Lettice the Dancing Rabbit

by Mandy Stanley

Lettice is a little rabbit with big dreams! She sees a poster of a ballerina and decides to take up ballet lessons herself but will such a very small rabbit really be able to become a star?Learning to dance means Lettice will have to leave her brothers and sisters hopping happily on the hill and venture into the rather frightening town. But Lettice gathers together all of her courage, she begins lessons and even finds an outfit which is just the right size.Lettice loves to dance, she practises hard and is rewarded with the main part in the end of term show. But there are times when Lettice would rather feel the wind blowing through her ears than have them tied tightly back in her hairband. Maybe being a rabbit is the best thing in the world after all!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

Hardcover

First published September 3, 2001

Reviews

[Fiona Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about following your dreams and not giving up on what you want to do even if you are different or small in this case (which is very relatable for me). However, at the end of this story, Lettice decides to be a rabbit and not carry on dancing - not sure it gives the right message to children.

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure what to think. Cute rabbits. Loved seeing how Lettice found clothes her size and loved dancing. I did not like the ending. I mean, yes, rabbits are not ballerinas. But I left feeling like she had to pick one or the other and couldn't do both. Not a very good way to encourage children to pursue their dreams. Perhaps that's just me.

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lettice the Dancing Rabbit is a fun story about a rabbit named Lettice who after seeing a picture of a ballerina decides she'd liked to try it too. The story follows Lettice as she joins a ballet class to follow her dream of becoming a ballerina.

This is a lovely story and great to show children that should always follow your dreams even if it's not popular with your friends / family and doesn't seem achievable. I like how we got to see Lettice discovering that ballet is not as easy as it may first seem but it's great to see she doesn't lose hope or give up.

The illustrations are pastel colours and very pretty and eye catching for the children. This gives the book a more ballet like feel to it which fits well with the theme. The children really enjoyed seeing Lettice practicing ballet and what she got up to whilst enjoying the hobby.

What took me by surprise in this book was when Lettice decided she wanted to be a bunny and stop ballet. I was confused by this decision as she'd worked so hard, why did she just give up?! The children really enjoyed the book though and despite the surprising ending I quite liked it too. A fun story about following your dreams even if it's not as easy as it seems.

[Grace Duthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

* This book was my favourite as a child, probably because I loved rabbits and everything pink, but also had a very strong attachment to home, like Lettice.
* Like others have said, reading this as an adult, I don't see why lettice could have been a rabbit and a ballerina? As a child, due to my very strong home attachment, I completely understood why Lettice would want to be with her family, but as a teacher I think the ending could encourage children not to reach for their dreams, especially if it is difficult or they face conflict from those they love.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

love it <3

[Estelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11680314

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute!! ❤️

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t use goodreads often but saw on Google this got 3.6/5 and thats unacceptable this is a masterpiece and I won’t hear otherwise. I love Lettice <3

[Amy Mutton · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a horrible story! Lessons learned:
1. You'll need to buy the right kit to be a ballerina.
2. When you go to purchase said kit, you won't have the right body type.
3. When you persevere and become proficient at your craft, you parents will abandon you and siblings will no longer include you.
4. You're better off not trying at all.
The End.

In short, don't waste your money.