Cedar Crest Books – Insights into Dance, Art, Creativity and Consciousness

Gwendolyn, the Graceful Pig tells the tale of Gwendolyn and Omar—two best friends who have big dreams. Gwendolyn longs to dance ballet, and Omar wants to join the football team. There’s just one problem—they’re both pigs! How will Natasha Levertov, “the greatest teacher of dance in ze vorld,” help them make their dreams come true?

Adorable illustrations and charming text make this story a hit with girls and boys. It’s not just for aspiring dancers but shows children the joy of pursuing what you love.

“Gwendolyn, the Graceful Pig was written by David Ira Rottenberg and illustrated by Lesley Anderson. The book follows the story of Gwendolyn, who wishes she could be a dancer, but is doubtful because, well, she's a pig. Her good friend Omar, also a pig, wants to play football, but the coach thinks he's too clumsy. The two of them enroll in dance class, and with the help of a hard-working Russian dance teacher, Gwendolyn and Omar become graceful dancers (which in turn helps Omar with his football career). This cute story can help inspire both boys and girls to get into dance class, and it gives accolades to the teachers themselves, whose dedication is often overlooked.”
Wendy Garofoli, editor, www.danceruniverse.com

Available October 1, 2008
$15.95 / Picture Book / Hard Cover / 8.5 x 11
40 Pages / Ages 3-8
Author – David Ira Rottenberg
Illustrator – Lesley Anderson

Soldiers of Beauty is a sumptuous book. It celebrates ballet in a unique combination of poetry and art that appeals to the mind, the emotions and the senses. The book dances, leaps and sings to all the rhythms, sounds and colors of ballet. Rottenberg writes from the point of view of the dancers, the lovers of dance and the lovers of the dancers. The poetry is funny, sad and beautiful. The artwork is simple, sensitive and vivid. Every page is a true delight. It is exciting to see and to read. Soldiers of Beauty is a book to cherish for yourself and give to your friends. To see what the book looks like inside, click here.

"The book delivered a poignant and soulful performance. Like any true dancer, it came from the heart. I enjoyed it tremendously and it was wonderful to get to the end without any blisters on my feet!" Jennifer Gelfand, former principal dancer, Boston Ballet

"... David touches the heart of our art form through his words... the love, the sacrifice, joy and pain. Beautifully done!" Melianie Atkins, Soloist, Boston Ballet

"Poetry, art and ballet! Soldiers of Beauty is a perfect book for anyone who loves dance." Tony Williams, Artistic Director, Balletrox

"The writer has a great sense of the soul of dancers.... For anyone who knows anything about dance, especially ballet, reading this book will be an absorbing and meaningful experience." Richard Rutherford, former principle dancer, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, former associate Artistic Director, Royal Winnipeg Ballet

$19.95 / Poetry Book / Soft Cover
84 Pages / 8.5 x 11
Author - David Ira Rottenberg
Illustrations - Various Artists

Order Gwendolyn, The Gracefull Pig and Soldiers of Beauty, both for $24.95.