Praise for Ballewiena
Dr. Larry Recommends Ten Picture Books, June 2022 Feature
A grand addition to the animal corps de ballet.- Kirkus Reviews
The gouache, watercolor, pencil, ink, and digital illustrations brim with joie de vivre as the wiry pooch spins, leaps, and pursues her dream-readers may find themselves becoming budding balletomanes as the story unfolds.-Publishers Weekly
The story is well paced, and the lively pictures, created with gouache, watercolor, ink, pencil, and digital elements, portray Dotty as a determined ballerina, performing impressive feats while balanced on her tiny yet strong back legs. A picture-book romp for children who dream of ballet.-Booklist
In this inspiring tale, a dance-dazzled dachshund, Dotty, cannot resist mimicking the ballet moves she loves.-Foreword Review
I loved the potential for expanding children's and adults' knowledge of real ballet terms with a sweet story... it's a great way to introduce ballet or dancing to a child who might have never thought they could do those things. -Seattle Book Review
The delicate and detailed gouache pictures are cute and the message of following your dreams is perennially popular.-Youth Services Book Review
Overall, BALLEWIENA holds a powerful message for young aspiring dancers and I would recommend it to fans of ballet. It's also a cute story for children to enjoy and learn to follow their hearts.-YA Books Central
Bender's watercolour and gouache illustrations are comical and colourful. This book will bring smiles and attempts to replicate moves from young ballet enthusiasts.-Winnipeg Free Press
Ballewiena by Rebecca Bender and Pajama Press...is another cute book [about] the importance of going after your dreams and to remember to just dance.-Book Time
Let's get some joy in our lives. Dance, dogs, and fulfillment will do just the trick... [Ballewiena] would make a great gift for any child who enjoys dance classes, but it has important messages about following your aspirations and being true to yourself while ensuring that you put the work in so it becomes a goal and not a pipe-dream.-CanLit for LittleCanadians
Ballewiena...is a funny picture book to share with those kids who can't sit still and who want others to discover their hidden talents!-The International Educator
