A day in the life of a ballerina-- hard work, beautiful costumes, and of course, dance! Tonight Iris will take the stage in her new ballet, but she has a long day planned before then. She wakes up early and heads to the theater, where she has classes, costume fittings and rehearsals. With a break for lunch and an unexpected change in partners, soon enough it's almost show time. At half an hour to curtain Iris gets her shoes ready and does a few chainés. The musicians tune their instruments as the stage manager calls for places. At 8:00 the curtain rises . . . and the dancing begins! Illustrated in glowing watercolors, Ballerina Gets Ready is a peek behind the curtain at the life of a professional ballet dancer and the passion that drives her hard work.  Written by accomplished ballerina Allegra Kent, this picture book is perfect for aspiring dancers and curious young readers. PreS-Gr 2-Prima ballerina Kent is back with a second picture book, this one detailing the day of a professional dancer as she prepares for the night's performance. Leggy, red-haired Iris goes through the hours of her day, from waking up in her apartment to attending vigorous ballet classes and rehearsals. The day culminates in the evening performance of an unnamed ballet. Lovely pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations give a nod to impressionism, with soft lines and vibrant colors. Iris and her hair stand out in the full-page spreads of the autumn streets of New York City, arched-windowed ballet studio, and the dark curtained backstage. Stock captures the casts' dancing and resting postures beautifully, bringing their slender forms to life and assuredly captivating young readers with the art of ballet. However, the text is not quite as graceful, featuring few descriptive elements and some clumsy moments. Ballet terms are prevalent but undefined for nondancers. VERDICT A general purchase with engaging illustrations, but a ballet story that does not quite hit all its marks. However, where ballet books circulate well, this one will be no exception.-Clara Hendricks, Cambridge Public Library, MAα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. "Double-page spreads allow readers to experience the mysteries of backstage preparation and then enjoy a front-row seat for the magic of live theater. . . . A magical mystery tour for ballet lovers."— Kirkus Reviews   "Aspiring dancers should be easily drawn into Kent's methodical detailing of even small moments of a dancer's routine"— Publishers Weekly   "Stock captures the casts' dancing and resting postures beautifully, bringing their slender forms to life and assuredly captivating young readers with the art of ballet."— School Library Journal   A Bank Street Best Book of the Year Allegra Kent was one of the New York City Ballet's most celebrated ballerinas, dancing many roles created for her by George Balanchine. Her first children's book was Ballerina Swan. She lives in New York City. Catherine Stock has illustrated many picture books, including A Porc in New York and A Spree in Paree, which was one of Time Magazine's Ten Best Children's Books of the Year. Born in Sweden, she now lives in France.