#Bookreview26
CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK REVIEW AS A WRITER AND A READER
Title: Angelina on Stage
Author: Katherine Holabird
Illustrator: Helen Craig
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Target Reader: 4-8
As the title suggests, Angelina on Stage is a story based on some form of performance and the emotions a stage could bring. Stepping onto a stage stirs feelings of excitement, pride, insecurity, fear, and jealousy. This book captures those emotions vividly, with Angelina shows the struggles and triumphs of being in the spotlight.
Angelina loves ballet, and her cousin Henry happily follows her. Both attend Miss Lilly’s ballet class, but their talents are quite different. Angelina is graceful, while Henry is clumsy yet full of admiration for his cousin. When the famous director Mr. Popoff needs a fairy and an elf for a professional ballet, Miss Lilly selects both Angelina and Henry.
Angelina does everything possible to rehearsal to deliver her best performance. Henry, however, forgets steps and fumbles through practice. To Angelina’s frustration, his funny style wins the audience’s heart, and the attention he receives leaves her feeling jealous and overlooked. The tension grows when Henry is given a line to speak, which makes him even more popular during rehearsals.
On the night of the performance, Henry freezes with stage fright, and Angelina suddenly puts aside her jealousy. Angelina, the fairy, hanging up in the air asked, “Hello little elf, can you see me?”
Henry looked up and was relieved to see his friend. He replied, “There goes my best friend, the magic fairy.”
Henry recovers, the audience cheers, and Angelina realizes that friendship and support matter more than competition.
The story portrays jealousy and acceptance in a way children can understand. It also highlights how opposite personalities can balance and learn from each other. The resolution feels a bit sudden, as Angelina’s shift from jealousy to empathy happens quickly, but it delivers a hopeful and valuable lesson that kindness and encouragement are more rewarding than rivalry.
What makes this book stand out is its emotional honesty. Jealousy, though often denied, is a universal emotion that influences many of our actions. While we easily recognize it in children, adults often ignore its presence within them. Angelina on Stage offers an opportunity to acknowledge this emotion openly and to teach children, and remind adults, about the importance of kindness, patience, and acceptance.
In the end, it is a charming story that presents emotions in a natural way, leaving readers with the reminder that true friendship means lifting each other up, even when difficult feelings get in the way.
I am an author, teacher, and holistic wellness coach with a deep passion for children’s growth and self-worth. Reviewing children’s books inspired me to write my own picture book, Stand Up for Yourself: Brando Tells Dory.
The story reflects my belief that every child deserves acceptance—not only from others but also from within. Through Dory’s journey of finding her voice and Brando’s support, young readers learn that standing up for themselves and asking for help are powerful acts of self-respect.
At its heart, my work reminds children—and adults alike—that every voice matters, and every child has the right to say, “I matter.”
Click here to get a copy for your child
About A New You:
We all deserve to have everything in our life exactly the way we want it.The first step begins with believing that every moment is bringing an opportunity to be a new you. As a founder, I provide tools to elevate all dimensions of your life and I teach you the art of writing to reach to your true potential.
Vandana Sehgal | Founder – A New You
