Just Like You

Emma and Julia Love Ballet by Barbara McClintock

I have always loved Barbara McClintock's illustration style. It is immediately engaging. The art never overpowers the text, instead complimenting the story by adding fascinating details that bring a nuanced vitality.
Emma and Julie Love Ballet follows the parallel lives in one day for Emma, a young girl learning to dance and Julia, a professional ballerina.
Readers observe how their lives are similar and yet different. Emma travels via the family car. Julia uses public transportation. Emma attends school. Julia spends quiet downtime with her book.
The story leads to an evening ballet performance. Emma is in the audience. Julia is a featured dancer.
Following the performance, they meet.
Emma: "Someday.. I will dance on stage just like you." 
Julia: "...once I dreamed of being a dancer- just like you!"

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Companion book

Misty Copeland's poetic text and Christopher Myer's vibrant art inspire young dancers and performers.
This book was awarded the 2015 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award and the 2015 Ezra Jack Keats New Book Award Honor.