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This Is It: A Picture Book About a Young Dancer's Journey to Self-Confidence and Joy for Kids
When a young dancer is nervous about her upcoming auditions, her shadow springs to life and leads her on an exploration of their city. Soon enough, the young girl finds confidence in her skills, her body, and her ability to shine.
The future is in your footsteps.
Freedom is in your feet.
Put one foot in front of the other,
and greet your destiny.
The future is in your footsteps.
Freedom is in your feet.
Put one foot in front of the other,
and greet your destiny.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published February 6, 2018
4 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Daria Peoples-Riley
4 books13 followersDaria Peoples-Riley’s first job was at nine years old, in the children’s section of her hometown library. Much later, she became a teacher, and now she is a full-time author and illustrator. This Is It is her first picture book, inspired by her daughter, her rich cultural background, and their first visit to New York City. She lives with her family in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
April 29, 2019
A young and blossoming ballerina doubts her dancing abilities when she’s about to enter an audition. Her shadow—or inner voice—reminds her that she has everything she needs to participate. Will she dance?
I love that the author introduces the power of our own self-talk. That we can talk ourselves out of something—by clinging to insecurities, or...we can talk ourselves into something—by believing in ourselves.
The illustrations are gorgeous: colorful and uplifting.
Rating: Five leaping, twirling stars!
I love that the author introduces the power of our own self-talk. That we can talk ourselves out of something—by clinging to insecurities, or...we can talk ourselves into something—by believing in ourselves.
The illustrations are gorgeous: colorful and uplifting.
Rating: Five leaping, twirling stars!
July 23, 2018
Auditions were totally a difficult experience. My stomach would be wound up in knots for hours before it would start. This book is about that time before you go in. This little girl has her inner shadow or self to remind her of how wonderful she is. It is an inner pep talk.
The art is kinetic and jumps off the page. I love the wild hair of the girl. I love the scenes in NYC that she goes too. A good back for dancers and people who audition.
My nephew got the niece to come read this with us. She gave it 4 stars, so he gave it 4 stars too.
The art is kinetic and jumps off the page. I love the wild hair of the girl. I love the scenes in NYC that she goes too. A good back for dancers and people who audition.
My nephew got the niece to come read this with us. She gave it 4 stars, so he gave it 4 stars too.
May 2, 2018
Cute illustrations, but the text didn't impress me.
April 30, 2018
Sweet and gently metaphoric. It could be about priming oneself for an audition, or maybe a reminder that life is a dance and everyday is a good day to stand straight and hold one's head high. I liked the illustrations😊.
March 18, 2018
A young dancer finds inspiration and confidence.
February 14, 2018
Empty encouragement.
March 13, 2018
Very poetic, but will children appreciate that? Would they get the point of the story?
February 26, 2018
When a young dancer hesitates nervously at the studio audition door, her mirror-shadow self comes to life to encourage, support and reassure her in this charming debut from author-illustrator Daria People-Riley.
“Look at me,” commands a tutu-clad shadow, hands on her hips. The young girl, stiff and uncertain, looks askance but listens to the shadow’s message about challenge, confidence and poise. Slowly, the girl stretches, bends, leans and finally embraces the shadow’s exhortations. “Listen to the hum of your heart’s song,” says the shadow and reminds her to hear the melodies that flow from her elbows to her knees.
The delightful pas-de-deux, girl and shadow, pass together through a grey, concrete cityscape where bridges, staircases and sidewalks accentuate the opportunity for movement and energy. Red, green and pink shrubbery soften the silent, stiff buildings, while the curves of splashing fountains and smoky vents echo the dynamic pair’s swirling, twirling exuberance.
Peoples-Riley employs a mixture of free-verse and concrete poetry that showcase the strength and grace of the young dancer in definitive, certain terms. Moving in deliberate, thoughtful progression, the phrases carefully build up the young dancer’s inner confidence and ultimately celebrate her beautiful self-expression. While the shadow keeps all the spoken lines, it is the girl who ultimately shines in the triumphant, starring role.
Most young dancers become accustomed to studying their reflections in the dance studio mirror. THIS IS IT will inspire them to look for a supportive, encouraging shadow that has also been with them every step of the way, both in and out of the spotlight.
“Look at me,” commands a tutu-clad shadow, hands on her hips. The young girl, stiff and uncertain, looks askance but listens to the shadow’s message about challenge, confidence and poise. Slowly, the girl stretches, bends, leans and finally embraces the shadow’s exhortations. “Listen to the hum of your heart’s song,” says the shadow and reminds her to hear the melodies that flow from her elbows to her knees.
