When young British girl Lily Marks is sent to dance lessons by her doctor, in order to strengthen her weak legs, no one realizes that this is setting in motion a series of events that will lead her to become Alicia Markova, the world's first Jewish prima ballerina assoluta. Inspired by the example of Anna Pavlova, who tells her that she must be prepared to work very hard, and to make sacrifices, Lily eventually goes on to become a world famous dancer. The young girl with weak legs becomes the unlikely, but immensely gifted ballerina...

A lovely book, one which pairs an engaging and informative story from American author Krystyna Poray Goddu with beautiful artwork from Japanese illustrator Cosei Kawa, An Unlikely Ballerina is less of a full picture-book biography, and more of a "life snippet" story. The narrative covers only Markova's early life, skipping from her meeting with Pavlova to her eventual triumph as a dancer. An afterword provides more information, as well as two photographs of the real Markova/Marks. That said, it is an immensely engaging book, focusing on how Marks' initial physical challenges led, through the happy chance of her doctor's suggestion, and her own years of hard work, to such marvelous end results. Kawa's artwork is slightly surreal, and has a distinct fairy-tale feeling to it. I particularly loved his use of color. Recommended to all young ballet lovers, and to anyone looking for children's stories that address having physical challenges as a youngster. ( )