Dina Prima The Ballerina
by
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Dina Prima tumbled out of bed,
Tiptoed down the hall,
Bounced down the steps,
And twirled into the room.
She had something important to say.
“I want to be a ballerina,” she announced.
Dina believed it with all her heart.
She glided and twirled, then fumbled.
She pranced and whirled then tumbled.
She curtsied and bowed the best she knew how.
The only problem was her feet.
They rolled in when they were supposed to roll out.
They were always getting in the way.
“Why won’t my feet dance like I want them to?”
“You were just born this way, Dina,” said her mother sympathetically.
“But it doesn’t mean it has to be that way forever,” said her father.
“Besides, if you believe you will be a ballerina, then you can be a ballerina,” said her mother.
Dina smiled. A glimmer of hope passed through her mind and traveled all the way to her feet.
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About the Book
Dina Prima wants to be a ballerina in the worst way. The only problem is her feet. They need “special shoes” first. “Especially ugly shoes!” says Dina. Everyone teases her. But with a glimmer of hope and ballet lessons in the old neighborhood mansion, Dina realizes that her dream may come true. Join Dina as she prances and whirls, curtsies and bows the best she knows how, and discovers what a glimmer of hope can do for a girl who just wants to dance and twirl!
“Dina Prima the Ballerina is the charming story of a spirited young girl whose determination and hope help her triumph over difficulties. Readers are sure to be inspired and entertained by how Dina makes her dream come true.”
Katherine R. Johnson-author, songwriter
About the Author
Author Mary E. Ciesa grew up in the neighborhood surrounding Stan Hywet Manor House, the historic Seiberling Mansion, in Akron, Ohio. As a child, she had the magical experience of taking ballet lessons in the mansion.Now a member of SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) a Nurse Practitioner, and a Zumba® Instructor Mary still believes in the power of hope. Illustrator Ann Gosser is a professional freelance artist specializing in illustrating, mural painting, and fabric art. As a classical ballet dancer, she and her mother gave ballet lessons to area children at the Stan Hywet Manor House. The illustrations depict her fond memories of the ballerinas of Stan Hywet, one being the author, Mary Ciesa!