The delightful pas-de-deux, girl and shadow, pass together through a grey, concrete cityscape where bridges, staircases and sidewalks accentuate the opportunity for movement and energy. Red, green and pink shrubbery soften the silent, stiff buildings, while the curves of splashing fountains and smoky vents echo the dynamic pair’s swirling, twirling exuberance.
Peoples-Riley employs a mixture of free-verse and concrete poetry that showcase the strength and grace of the young dancer in definitive, certain terms. Moving in deliberate, thoughtful progression, the phrases carefully build up the young dancer’s inner confidence and ultimately celebrate her beautiful self-expression. While the shadow keeps all the spoken lines, it is the girl who ultimately shines in the triumphant, starring role.
Most young dancers become accustomed to studying their reflections in the dance studio mirror. THIS IS IT will inspire them to look for a supportive, encouraging shadow that has also been with them every step of the way, both in and out of the spotlight.
February 26, 2018
Beautiful book about a young girl who dreams of becoming a dancer, but who needs a little help getting over her audition jitters.
Fortunately, her spunky confident shadow comes to the rescue.
Great book for dance fans!
Fortunately, her spunky confident shadow comes to the rescue.
Great book for dance fans!
July 10, 2018
A cute and inspirational story! I thought the text was a little bland at times, but I loved the illustrations, especially the fact that the little dancer was a girl of color. And as a dancer, I appreciated that the inside cover illustrations were pretty accurately depicted ballet positions.
February 3, 2018
Joyful, celebratory, and stylish.
March 30, 2018
Themes: dancing, believing in yourself
April 21, 2018
Beautiful story and illustrations.
May 6, 2018
I found some pages inspirational and some cliche. But I did like that the ballerina was not another little white girl with a perfect bun.
August 1, 2018
Look at you.
Girl, you dance in your sleep.
Girl, you dance in your sleep.
December 4, 2025
A young black girl is feeling nervous before a dance audition. However, she encounters her own shadow. Her shadow, a reflection of herself who’s confident, strong, and encouraging, reminds her of her strength and capabilities. Her shadow leads the girl in a dance, explaining that dance is an integral part of her identity which will provides her with future opportunities and avenues for self-expression. Her shadow’s encouraging remarks, such as reminding her to follow her heart’s desire, gives the girl the bravery and power she needs to go forward with her audition. Peoples-Riley provides children with a motivational and inspiring tale of believing in themselves. Teachers can read this story to inspire confidence in their students. Timing this story with important academic activities, such as before a test or auditions/try-outs for school activities, can give children the confidence boost they may need to succeed.
March 2, 2020
It was good and showed that you can do anything as long as you do it with pride.
June 24, 2018
#Partner #KLE ✨BookReview✨Thank you @KidLitExchange for a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Right before walking through the doors to a dance audition, a little girl finds herself full of nerves. Suddenly, her shadow comes to life and gives her the peptalk she needs. Taking her on a tour of her beautiful city, the girl’s shadow reminds her that she is brave and strong. Written in rhythmic prose, this book is delightful and inspiring. The illustrations reflect diversity and brings back many memories of my own upbringing in New York City. I love the authors choice of using the shadow as the voice of encouragement. Sometimes we often get in our own way of our ambitions. This book was a reminder to go after our dreams even when they aren’t easy.
April 6, 2018
What a special book! A little girl is nervous about ballet auditions, and we see the timidity in her body language and facial expressions. She doesn't seem to believe in herself. Then her shadow speaks up and tells her who she is and what she can do. The shadow dances through the city and the little girl follows, as though she were shadowing the shadow (such a cool concept!) Page-by-page you can see the girl's self-confidence increasing so that by the end she is ready for the auditions, a quiet calm in her expression. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the whole idea of her shadow perking her up. For one, it's her shadow--so Peter Pan-ish. Furthermore, I think there is something to be said for the well of self-confidence that is found deep in all of us, if we can only let it out. The shadow is obviously the little girl's shadow and nobody else's, telling me that she found this confidence within herself. An important message for all children. Plus, just a super cool ballet book full of leaps and pirouettes.
March 7, 2018
This book is an empowering pep-talk. It's directed towards young dancers but it'd be an inspiring read for any child who has faced a bout of performance nerves.
In this story, a girls' shadow dances her through the city on the day of her big audition. Lyrical affirmations form the beats of this book. From simple tips to grand goals, the shadow leaders the main character from doubt to self assurance, ending in a triumphant, "This. Is It."
