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  • Music of the Bells by Anitha Rao-Robinson book cover
  • Music of the Bells by Anitha Rao-Robinson book cover
  • Music of the Bells by Anitha Rao-Robinson book cover
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Music of the Bells

by Anitha Rao-Robinson Publisher: VIKING BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS

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Two dance traditions, one personal story

$18.12 USD
$30.21 USD $18.12 USD
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Hardcover New English

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AlbakiReads Editorial

Two dance traditions, one personal story

Neela’s move from India brings a change in both place and dance: she now studies ballet with her school friends, while missing Kathak, the classical Indian form through which movement tells stories. Preparing a Kathak routine for her school’s annual showcase gives the picture book a clear focus on cultural continuity, self-expression, and the courage to share a tradition in a new setting. Anklet bells connect the dance to the stories and feelings Neela remembers. The book also makes room for her affection for ballet and her new friendships, presenting identity as something she can carry forward while welcoming change.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Young readers interested in dance, especially Kathak and ballet.
  • Children exploring cultural identity, moving to a new place, or expressing themselves through performance.
  • Families and educators seeking a picture book that introduces dance as storytelling.

Themes

Kathak and balletDance as storytellingCultural identity and continuitySelf-expressionChange and belonging

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

A stunning picture book that celebrates the power of movement in storytelling and is perfect for fans of Finding My Dance by Ria Thundercloud and Bunheads by Misty Copeland!

While living in India, Neela danced Kathak--a form of classical Indian dance that uses movement to tell stories--but now that her family has moved, she dances ballet like the other kids in her school. She loves ballet and her new friends, but she missed the feeling of being strong and graceful all at once, the stories that Kathak dances hold, and of course the jingle, jingle that her anklets make as she moves across the stage.

Neela decides to take a chance and sign up to do a Kathak routine at the annual showcase, but it's been a while since she's danced in this style, and she worries that the other kids won't like it. When Amma reminds Neela to stay true to herself, Neela lets the music of the bells guide her.
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Customer reviews

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Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

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Ella

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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Olivia

Smooth.