The Polar Bear and the Ballerina

The Polar Bear and the Ballerina is a strong choice for readers looking for Black picture books shaped by art, family. Eric Velasquez builds the story around performance, imagination, and family encouragement come together in a graceful story about artistic longing and self-belief. For families, educators, and librarians building lists of DEI picture books, BIPOC picture books, and strong read-alouds, this title brings real value for conversations about art, family.