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Brontorina
From the sure-footed duo of James Howe and Randy Cecil comes a hugely endearing new character — in a humorous, heart-warming tale about holding on to your dreams.Brontorina has a dream. She wants to dance. But Brontorina is rather large — too large to fit in Madame Lucille’s dance studio. Brontorina does not have the right shoes, and everyone knows you can’t dance without the proper footwear. Still, Brontorina knows, deep in her heart, that she is meant to be a ballerina. James Howe introduces a lovable dinosaur whose size is outmatched only by her determination, and whose talent is outmatched only by her charm. Accompanied by Randy Cecil’s beguiling illustrations, here is an irresistible story that proves that no problem is too big when the heart and imagination know no bounds.
Hardcover
First published August 10, 2010
8 people are currently reading
630 people want to read
About the author
James Howe
218 books460 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
James Howe has written more than eighty books in the thirty-plus years he's been writing for young readers. It sometimes confuses people that the author of the humorous Bunnicula series also wrote the dark young adult novel, The Watcher, or such beginning reader series as Pinky and Rex and the E.B. White Read Aloud Award-winning Houndsley and Catina and its sequels. But from the beginning of his career (which came about somewhat by accident after asking himself what kind of vampire a rabbit might make), he has been most interested in letting his imagination take him in whatever direction it cared to. So far, his imagination has led him to picture books, such as I Wish I Were a Butterfly and Brontorina (about a dinosaur who dreams of being a ballerina), mysteries, poetry (in the upcoming Addie on the Inside), and fiction that deals with issues that matter deeply to him. He is especially proud of The Misfits, which inspired national No Name-Calling Week (www.nonamecallingweek.org) and its sequel Totally Joe. He does not know where his imagination will take him in the next thirty-plus years, but he is looking forward to finding out.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
James Howe has written more than eighty books in the thirty-plus years he's been writing for young readers. It sometimes confuses people that the author of the humorous Bunnicula series also wrote the dark young adult novel, The Watcher, or such beginning reader series as Pinky and Rex and the E.B. White Read Aloud Award-winning Houndsley and Catina and its sequels. But from the beginning of his career (which came about somewhat by accident after asking himself what kind of vampire a rabbit might make), he has been most interested in letting his imagination take him in whatever direction it cared to. So far, his imagination has led him to picture books, such as I Wish I Were a Butterfly and Brontorina (about a dinosaur who dreams of being a ballerina), mysteries, poetry (in the upcoming Addie on the Inside), and fiction that deals with issues that matter deeply to him. He is especially proud of The Misfits, which inspired national No Name-Calling Week (www.nonamecallingweek.org) and its sequel Totally Joe. He does not know where his imagination will take him in the next thirty-plus years, but he is looking forward to finding out.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
May 5, 2018
What's more inclusive than being prehistoric inclusive. As a student, I think I would be scared to dance next to a Dinosaur and these kids weren't. Brontorina wants to be a ballerina and she finds a dancing teacher and school to learn in. Never let size keep you from doing something.
Nice art, cute story. Both kids loved this one. Read it twice they said. So we did.
Nice art, cute story. Both kids loved this one. Read it twice they said. So we did.
August 23, 2024
My second 'dino-ballet' book - hmmm - is there something here I am missing? For some reason 'mashup' books like this really make me laugh; I think it is because I some of the books I read are very 'heavy' and often hard to understand. Dino books are a way for me to just recharge before I go back to serious reading.
January 6, 2011
A fun, sweet and humorous tale of Brontorina, the dinosaur who loves to dance ballet. Trouble is, she doesn't exactly have the, um, classic ballerina body. She proves the dance teacher and students wrong when she actually CAN dance ballet, but the trouble is, she is just so big, too big for the studio, and too big for a male dancer to lift for a pas de deux. But, Brontorina's heart is the heart of a ballerina and inspires her dance teacher to figure out a solution.
This is a great story not only for ballerinas but anyone who doesn't quite fit the mold despite their passion for the field. It shows that you can follow your heart and be yourself and do what you love. Now, the sad truth of it is that sometimes there really are limits (especially in ballet!) and no matter what we do we can't make it. But for this age group I think the book is completely suitable and if children really are serious enough about ballet, they will find out soon enough what it takes. Perhaps many of them who don't have the perfect "ballerina body" will be like Brontorina, not dancing in any professional ballet company, but dancing for the love of ballet and in a venue that embraces the differences from the norm.
I think this would be a nice book for students new to ballet, too, because some of the common ballet steps/terms are incorporated in the book and kids will probably have fun seeing Brontorina attempting things they do in ballet class, too ;-)
This is a great story not only for ballerinas but anyone who doesn't quite fit the mold despite their passion for the field. It shows that you can follow your heart and be yourself and do what you love. Now, the sad truth of it is that sometimes there really are limits (especially in ballet!) and no matter what we do we can't make it. But for this age group I think the book is completely suitable and if children really are serious enough about ballet, they will find out soon enough what it takes. Perhaps many of them who don't have the perfect "ballerina body" will be like Brontorina, not dancing in any professional ballet company, but dancing for the love of ballet and in a venue that embraces the differences from the norm.
I think this would be a nice book for students new to ballet, too, because some of the common ballet steps/terms are incorporated in the book and kids will probably have fun seeing Brontorina attempting things they do in ballet class, too ;-)
May 2, 2019
Reading time to Young 5s — they were so excited about Brontorina becoming a dancer and that other Dinos can now be dancers with her! The story is heartwarming, funny, and inclusive; illustrations are beautiful and playful. Boys and girls alike will enjoy!
October 3, 2018
I love this book! Brontorina is the most adorable drawn dinosaur ever. And her personality (as well as the other characters') is so well portrayed. I'm a little thrown by some of the sideways eyeballs for turned heads, but my attention was usually taken by Brontorina. I love her attempts at dancing. And I adore the end. A fabulous book. Could be very fun in a preschool storytime, and definitely as a lap-read.
P.S. Perhaps I love this even more because of my own childhood ballerina dreams.
5/5/11 I just learned this was recently announced as a 2012 Beehive nominee. I totally agree!!!!
1/18/12 Both preschool groups enjoyed this. The first group got involved and did some of the dancing movements with me. And they did well in figuring out why none of the places worked, then seeing the solution. It was a good first book for the dino theme.
12/3/14 Used in my Dreams theme. My younger crowd is more reluctant about standing up for things. So I had them make the ballet moves while sitting down. It works. Totally forgot to ask about why places worked, but they all followed. Didn't quite get the ending until I pointed out there were more dinosaurs. Most exciting part for them was when she got her shoes.
10/3/18 Forgot to put planned storytime books on hold. So I had to grab what was on the shelf the night before. Decided on an "Old Favorites" theme. By the time I got to this one, one new boy had shown up to join the one new girl. Small crowd. But they sat well for this and smiled throughout.
P.S. Perhaps I love this even more because of my own childhood ballerina dreams.
5/5/11 I just learned this was recently announced as a 2012 Beehive nominee. I totally agree!!!!
1/18/12 Both preschool groups enjoyed this. The first group got involved and did some of the dancing movements with me. And they did well in figuring out why none of the places worked, then seeing the solution. It was a good first book for the dino theme.
12/3/14 Used in my Dreams theme. My younger crowd is more reluctant about standing up for things. So I had them make the ballet moves while sitting down. It works. Totally forgot to ask about why places worked, but they all followed. Didn't quite get the ending until I pointed out there were more dinosaurs. Most exciting part for them was when she got her shoes.
10/3/18 Forgot to put planned storytime books on hold. So I had to grab what was on the shelf the night before. Decided on an "Old Favorites" theme. By the time I got to this one, one new boy had shown up to join the one new girl. Small crowd. But they sat well for this and smiled throughout.
September 18, 2010
James Howe, the popular children's book author of some 80 books for young readers, has crafted a captivating tale that reminds us of what may happen when we hold fast to our dream.
Brontorina wants to dance, she wants to become a ballerina. Well, she has all the enthusiasm and determination in the world but not much else. She's way too tall, too big, and too heavy – she's a dinosaur. Where in the world could a dinosaur even find toe shoes?
Nonetheless, Madame Lucille, proprietor of Madame Lucille's Dance Academy for Boys and Girls, immediately recognizes that Brontorina is a ballerina in her heart and invites her to join the class.
Well, despite Brontorina's best efforts you can imagine the effect this had on other class members and, goodness, when Brontorina leaped she hit the ceiling. Obviously, the dance studio space was way too small.
However, as we know for every problem very often there's a solution. Young readers will be delighted to discover how with the help of Madame Lucille and her friends Brontorina is able to make her dream come true.
Highly recommended.
- Gail Cooke
November 12, 2010
Brontorina had a dream... and her dream was to dance. Despite not having the right shoes and being... well, a dinosaur, in her heart, Brontorina Apatosaurus ("I even sound like a dancer, don't you agree?" She asks Madame Lucille) was a ballerina.
This is a wonderful story that lovingly illustrates both unconditional acceptance and the importance of holding on to one's dreams, making things possible by looking, not at what might seem like obstacles, but at those things that we can turn into possibilities just by looking at them in a completely different light.
In the end, it wasn't that Brontorina was too big... it was that Madame Lucille's studio was too small to hold all of Brontorina's talent! And isn't that a beautiful opportunity to allow someone's dreams the room to blossom?
This is a wonderful story that lovingly illustrates both unconditional acceptance and the importance of holding on to one's dreams, making things possible by looking, not at what might seem like obstacles, but at those things that we can turn into possibilities just by looking at them in a completely different light.
In the end, it wasn't that Brontorina was too big... it was that Madame Lucille's studio was too small to hold all of Brontorina's talent! And isn't that a beautiful opportunity to allow someone's dreams the room to blossom?
January 21, 2011
JUST when I was feeling cranky about a big pile of mediocre picture books, Brontorina jeted enthusiastically onto my desk. ("On the outside, I am a dinosaur. But in my heart, I am a ballerina!") Love Madame Lucille's matter-of-fact acceptance of a dinosaur in her studio. ("Please try not to squash the other dancers.") Love that boys and girls are in the multicultural class. Love the two girls who remain unimpressed the entire book ("She still doesn't have the right shoes."). Love the just-right-for-storytime length and the practical solution at the end. I laughed out loud every other page and am still smiling. Make room for Brontorina on your bookshelf!
July 27, 2015
Brontorina is an apatosaurus who more than anything wants to be a ballerina. Madame Lucille agrees to teach her at her dance academy but Brontorina runs into some problems in the dance studio.
Best Line- Brontorina blushed. "On the outside, I am a dinosaur. But in my heart-" "You are a ballerina!" cried Clara and Jack.
Lesson Ideas- Persevering, Problem solving
Best Line- Brontorina blushed. "On the outside, I am a dinosaur. But in my heart-" "You are a ballerina!" cried Clara and Jack.
Lesson Ideas- Persevering, Problem solving
November 1, 2016
Een grappig boek over een dinosaurus die ballet wil gaan doen. Alleen is ze te groot, en heeft ze geen schoentjes! Het einde was erg lief, en ik moest wel lachen om dat extra bordje wat een van de koeien neerzette. :P Ook was het wel hilarisch om te zien hoe het hele plafond wel gesloopt elke keer als de dino zich strekte of een sprongetje deed.
May 22, 2011
http://ecslibrary.edublogs.org/2011/0...
Love this book about a dinosaur with ballerina dreams!
Love this book about a dinosaur with ballerina dreams!
October 29, 2019
Brontorina Apatosaurus wanted, more than anything else, to be a dancer. Unfortunately she was rather large - so large she didn't quite fit in Madame Lucille’s Dance Academy for Girls and Boys - and didn't have the right shoes. Still, at the prompting of some of her enthusiastic human pupils (and her own kind heart), Madame Lucille permitted the eager dinosaur to join her class, and was subsequently amazed at her agility and grace. But no amount of grace could hide the fact that Brontorina was just too big... or was she?
