AN INVITATION TO THE BALLET THEATRE

by Charlotte Guillain

Supported by English National Ballet and Ballet Futures, this VIP backstage tour of a ballet company starts in the auditorium. Then young readers are taken through the costume department, a morning rehearsal and also set building, lighting, make-up and wig departments. They drop by the dancers' canteen and find out about the orchestra. There's lots of detail – from the number of shoes a dancer gets through a week to the atmosphere in the wings. Readers also find out about the plots of some of our most famous ballets.

Little Book, Big Idea: What is Philosophy?

by Sarah Walden

JUICE, £9.99

There's nothing like starting them young, and this clever picture book does just that. Beginning with how to pronounce fi-LOSS-uh-FEE, it then asks big questions (what is life/truth/ beauty?). