Lucy Lambert, who prefers to be known as Lou, would love real ballet classes, which her mother cannot afford, but Mrs. Dillon, the upstairs tenant, a former dancer with the Bolshoi, gives her lessons, and Lou tells Emma, whose parents have just bought the house where Lou lives, that she is a student at the local school, but she fears that once Emma starts classes and finds out the truth, it will spoil their new friendship.Lucy Lambert, also called Lou, would love real ballet classes, but Mrs. Dillon, a former Bolshoi dancer, gives her lessons, and Lou tells Emma, her new neighbor, that she is a student at the local school, but she fears that once Emma finds out the truth,it will spoil their new friendship
Embark on a heartwarming journey of friendship, dreams, and the transformative power of dance with "Lessons for Lucy (Dancing Shoes)" by acclaimed author Antonia Barber. This captivating paperback, published by Penguin UK in 1999, will charm young readers with its relatable characters and enchanting storyline. Meet Lucy Lambert, or Lou as she prefers to be called, a young girl with a burning passion for ballet. Her greatest desire is to attend formal ballet classes, but financial constraints make it seem like an impossible dream. However, fate intervenes in the form of Mrs. Dillon, the upstairs tenant, a woman with a remarkable past a former dancer with the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet. Recognizing Lou's talent and dedication, Mrs. Dillon generously offers her private lessons, opening a world of possibilities. When Emma, a new girl, moves into the neighborhood and becomes Lou's friend, Lou finds herself caught in a web of white lies. Eager to impress Emma and fearing that her unconventional ballet education might jeopardize their budding friendship, Lou tells Emma that she attends the local ballet school. As Emma expresses her excitement to join the same school, Lou's anxiety grows. She knows that the truth will eventually come out, and she worries that Emma will feel betrayed and their friendship will crumble. "Lessons for Lucy" explores the universal themes of friendship, honesty, and following your dreams, even when faced with obstacles. Antonia Barber masterfully crafts a narrative that resonates with young readers, capturing the complexities of navigating social relationships and the importance of staying true to oneself. Will Lou find the courage to reveal the truth to Emma? And can their friendship withstand the revelation? This delightful story, part of the beloved "Dancing Shoes" series, celebrates the joy of dance and the power of mentorship. Mrs. Dillon's character adds a layer of depth and inspiration, reminding us that dreams can be nurtured and passed down through generations. With only 90 pages, "Lessons for Lucy" is a perfect chapter book for young readers aged 7-10 (approximately) who are interested in ballet, friendship stories, or simply a heartwarming tale that will leave them feeling uplifted and inspired. Antonia Barber's sensitive writing and relatable characters make this book a timeless classic that will be cherished for years to come. This is a delightful read which captures the excitement, passion, and hard work of ballet, while emphasizing the enduring value of true friendship. Perfect for fans of Noel Streatfeild's 'Ballet Shoes'.