Gloria's Promise

Reach for this book when your child is facing a high-stakes performance, audition, or test and is paralyzed by the fear of making a public mistake. It is an ideal choice for the perfectionist child who believes a single error defines their entire worth or future potential. The story follows Gloria, a young dancer who works incredibly hard for an audition at the American Ballet Theatre, only to suffer a visible fall right in front of the judges. While the book centers on ballet, its core message is universal: professional observers and mentors look for passion, recovery, and potential rather than flawless execution. At an age-appropriate level for 4 to 8-year-olds, it models how to handle embarrassment with grace and how to maintain hope even when things go wrong. Parents will appreciate the realistic portrayal of disappointment followed by the comforting realization that 'mistakes happen' even to the most talented individuals.