I enjoyed this humorous picture-book exploration of ballet, body type, acceptance of self, and making resources work for all different kinds of students. I liked the fact that Miss Lucille realizes that the problem isn't with her student, but with her facility, as I think this is an outlook - that the group should change, rather than the individual - that can be very helpful, when dealing with all kinds of issues, from disabilities both physical and academic, to group dynamics that prove unwelcoming to newcomers, or those who are different in some way. The artwork by Randy Cecil is appealing, emphasizing the humor in Brontorina's participation in the class. Recommended to anyone looking for amusing ballet stories, or children's books that address issues of body type. Those looking for a slightly more realistic take on a somewhat large ballerina should also pick up Debbie Allen's Dancing in the Wings , about a young girl who is far taller than many of her fellow pupils.
I enjoyed this humorous picture-book exploration of ballet, body type, acceptance of self, and making resources work for all different kinds of students. I liked the fact that Miss Lucille realizes that the problem isn't with her student, but with her facility, as I think this is an outlook - that the group should change, rather than the individual - that can be very helpful, when dealing with all kinds of issues, from disabilities both physical and academic, to group dynamics that prove unwelcoming to newcomers, or those who are different in some way. The artwork by Randy Cecil is appealing, emphasizing the humor in Brontorina's participation in the class. Recommended to anyone looking for amusing ballet stories, or children's books that address issues of body type. Those looking for a slightly more realistic take on a somewhat large ballerina should also pick up Debbie Allen's Dancing in the Wings , about a young girl who is far taller than many of her fellow pupils.
March 23, 2019
My kids would rate this one a 4-5 star book. They loved the theme of ballet and finding a way to help someone live their dreams and size isn’t a limitation unless we see it as one. Perception is everything. I would rate it a 3-star as it was too simplistic for me to enjoy as much as my kinder.
July 17, 2013
29 May 2010 BRONTORINA by James Howe and Randy Cecil, ill., Candlewick, August 2010, 32p., ISBN: 978-0-7636-4437-6
"There will come a time when everybody who is lonely will be free to sing and dance and love.
There will come a time when every evil that we know will be an evil that we can rise above."
-- Frank Zappa
“It is just a fact. The men go off and fight the wars and fly the airplanes and come back and help design and build and test them. The fact that women are not in this field is a fact of our social order."
-- John Glenn (1962) as quoted in ALMOST ASTRONAUTS by Tanya Lee Stone
"Each Junior/Senior may invite one guest. Your guest should meet the following criteria:-may be in grade 9 or 10 at Itawamba Agricultural High School-may be in grade 9-12 at another high school-may be a college-age student-must be of the opposite sex."
-- School district policy (2010) on prom dates in the Mississippi high school where Constance McMillen wanted to take her girlfriend to the prom.
"That four hundred acres is good land, all right, but it's a white man's kind of land, too expensive for you. Why, it wasn't so long ago it was against the law for a negra, I don't care how white-looking, to even own farmland in the state of Mississippi, and here you are talking about buying Hollenbeck land?"
-- the white banker, B.R. Tillman, in THE LAND by Mildred Taylor
As he spoke from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, might Martin have really dreamed that some young child of color toddling around out there at that very moment would come to embrace The Dream and grow up to become President of the United States? I can only imagine that he did.
Barack's election is unquestionably an inspiration. And, yet, the path to self-actualization -- to becoming everything that a child is capable of becoming, irregardless of his or her gender, skin color, sexual orientation, family economic condition, or physical limitations -- remains a path that is so often booby trapped every step of the way with the nonsense of naysayers and the accumulated prejudices built of ignorance that are passed down from generation to generation.
"Brontorina had a dream.
"'I want to dance!'"
And so it is, that BRONTORINA, a whimsical picturebook tale about a dinosaur who has hopes of becoming a ballerina, is a marvelous story through which children can similarly come to imagine achieving what others might claim to be the impossible.
"'She is too big!'
"'And she does not have the right shoes!'"
I know these two girl characters at Madame Lucille's Dance Academy for Girls and Boys! They are the naysayers. I bet anyone who has lived through middle school and high school will readily recognize the pair.
