballet before. Two vastly different sports somehow have quite a bit in common. The author does well to integrate those comparisons, as well as weaving in an important part of history; along side teaching what it means to be patient especially when we start something new. Love both the artwork and narration!
April 2, 2026
Cute!
This was a really enjoyable book, as well as educational and inspirational. Also very accessible, and I really loved how Kimi and her dad were both able to see things in new ways.
This was a really enjoyable book, as well as educational and inspirational. Also very accessible, and I really loved how Kimi and her dad were both able to see things in new ways.
Review of advance copy
What a wonderful story about a little girl learning to place the joy of dance into a sport she learns to love. By reading this book, children will learn that you don't have to sacrifice one love or hobby for another, and that one love may support another one.
4/5
4/5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews