Ella Sets the Stage

Title: Ella Sets the Stage
Category: Picture Book
Grades: 3-7
Author: Carmela & Steven D’amico
Illustrator: Carmela & Steven D’amico
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Date: 2006

Summary:

Everyone is excited about the school talent show except Ella.  As far as she can tell, she has no special talent, and she dreads being up onstage.  Ella soon finds other ways to make herself useful, helping backstage, painting signs, sewing up torn costumes, and coming to the rescue of a frightened monkey.  Ella finally realizes that though her talents don't lend themselves to performing onstage, she is blessed with many useful qualities and is much braver than she once believed.

Review:

Sweet, unique illustrations create a truly enchanting little heroine that children will identify with and love quickly.  Though the text is not overly long, the plot is complex enough for kindergarteners, and with school experience, they will be the most likely to enjoy and connect with this book.