Fortunately for Brontorina, Madame Lucille is not a one-size-fits-all ballet teacher. After things don't at first work out, Madame comes to the realization that accommodations are necessary in order to have an enormous dinosaur succeed in doing those leaps and poses.
Illustrator Randy Cecil contributes huge dollops of humor and heart to the story with his depictions of the humongous tangerine-colored apatosaurus banging her head on...err...through the ceiling, and narrowly averting various other potential disasters as she strives to dance amidst the other students.
And in the end -- thanks to the support of those characters who believe in acceptance and inclusion -- hope triumphs and potential is fulfilled.
"Now Madame Lucille's dance academy had room for everyone.
"And it all began with a dream."
Bravo!
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_... http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/people/facult...
"There will come a time when everybody who is lonely will be free to sing and dance and love.
There will come a time when every evil that we know will be an evil that we can rise above."
-- Frank Zappa
“It is just a fact. The men go off and fight the wars and fly the airplanes and come back and help design and build and test them. The fact that women are not in this field is a fact of our social order."
-- John Glenn (1962) as quoted in ALMOST ASTRONAUTS by Tanya Lee Stone
"Each Junior/Senior may invite one guest. Your guest should meet the following criteria:-may be in grade 9 or 10 at Itawamba Agricultural High School-may be in grade 9-12 at another high school-may be a college-age student-must be of the opposite sex."
-- School district policy (2010) on prom dates in the Mississippi high school where Constance McMillen wanted to take her girlfriend to the prom.
"That four hundred acres is good land, all right, but it's a white man's kind of land, too expensive for you. Why, it wasn't so long ago it was against the law for a negra, I don't care how white-looking, to even own farmland in the state of Mississippi, and here you are talking about buying Hollenbeck land?"
-- the white banker, B.R. Tillman, in THE LAND by Mildred Taylor
As he spoke from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, might Martin have really dreamed that some young child of color toddling around out there at that very moment would come to embrace The Dream and grow up to become President of the United States? I can only imagine that he did.
Barack's election is unquestionably an inspiration. And, yet, the path to self-actualization -- to becoming everything that a child is capable of becoming, irregardless of his or her gender, skin color, sexual orientation, family economic condition, or physical limitations -- remains a path that is so often booby trapped every step of the way with the nonsense of naysayers and the accumulated prejudices built of ignorance that are passed down from generation to generation.
"Brontorina had a dream.
"'I want to dance!'"
And so it is, that BRONTORINA, a whimsical picturebook tale about a dinosaur who has hopes of becoming a ballerina, is a marvelous story through which children can similarly come to imagine achieving what others might claim to be the impossible.
"'She is too big!'
"'And she does not have the right shoes!'"
I know these two girl characters at Madame Lucille's Dance Academy for Girls and Boys! They are the naysayers. I bet anyone who has lived through middle school and high school will readily recognize the pair.
Fortunately for Brontorina, Madame Lucille is not a one-size-fits-all ballet teacher. After things don't at first work out, Madame comes to the realization that accommodations are necessary in order to have an enormous dinosaur succeed in doing those leaps and poses.
Illustrator Randy Cecil contributes huge dollops of humor and heart to the story with his depictions of the humongous tangerine-colored apatosaurus banging her head on...err...through the ceiling, and narrowly averting various other potential disasters as she strives to dance amidst the other students.
And in the end -- thanks to the support of those characters who believe in acceptance and inclusion -- hope triumphs and potential is fulfilled.
"Now Madame Lucille's dance academy had room for everyone.
"And it all began with a dream."
Bravo!
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_... http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/people/facult...
March 26, 2022
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Summer Reading Day 51: Today's book/hat is Brontorina by James Howe. This was a book that came up on a lot of bloggers' lists when I was looking for book recommendations for my Body Positivity display, and I can totally see why. It's a great story about Brontorina, an apatosaurus who just knows that she was meant to be a dancer, even if she's not shaped like the other ballerinas.
