Ellie’s Dancing Shoes, written by Scott Sollers, tells the sweet and heartfelt story of Ellie, a young girl living in New York City who dreams of becoming a ballerina. Though she practices daily, her self-doubt keeps tripping her up. That changes when her parents give her a pair of her grandmother’s “magical” ballet shoes. With the shoes on her feet, Ellie suddenly finds herself dancing with grace and confidence. But when the shoes are lost right before a big audition, Ellie must face her biggest fear: dancing without them. In the end, a surprising truth comes to light, and Ellie learns that the real magic was inside her all along.

What struck me first was how honestly this children’s book portrayed a child’s inner struggle with self-belief. The writing is simple and clear, but it never talks down to its audience. It’s gentle and warm, with a rhythm that makes it perfect for reading out loud. I loved the way Sollers used the “magic shoes” as a symbol for confidence. The twist at the end, that the shoes weren’t magical at all, felt earned and uplifting. It was one of those rare moments in a children’s story that made me pause and smile. There’s also a great emotional arc: we see Ellie grow, stumble, rise, and eventually stand on her own two feet.

The illustrations by Bryan Janky add a lovely touch. They’re full of motion and emotion, with Ellie’s expressions capturing everything from joy to frustration. The whole picture book carries a warm, nostalgic glow, like a cherished bedtime memory. I also appreciated how the parents supported Ellie, not by solving her problems, but by helping her find her own strength. There’s something really touching about how they carefully recreate the “lost” shoes just to keep her confidence going.

I’d definitely recommend Ellie’s Dancing Shoes to parents, teachers, and anyone raising or working with kids who need a little boost of self-esteem. It’s perfect for children aged 4 to 8, especially those who have a passion, whether it’s dancing, drawing, or just dreaming. It reminded me that a little belief can go a long way, and sometimes the best kind of magic is the kind you make yourself.

Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0DSGKG1JL