Elena the Frog

A good introduction to the format of a novel, chapters and all, for the newly-launched reader, this easily and quickly read volume has the feel of an expanded picture book - in fact one of my eight-year-old guinea-pigs suggested that the generous supply of very simple line-drawings would have been better 'colourful'! It is a ballet story with the traditional elements - jealousy, rivalry, and ultimate victory. Elena wants to dance the part of the princess in 'The Frog Prince', but when she is chosen to be the frog eventually realises that rather than sulking about it, outshining her rival is her best weapon. Apart from a rather unnecessary reference to a 'pain in the bum', the text explores Elena's feelings sensitively, and with a few well illustrated balletic terms thrown in. Described as a bit 'girlish' by one of my testers, it was nevertheless enjoyed.