The underlying message is one of believing in your dreams, but I also loved how the other characters were so willing to support Brontorina. The dance school's teacher and students are behind Brontorina and her dreams, with the exception of two characters who are so in the background that even their words of doubt are diminished to tiny speech bubbles, and not included in the main narrative. Fortunately, the book ends happily for Brontorina, with a final page that brought a tear to my eye. It's a great length for a one-year-old, and while the illustrations are a little less engaging for a toddler than some of the books we've read (they have a pretty limited color scheme), they are adorable nonetheless. Thumbs up from JJ and I!
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
March 9, 2011
I loved this book. We've read it again and again and the story is goofy and fun and full of good thoughts. Despite the focus on dancing, it's a great read for boys and girls.
Brontorina is a dinosaur who wants to dance. The teacher, a wise and wiry old ballerina, invites her into the studio, seeing how her desire matches her size. Unfortunately, the dinosaur really doesn't fit, and instead of the story ending with the dinosaur having to find another studio, or not dance, or..., the teacher goes on the hunt for a new place to accommodate her new and enthusiastic student.
Two subtle messages peek through in this cute tale.
If you have a dream, even if you don't conform to the stereotype, keep trying on that dream.
If you're a teacher, or a parent, or someone who can affect people's dreams, don't dismiss little one's hopes and desires just because they don't fit the typical mold. Be creative as you look for solutions...
The illustrations by Randy Cecil are brilliant. I love the color palette and there is so much fun and silliness--they add heaps of fun to the book.
All around, the folks at Candlewick got this book right from every angle. It'd be a great birthday gift for little ones, and an especially poignant book for a little boy who expressed a desire to dance.
Brontorina is a dinosaur who wants to dance. The teacher, a wise and wiry old ballerina, invites her into the studio, seeing how her desire matches her size. Unfortunately, the dinosaur really doesn't fit, and instead of the story ending with the dinosaur having to find another studio, or not dance, or..., the teacher goes on the hunt for a new place to accommodate her new and enthusiastic student.
Two subtle messages peek through in this cute tale.
If you have a dream, even if you don't conform to the stereotype, keep trying on that dream.
If you're a teacher, or a parent, or someone who can affect people's dreams, don't dismiss little one's hopes and desires just because they don't fit the typical mold. Be creative as you look for solutions...
The illustrations by Randy Cecil are brilliant. I love the color palette and there is so much fun and silliness--they add heaps of fun to the book.
All around, the folks at Candlewick got this book right from every angle. It'd be a great birthday gift for little ones, and an especially poignant book for a little boy who expressed a desire to dance.
September 28, 2015
In the last several years, author James Howe has become mostly a picture-book writer, teaming up with a varied assortment of illustrators to forge creative ideas and memorable characters for the pleasure of the youngest of emerging readers. Brontorina is a pretty good continuation of that new career emphasis.
Being much, much larger than any of her human peers, Brontorina finds it hard to gain acceptance into a ballet class. She has the heart of a dancer and wishes to learn to be as daintily skillful as the other girls, but her mammoth size presents obstacles that just aren't easy to overcome. When she's about to give up on her dream of learning to be a real ballerina, though, a thoughtful girl in her ballet class presents a solution to one of the issues that had been preventing Brontorina from achieving success. After that, the other pieces fall into place for her, and the dream that she held to from the beginning finally meets its realization.
Brontorina is a nice picture book, an active encouragement for perceptive new readers that nothing is really impossible—even something as seemingly absurd as a dinosaur learning to dance—if one is willing to work hard at a dream. I would give at least one and a half stars to this book.
Being much, much larger than any of her human peers, Brontorina finds it hard to gain acceptance into a ballet class. She has the heart of a dancer and wishes to learn to be as daintily skillful as the other girls, but her mammoth size presents obstacles that just aren't easy to overcome. When she's about to give up on her dream of learning to be a real ballerina, though, a thoughtful girl in her ballet class presents a solution to one of the issues that had been preventing Brontorina from achieving success. After that, the other pieces fall into place for her, and the dream that she held to from the beginning finally meets its realization.
Brontorina is a nice picture book, an active encouragement for perceptive new readers that nothing is really impossible—even something as seemingly absurd as a dinosaur learning to dance—if one is willing to work hard at a dream. I would give at least one and a half stars to this book.
