Summary: On a cold night, a cat found shelter for her newborn kittens in a Parisian theater known for its ballet and for the famous artist, Edgar Degas, who came there to sketch. The ballerinas loved the kittens, but the curiosity of the kittens often got themselves into trouble. They chased the ballerinas, slept in their toeshoes, and ran off with ribbons. The stage manager wanted to get rid of the kittens, but Degas convinced him to keep them, for they will keep the mice away. During opening night of a big ballet performance, the kittens ran out on stage and danced with the ballerinas. The audience laughed, but the stage manager was furious. However, the next day, the ballet was the talk of the town and everyone wanted tickets to come see the kittens who danced.

Genre Critique: This is a good example of historical fiction, because the plot is true to the time period of the story. The story paints a realistic picture of what it might have been like to be a ballet dancer in Paris during the 19th century. Even though the story of the kittens in the theater may not be true, it is based around historical places and events, such as the Parisian theater that Degas painted in. A note is written at the end of the book about the artwork of Degas, accompanied by his pastel image of ballerinas in a ballet studio.

Setting Critique: The setting of the story is integral, because the plot is shaped by the particular time and location that the story takes place. The story is clearly set in a theater in Paris during the 19th century, when the famous artist Degas was creating his pieces. If the story was set in a different place and time period, then the details about Degas painting in the theater would not be accurate. In addition, if Degas was not painting at this particular theater in Paris, then the kittens may not have been welcomed to stay.

When a pregnant mama kitten seeks shelter, she happens upon a theater where a ballet troupe practices and performs, the same theater that artist Edgar Degas frequents for inspiration. Everyone loves her and her kittens, except the grumpy stage manager. When the kittens interrupt the opening night performance, he demands they leave. But the next day, all Paris is buzzing with excitement about the dancing kittens. The stage manager has no choice but to accept the kittens into the theater family.

The illustrations are fabulous, as is fitting for a book that features a famous artist. Delicate pastels capture the grace and beauty of the ballerinas, and imitate Degas's own style. A reproduction of one of his paintings is included at the end of the book, along with a small amount of biographical information. The story is simple, and references to Degas are subtle; in fact, the author often just refers to him as the artist. Her intent seems to be to capture the atmosphere of Degas's artwork while positing a playful invention in the kittens. This story draws a child's interest with the cute tale, and could lead them to be more curious about Degas and fine art work. ( )

Beautiful Degas like pictures. Three kittens visit the ballet while Degas sketches. The stage manager tries to get rid of them. Degas convinces him to keep them. On the night of the performance the kittens dance on stage. The manager wants them thrown into the street until he learns that more people have purchased tickets to watch the dancing kittens. ( )

Genre: Historical Fiction
Age: Primary
Media: pastels ( )