The Sleeping Beauty - The Australian Ballet by David McAllister

Ill. by Gabriela Tylesova. Little Hare, 2017. ISBN 9781760129934
"From the stage to the page". Based on the Australian Ballet's 2015 production of this iconic ballet in which Creative Director David McAllister wanted to preserve the original choreography by Pepita "while introducing modern pacing and narrative logic", this is a ballet lover's must-have.
Following the traditional story with no Disney additions in sight, the story of Aurora, Carabosse, the Lilac Fairy and the handsome prince is told in simple narrative, accompanied by the most exquisite illustrations created by Gabriela Tylesova who was also the designer of the stage production. In all the shades of grey and pink all the characters have a magical quality filled with intricate detail that makes their balletic movements jump off the page. You can see the ballet and hear the music, even in the silence of awe.
From the intriguing front cover to the stunning back one, this is a book that will need to be in the ballet-lover's collection as well as that of anyone who just likes beautiful things. It thoroughly deserves its CBCA 2018 Notables nomination.
Barbara Braxton