This post is sponsored by Expound Publicity. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.
MY REVIEW
“Ellie’s Dancing Shoes” by Scott Sollers is sweet, spirited, and full of heart. It’s the kind of story that twirls right off the page and sticks with you. Ellie wants to be a ballerina more than anything—but self-doubt keeps getting in the way. She slips, she trips, she falls… until her parents give her her grandmother’s “magical” ballet shoes.
Suddenly, she’s soaring. Twirling. Dancing like never before. The shoes must be magic, right?
Not so fast.
There’s a twist—and it’s a good one. The real magic? It was in Ellie all along. This book delivers a powerful message about confidence, hard work, and believing in yourself, without ever getting too serious or sappy. And the ending? Totally satisfying.
With charming illustrations by Bryan Janky and a lovable main character (plus a very cute poodle), this one’s perfect for kids who love to dance, dream big, or just need a little reminder that they’ve got what it takes. A perfect read-aloud, bedtime pick, or gift for any little star in the making.
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ABOUT THE BOOK
Ellie’s Dancing Shoes
Written by Scott Sollers
Illustrated by Bryan Janky
Ages: 4-8 | 38 Pages
Publisher: Mascot Books (2025) | ISBN: 979-8891383418
Publisher’s Book Summary: There is nothing Ellie wants more than to become a ballerina.
Every day she practices her stretches, leaps, twirls, and jumps. But Ellie doesn’t believe in herself. Her self-doubt gets in the way, and when she stretches, she slips. When she bends, she falls over. When she leaps, she slides. When she twirls or jumps, she gets all twisted and slumped over.
Until one day, her parents gave Ellie her grandmother’s magical dancing shoes. Soon, there are only graceful jumps, beautiful leaps, and dizzying twirls.
When the day of Ellie’s audition to become a ballerina arrives, her magic dancing shoes are lost. Will Ellie find them in time before her audition, or must she perform without them?
A beautifully illustrated story that shows children that their magic can be found within.
PURCHASE LINK
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Scott Sollers worked as an investment banker in the municipal securities industry for decades. He created Ellie’s Dancing Shoes and other nighttime stories for his daughter Stephanie when she was a youngster. Originally, he handwrote and illustrated these stories and finally had the inspiration to get them published. Scott is an avid golfer and the president of First Tee for the San Francisco region, a not-for-profit organization that teaches core values through golf to children. He currently resides in San Mateo, California, with his cat Charlie.
For more information, visit scottsollersauthor.com.
https://www.instagram.com/scottsollersauthor
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559791507282
TOUR SCHEDULE
| Tuesday, May 6, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Ellie’s Dancing Shoes |
| Thursday, May 8, 2025Confessions of a Book AddictBook Spotlight on Ellie’s Dancing Shoes |
| Friday, May 9, 2025icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Ellie’s Dancing Shoes |
| Monday, May 12, 2025Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Ellie’s Dancing Shoes |
| Tuesday, May 13, 2025The Starlit PathBook Review of Ellie’s Dancing Shoes |
| Thursday, May 15, 2025Deliciously SavvyBook Review of Ellie’s Dancing Shoes |
| Friday, May 16 2025One More ExclamationBook Review of Ellie’s Dancing Shoes |
| Monday, May 19, 2025Cover Lover Book ReviewBook Review of Ellie’s Dancing Shoes |
| Tuesday, May 20, 2025Lisa’s ReadingBook Spotlight on Ellie’s Dancing Shoes |
| Thursday, May 22, 2025Country Mamas With KidsBook Review of Ellie’s Dancing Shoes |
| Friday, May 23, 2025Q&As with Deborah KalbAuthor Interview with Scott Sollers |
| Monday, May 26, 2025Me Two BooksAuthor Interview with Scott Sollers |
| Tuesday, May 27, 2025Froggy Read TeachInstagram Post about Ellie’s Dancing Shoes |
| Monday, June 2nd, 2025Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersBook Review of Ellie’s Dancing Shoes |
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