Listen to the Nightingale

Rumer Godden's "Listen to the Nightingale" tells the poignant story of Lottie, a young orphan whose life is intertwined with the world of ballet. Raised by the kind costume mistress of a London ballet company, Lottie dreams of becoming a dancer. When she earns a scholarship to a renowned ballet school, her dream seems within reach. However, a beloved puppy enters her life, creating a profound dilemma. This chapter book explores themes of ambition, love, loyalty, and the difficult choices that come with growing up, making it suitable for children aged 4-11. Parents will appreciate its gentle exploration of emotional conflict and the heartwarming bonds of found family.

When she wins a scholarship to a famous ballet school, Lottie, an orphan reared by the costume mistress for a London ballet company, is torn between her lifelong dream and her love for a puppy.