Eileen O’Hely (text) and Chloe Finnis (illustrator), Aisling & Amelia, Hawkeye Publishing, April 2024, 32 pp., RRP $26.95 (hbk), ISBN 9780645714951
Aisling is a budding ballerina, but when she forgets one of her ballet shoes at practice, she has the added challenge of dancing on only one leg. Impressed with her perseverance, Aisling’s ballet teacher invites her to pair up for a duet with Amelia, another dancer at the school. Initially Aisling is reluctant as Amelia only has one foot, wearing a prosthetic below the knee. However, Aisling is soon impressed with Amelia’s skill. The girls get to know each other while dancing together and by the time the concert arrives, they’re not only dance partners – they’re best friends.
The theme of seeing past people’s differences is handled beautifully in this story, as Amelia’s difference is only mentioned briefly, before becoming irrelevant to the story, modelling how her difference becomes irrelevant to her friendship with Aisling. The story includes lots of ballet language and fun alliteration, such as ravishing relevés, tantalising tailspins and beautiful battements. It also demonstrates the practice and perseverance needed to excel in dance, as well as celebrating interests outside of dancing.
The illustrations are bold and expressive, with lots of bright colours. This story will appeal to young dancers aged 4-7, particularly those with a passion for ballet.
Reviewed by Laura Holloway