April 16, 2012
Brontorina is about a dinosaur named Brontorina who wants to be a ballerina. Although the dance teacher Madame Lucille wants Brontorina to succeed as a ballerina and accepts her into her studio, there is no denying that she is too big and eventually Madame Lucille is forced to tell her dancing will not work out. However, the other dance students do not give up on Brontorina. The dance students make Madame Lucille realize that it is not Brontorina that is too big, but that it is the studio that is too small. Eventually, she opens her school outdoors and all boys, girls and dinosaurs can pursue their dreams of dancing. This text relates to my theme unit as it shows the struggles that can come about as a result of being different. Because Brontorina too big for the studio, both her and the students have trouble learning to dance together. However, because the students did not give up on her, they figure out a solution, that not only allows Brontorina to become a dancer but gives other dinosaurs the chance to learn to dance as well. This text helps to show that although differences can sometimes cause problems, they can also lead to great things such as expanding opportunities for others who are different.
November 15, 2010
There was Margot Fonteyne. There was Martha Graham. There was Baryshnikov. And now, there is Brontorina! Madame Lucille is skeptical when Brontorina shows up at the door of her dance academy with a big heart and even bigger feet! Egged on by Jack and Clara, Madame begrudgingly concedes saying, "Please try not to squash the other dancers." Plie goes ok, but Brontorina's jetes and releves are through the roof! And not in a good way. Brontorina's especially high hopes are nearly dashed, but the troupe teams up to get this dino back on her dancing feet. Clara's mom sews up some king-size slippers (pink of course), and Madame Lucille realizes Brontorina isn't too big, it's just that the studio is too small! Will they ever find a place where movers and shakers of all shapes and sizes can practice in peace?
Just because a creature has two left feet doesn't mean she can't dance!
Like a brontosaurus, she might have two right ones too!
Just because a creature has two left feet doesn't mean she can't dance!
Like a brontosaurus, she might have two right ones too!
January 24, 2012
Brontorina Apatosaurus is a dinosaur who dreams of becoming a ballerina. She goes to Madame Lucille’s Dance Academy. At first Madame Lucille and her students resist the idea of a dancing dinosaur; She doesn’t even have the right shoes! But Brontorina is so determined that Madame Lucille cannot refuse. Brontorina gracefully executes her arabesques and jetés, but the simple fact is that she’s too big for the dance studio.Madame Lucille decides the problem is not that the dinosaur is too big for the studio; it’s that the studio is not big enough for Brontorina. Now Madame teaches her students in the meadow of a farm and it’s big enough for everyone, humans and dinosaurs, to dance.
This story about following your dreams has colorful and dynamic illustrations. Randy Cecil has managed to make ballet look natural for a dinosaur.
Full Review at Picture-Book-a-Day: http://picturebookaday.blogspot.com/2...
This story about following your dreams has colorful and dynamic illustrations. Randy Cecil has managed to make ballet look natural for a dinosaur.
Full Review at Picture-Book-a-Day: http://picturebookaday.blogspot.com/2...
September 2, 2014
Super cute story about a dinosaur who knows she's meant to be a ballerina. As other reviewers have pointed out, the ballet class is very well integrated (there's a little boy in the class and everything!) and even though some of the students make snarky little comments about her shoes, it's a welcoming class and some of them make a special effort to help her, like getting enormous ballet shoes for her. I loved the lesson, that she wasn't too big for the studio, the studio was too small for her! The illustrations are adorable and expressive as well.
(And hey, remember Bunnicula? This is the guy who wrote Bunnicula!)
(And hey, remember Bunnicula? This is the guy who wrote Bunnicula!)
February 16, 2017
Brontorina dreams of being a ballerina. But she is a dinosaur, even though in her heart she is a ballerina. Madame Lucille invited her in to her studio, even though she didn't have the proper shoes. Brontorina was a natural! But daily damage was being done to the studio and her dancing often effected those around her. And she still didn't have the right shoes. Madame Lucille was on the verge of, regretfully, having to excuse Brontorina from dance school, when Clara's mother brought in a huge surprise: custom-made dinosaur ballet shoes!
Madame Lucille has an epiphany and states that if the building is too small for Brontorina, then they will find one that is big enough! And in the end, all are welcome.
A great story about inclusion of all, no exceptions.
Madame Lucille has an epiphany and states that if the building is too small for Brontorina, then they will find one that is big enough! And in the end, all are welcome.
A great story about inclusion of all, no exceptions.
November 11, 2012
A "follow your dreams" story with a twist! All Brontorina Apatosaurus wants in life is to become a ballerina, but it's tricky when you're a giant dinosaur! After introducing herself to Madame Lucille at her Dance Academy, Brotorina tries repeatedly to follow along with dance classes despite the giggles and naysayers in her class. Eventually, Madame Lucille realizes that with enough determination, and a little creativity, there are ways her class can help Brontorina become a wonderful dancer. Through some silliness, a positive message, and an adorable dinosaur, this book is sure to please your dino-lovers and dancers!
May 10, 2013
Brontorina is about a dinosaur that dreams of becoming a ballerina, when she begins taking ballet at Madame Lucille’s Dance Academy she unfortunately finds that her size is getting in her way, and everyone else’s as well. The characters are drawn amusingly with various shaped faces and cockeyed eyes, and the illustrations done in oil are intricate and unique with the fine brush strokes made visible. Brontorina is depicted as a sweet-natured, oversized dinosaur that readers cannot help but love, and the ending will make everyone smile. The story of Brontorina is sweet, cute, and humorous and proves that it’s not what’s on the outside that truly matters but what’s in your heart.
November 28, 2013
Brontorina Apatosaurus wants to be a ballerina but she does not have the right shoes and she is too big! Despite Madame Lucilles best efforts Brontorina just does not fit into the studio. Just as it is decided that all is lost Clara's mother presents Brontorina with the 'right' shoes in just her size! The 'can-do' attitude is contagious and soon Brontorina's other problems are solved too.
This is a great story which encourages the reader to think with an open mind. I love the illustrations especially the ones of the ballet exercises with all the correct language included. Jete! and Releve! Ballet and dinosaurs = awesome!
P.S. My 17 year old showed me this one.
This is a great story which encourages the reader to think with an open mind. I love the illustrations especially the ones of the ballet exercises with all the correct language included. Jete! and Releve! Ballet and dinosaurs = awesome!
P.S. My 17 year old showed me this one.
December 6, 2014
Brontorina by James Howe is a story about a dinosaur named Brontorina who's only wish is to become a ballerina. Brontorina goes to a dance studio and begs the teacher to let her join the studio and practice ballet. The ballerinas helped Bronterina practice but she was just too big for ballet. But the kids worked together to find a place to have all the boys, girls, and dinosaurs are able to practice their dance moves.
Broctorina has fun illustrations that help to add to the story. The bright colors add to the fun story of Broctorina. The text bubbles also help to add fun to this also. Adding the text bubbles also allow for a connection with the reader.
Broctorina has fun illustrations that help to add to the story. The bright colors add to the fun story of Broctorina. The text bubbles also help to add fun to this also. Adding the text bubbles also allow for a connection with the reader.
January 16, 2012
A Beehive Book Award nominee. Darling story of Brontorina, who is a dinosaur who loves to dance. But she has some problems... she doesn't have the right shoes and she is too big to dance in the dance studio, and none of the male dancers can pick her up. Will Brontorina's determination to dance, and help from her friends, allow her to reach her dream? As we were reading, my 6 yo stopped me to point out the similarities between Brontorina and Martin Luther King Jr. And my 3 yo LOVES dinosaurs, so this book was a big hit.
March 3, 2011
Read 2/28 as part of "Shall We Dance?" theme. Brontorina has the heart of a dancer...but she has a problem: she is too big to fit into Madame Lucille's dance studio. Brontorina wins everyone's heart and they realize the problem is not that she is too big, but that the studio is too small....Preschoolers loved this book.
January 5, 2011
Who knew the guy who wrote Bunnicula is still alive and writing picture books?
February 24, 2017
My 5 year old screamed with delight at the end of this book...
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