'What a magical book. My daughters, at their young age, love the beautiful illustrations' - Darcey Bussell 'The illustrations by Rebecca Guay are well executed in an ornate pre- raphaelite style; each page has bands of flowers down the side, and even the page numbers are decorated with roses... The choice of ballet stories [includes Shim Chung]... This unusual addition to a little girl's book of ballet stories lifts it out of the norm, and the double page painting of Shim Chung swimming with dolphins is beautiful.' - Dance Expression

Jane Yolen attended Smith College and received her master's degree in education from the University of Massachusetts. She has written more than 200 books, among them The Barefoot Book of Ballet Stories (978-1-84686-261-8). Heidi Stemple, Jane's daughter is the co-author of this book and of The Barefoot Book of Ballet Stories. Both Jane and Heidi live in Hatfield, Massachusetts. Helen Cann trained in fine art and illustration at the University of Wales, graduating in 1992. Since then, she has exhibited in both England and throughout Europe. Helen lives in Hove, Sussex. Helen has illustrated several Barefoot Books including A Calendar of Festivals (978-184148-970-4), A Forest of Stories (978-1-84148-882-0), We're Riding on a Caravan (978-1-84148-342-9) and Fireside Stories (978-1-84686-064-5). Juliet Stevenson is a stage and screen actress with many credits to her name, including Truly, Madly, Deeply; Emma; Bend It Like Beckham and Mona Lisa Smile. She was awarded the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress for her role in Death and the Maiden.