The pages are tactile; the paper has a lovely feel it making the book a pleasure to handle before even getting to the story. He looks longingly as his owner as she puts on her tutu ready for her ballet classes, dreaming of one day seeing his name in lights, but of course everyone knows that “dogs don’t do ballet”, or do they? nicely illustrated story about a dog who believes they are a ballet dancer no matter how many times he is told dogs don't do ballet. This book is a perfect basis for the subject of inclusion most probably because Biff is a male dog which may encourage debate about how we stereotype people because of their gender and what is expected of a typical male/female in life. It would lead to lots of conversation and debates and would help children to recognise that if you’re capable to do something, you can do it.

Dogs don't do ballet' tells a story of a little girls who regularly attends her ballet dance classes. However, at the Royal Ballet when one of the dancers falls, Biff steps in and receives a lot of praise for his ballet. It is a sophisticated story with sophisticated language including some French ballet terms which my class found inexplicably, but amusingly, funny when I read the story aloud! I am using it as part of the 'No Outsiders: Everyone Included, Everyone Welcome' project that our school is taking part in.

It is Hilariously funny and it reverts all social norms and expectations and is just a genuinely brilliant story. A fantastic story about feelings, following your dreams and not letting anyone stop you from doing something you love. Biff goes onto sneak into the theatre and shocks everyone with his talent showing them what he can do. Working as a freelance illustrator Sara creates images for editorial, design, publishing and advertising.

This fun story is sure to be enjoyed by young readers aged 4+ and could be a good starting point to explore gender stereotypes with slightly older children also. It all comes to a head one day when Biff attempts to sneak into Miss Polly’s ballet class and faces a humiliating dismissal. A little girl has a dog, who isn't a normal dog, he likes to sit and watch tv, and his owner and is very sneaky about it. Funny story for my little girl who likes to pretend to do ballet :-) she likes spotting the dog when he's hiding whilst following the little girl to her lesson and to the theatre.

Throughout the book Biff follows around his owner and tries to join in with ballet and ballet activities, with his owner constantly being told that dogs don’t do ballet. Mom likes the illustration of the children in ballet class the most, as well as the illustration on the bus. Dogs Don't Do Ballet , which she illustrated, was shortlisted for the 2010 Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the 2010 BookTrust Early Years Award. This book challenges assumptions and defies gender stereotypes, which can limit one’s possibilities and talents.