John's Turn
Illustrated by
02 January 2025Synopsis
“The unexpected beauty of a school performance. . . Portrays a child who shares their effort with brave vulnerability.” Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
A sensitive story about a boy grappling with stage fright and insecurity.” The Horn Book (Starred Review)
“Perfectly paced. John faces down his fear to share his gift with determination, beauty and a style that is all his own. A true gift, indeed.” BookPage (Starred Review)
“A respectful, wonderfully childlike introduction to ballet.” Booklist
“Any child who has a talent to share or struggles with performance anxiety will find a role model in John. . . . A lovely, empowering book about having the courage to express one’s individuality.” Kirkus Reviews
“A charming affirmation of believing in oneself and of recognizing the heartfelt talents of others.” School Library Journal
It’s John’s big day at school today – a performance for Sharing Gifts time. His bag is carefully packed and prepared, his classmates are ready, and the curtain is waiting to open. John is nervous, looking out at all the other children staring back at him. But he takes a big breath and begins. Mac Barnett’s compassionate text and Kate Berube’s expressive art tell the story of a child who finds the courage to show others his talent for dancing.
Details
02 January 2025
9781529516593Reviews
Employing sweet humor and sensory detail, Barnett (What Is Love?) and Berube (Second Banana) convey the unexpected beauty of a school performance. . . in a breathlessly kinetic, wordless sequence, spreads show John turning, leaping, and landing, light as a feather. . . The story’s collective, omniscient voice and graceful illustrations, wonderfully reminiscent of The Philharmonic Gets Dressed, portray a community that stays open and curious—and a child who shares their effort with brave vulnerability.
Barnett and Berube offer a sensitive story about a boy grappling with stage fright and insecurity. . . . Barnett and Berube bring mastery of craft as well as an understanding of human nature to offer a fresh take on a familiar trope.
Berube’s warmly colored illustrations capture how John’s apprehension turns to confidence and even elation as he dances; his facial expressions and body language are spot-on. Much of this perfectly paced book is devoted to John’s performance, including five elegantly and economically composed, almost wordless spreads. . . . John faces down his fear to share his gift with determination, beauty and a style that is all his own. A true gift, indeed.
The quiet text tells the story simply, though during the lively, eight-page dance sequence featuring images of John in motion, two words suffice: 'He danced.' Berube’s sensitive drawings, created with ink and paint, capture the look and ambiance of the elementary-school setting as well as John’s emotions. A respectful, wonderfully childlike introduction to ballet.
