Clorinda

by Robert Kinerk, Steven Kellogg (Illustrator)

Meet Clorinda!
Life on the farm is everything a cow like Clorinda could want, or so she thought. Then one Election Day, while up at dawn to travel to the distant city to cast her annual ballot, Clorinda is confused by the signs and stumbles into a performance of classical ballet instead. Bewilderment soon gives way to enchantment and she loses her heart to the magic of the dance. Clorinda's dream of becoming a bovine ballerina is set and she's headed for the big-city stage to start her career. Her mottoes, "Be bold and imaginative! Shoot for the sky!"
Robert Kinerk's witty and spirited verses combine with Steven Kellogg's effervescent and expansive artwork to introduce an endearing heroine. Irrepressible Clorinda will inspire standing ovations and cries of "ENCORE!" from picture-book readers of all ages.

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction, Childrens, Fantasy, New York

40 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Dena McMurdie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautifully written tale of Clorina is inspirational and encouraging. It is about a cow that wants to dance ballet. Of course, this is difficult to do when you are a cow. But she perseveres and works hard until she manages to reach her dreams. But things don't turn out they way she had hoped...

This witty story is charming and contains a good message about working for the things you really want...and knowing when something just isn't going to work for you.

The Illustrations: The artwork is beautiful and expressive. Nicely outlined and detailed, the pictures in Clorinda draw the reader in and enhance the overall story.

Read more reviews on my blog: Books for Kids

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is actually a lot of really good life lessons layered in this story.

[Lana Kamennof-sine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful heartwarming story. Proof that with perseverance one can follow one's dream even if not quite in the way initially envisioned.

[Sun-Hee Yoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure Clorinda has made! She showed us an inexhaustible perseverance, and she beat the odds!
Born cow, she dreamed to be a ballerina. Although her dream path didn't seem so bright, she didn't give up trying.
My favorite quote in this book- "Those critics!" scoffed Leo, the young farmhand. "Just tell them moo-POOH. A person can't know what it is she can do. Be hold and imaginative! Shoot for the sky! If it's the dance that you love, then it's the dance you should try!"

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world is your stage. Dance! And I've always liked Steven Kellogg's illustrating.

[Lesley Looper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story turned out cuter than I expected it to be! :) Clorinda the Cow was one persistent ballerina, who ended up making it big with the home farm crowd.

[Erroll Treslan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is guaranteed to make you smile. A fantastic story and Steve Kellogg's illustrations are always superb. Bravo Clorinda!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the story of a rather large cow who dreams of dancing ballet in New York. Plus this book has a great cadence that makes it really fun to read.

[Christine Berger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, encouraging story for kids, with fabulous illustrations.

[Sharlet Mullen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Life can not get worse - it can only get better. Don't give up. Great message in this book.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet celebration of the bovine spirit, and maybe the human spirit as well!

Between the encouraging verse and the astoundingly light-hearted, creative illustrations, I'm buying it.

This Goodreader felt so moved when the audience clapped for Clorinda and Lou. Unexpectedly clapped. To quote just a bit (without spoiling):

They're cheering.
They're shouting.
They're clapping their hands!
They're doing all this because each understands
the thing most important is making a try

Sounds like Heaven to me. A place where truth triumphs, not the sillier unintended details.

FIVE STARS and virtual hugs for you both, author Robert Kinerk and artist Steven Kellogg.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. My favorite lines from this book are these. "They're clapping their hands! They're doing all this because each understands the thing most important is making a try - you can't always triumph . You can't always fly. We gave it our best, but there's bound to be misses - Now let's take a bow and let's blow them some kisses."

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clorinda accidentally goes to a ballet, loves it, and aspires to become a ballet dancer. After getting a chance to dance in one performance in NYC, she heads back to the farm after smooshing her dance partner. Reminded me of "Brontorina."

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way the words incorporated into the art fit in with the rhymes on each page.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhyming works well in this book. We always enjoy Steven Kellogg illustrations.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

The kids liked it and it has a lovely message for children to remember.
Keep on trying and don’t let others opinions influence your dreams.

[C. (Don't blank click my reviews, comment please! · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recall this sweet story of 2003. I must have given it before I began making notes at Goodreads and writing reviews, which was about five years ago. The essence of "Clorinda", an endearing cow confident enough to try dancing professionally in New York, is reaching for the top of our dreams no matter how far-fetched they seem! Nor should we abhor errors as negative results, if efforts don't first unfold as we envision. When our highest dreams become realized, they are the most PROSPEROUS, not preposterous! That is a stunningly important lesson well put, that I will easily remember! Such a successful attainment of goals also proves to be the most joyous and satisfying.

I am happy for that cow, teaching herself to dance and being a waitress until she performed onstage. How lovely that she nevertheless brings the gift of dance home to her farm animal family and neighbours. I love that this farm does not consume animals but that it is simply their rural home. The farmer paid for Clorinda's stay in New York and built her a stage to teach and entertain their community -of animals and people- when Clorinda the ballerina, returned. Robert Kinerk expressed an encouraging and essential message all the way around.

The art is radiantly beautiful in the depiction of the rural environment; truly emotive and richly colourful tableaux. The action drawings convey energy, whimsy, and the moods of all the dancers Clorinda meets. They are standing in line for auditions, as frustrated but dogged as she is, she is bustling in a cafe, and she is conferring encouragingly with her dance troupe before their performance and offstage. Steven Kellogg conveys the comic strip-like story and gorgeous sunset vistas with equal talent, a surprising contrast that is a treat in this booklet.

[Anna J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clorinda by Steven Kellogg is a picture book about a cow that wants to be a ballerina and dance on a big stage. She is turned down over and over again, but she keeps on trying until she eventually gets the chance to perform. It does not turn out exactly as she planned, but she finds that she can dance for fun even if she is not cut out for a career in dance. This story told in rhyming format has the theme of perseverance and “being true to yourself.” Readers will be delighted by the silliness of the story and colorful illustrations. Barnes and Noble recommends this book for children four to eight years of age.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

So is the book a fat book--that sounds rude but the cow is 4 times bigger than her ballet partner Lou and during a ballet move she almost kills. Even though Clorinda is a good dancers....should a cow be a ballet dancer?

I don't know what I am suppose to glean from this story. Is it a " is better to have tried and failed than to not try at all" OR "know your limits and don't be disappointed when you reach your limits."? I don't know!

Cute pictures but...not sure I am in love with this one!

[Krista Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clorinda is maybe the worlds most successful cow ballerina. Sadly, there are some repercussions to her chosen profession.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just be yourself!

[Cws]

JEAR3-Kin

[Erica Hendrickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Illustrated by Steven Kellogg. Rhyming.

[Ellie Dietzen · Rating 3 out of 5]

the book has a great message that the children can pick up on. it is easy to see the do not give up message and that things will get better.

[Pinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clorinda tries to make her way in ballet and moves to NYC. When her dreams fail, she moves back to the farm.

[Tweetybird123 · Rating 5 out of 5]

that girl is nice really this is a good book

[Stefanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably won't have this book in my classroom!