A muted gray cityscape gets splashes of color as the girl dances around. In the opening, the girl steps our of a building labeled, "Public Housing Authority," suggesting a humble backstory. The brightest spread is in the middle and leads us back to the calm but confident performance on the stage.
A wonderful story and gorgeous debut.
In this story, a girls' shadow dances her through the city on the day of her big audition. Lyrical affirmations form the beats of this book. From simple tips to grand goals, the shadow leaders the main character from doubt to self assurance, ending in a triumphant, "This. Is It."
A muted gray cityscape gets splashes of color as the girl dances around. In the opening, the girl steps our of a building labeled, "Public Housing Authority," suggesting a humble backstory. The brightest spread is in the middle and leads us back to the calm but confident performance on the stage.
A wonderful story and gorgeous debut.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2018
Unlike the voice in the character's head in I Can Be Anything: Don't Tell Me I Can't, this voice is encouraging. This is a book about dance, but the message of strength and perseverance would hold true in any situation.
June 7, 2018
A girl is about to enter into dance auditions when apprehension strikes. Her shadow guides her through a series of encouragements. Give this to any young dancer in your life.
July 16, 2019
Love the shadow of the girl giving her a pep-talk. It shows the importance of positive self-talk.
Not sure about the "arch your back" advice for a girl who is clearly going to a ballet audition? Also, you don't normally wear your leotard and pointe shoes on the street (especially before a big audition!). Shaking your hips is also not a very ballet move. It would also be more real if her hair were pulled back in a bun.
So, the dance stuff is cool looking, but not very real, but the self-talk is good.
Not sure about the "arch your back" advice for a girl who is clearly going to a ballet audition? Also, you don't normally wear your leotard and pointe shoes on the street (especially before a big audition!). Shaking your hips is also not a very ballet move. It would also be more real if her hair were pulled back in a bun.
So, the dance stuff is cool looking, but not very real, but the self-talk is good.
February 12, 2018
I received this book from Harper Collins in exchange for an honest review and I will be passing it on to the Kid Lit Exchange network!
This is a fun, encouraging book that shows a girl preparing for a dance audition while her more confident shadow gives her a pep talk! Lots of young girls can relate to the preparation and nerves felt by the girl – I know many of my students are dancers. This would be a welcome addition to an elementary school library.
This is a fun, encouraging book that shows a girl preparing for a dance audition while her more confident shadow gives her a pep talk! Lots of young girls can relate to the preparation and nerves felt by the girl – I know many of my students are dancers. This would be a welcome addition to an elementary school library.
March 10, 2018
In this beautiful debut, a shadow encourage's its young owner to dance proud before a dance audition. Lyrical and rhythmic, the story opens as a nervous dancer makes her way to an impending dance audition. Then the dancer's shadow comes to life and, the magic begins. Eventually both shadow and its once fearful owner are dancing through the city. This inspiring story is perfect for anyone who's ever felt anxious about taking a chance and putting themselves out there.
February 27, 2018
The trailer for this book really touched my heart as it set up the premise for the story. Simply told, a young girl's shadow speaks to her as she approaches an audition, encouraging, guiding, and celebrating the joy of dance. Full of spunk! Perfect for young girls as they dare to put themselves out there.
February 27, 2018
Now this book flat-out gave me chills. It's a powerful pep-talk for one little girl who represents not only herself but all of us who need the confidence to pursue our passions and dreams. Love this girl, love this message, love this book. And I love how it's her shadow giving her the pep talk, so it's really coming from inside herself. Thanks, Daria Peoples-Riley - I needed this!
February 28, 2018
The text has a beat, like a song, that works really well with the dance theme. The interplay of the child and her shadow is clever and engaging. The theme of being confident and strong play throughout the whole story with an equally strong finish that teaches little girls and boys to be confident with themselves and their abilities.
April 29, 2018
Fun pep talk book for dancers. The whole book is very expressive, from the rhythm of the text, to the playfulness of the illustrations to the endpapers... For real ballet dancers it may have been nicer to see more appropriate body positioning of the little girl in the illustrations (both she and the shadow), but the spirit of the auditioning life of the dancer is there--bold, front and center!
May 6, 2018
"This Is It" is a poetic pep talk set against the backdrop of an NYC dancing audition. Traditional plot fans may take issue with the lack of story arc/character development, but it's obvious that Peoples-Riley was aiming for something a bit more lyrical and abstract. A great pick for budding performers who may need a little cheerleading time and again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews