LIBRARY NOTES
 
Katharine Holabird
Angelina Ballerina
Sunday, February 7, 2010 at 3:00 PM
Members' Room; $5 per person
Katharine Holabird's
Angelina Ballerina was an instant hit when it was first published more than 25 years ago. There are now over 35 books in print about the adventures of the ballet-mad mouseling, translated into over 15 languages.
Katharine Holabird grew up in an artistic household in Chicago, the second of four daughters. As a child, she lived in an imaginary world of fairy tales, princesses, and ballerinas, and loved to perform and dance with her sisters. "As a young child I was thrilled by Cinderella, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker," Katharine remembers. "I also loved the secret world of books and was delighted to discover I could create characters of my own."
Katharine wrote the first draft of
Angelina Ballerina at the kitchen table with her daughters twirling around her. "I thought about all the young children who are thrilled by performing and dancing, just like my daughters, and sat down to write about a small star with enormous dreams. Before long, the impulsive and highly emotional character of Angelina leapt onto the page."
In this event, Ms. Holabird will read from her books, lead Angelina-style dance exercises, and give a sneak preview of the upcoming Angelina and the Royal Wedding. Young dancers are invited to wear their ballet slippers and costumes.
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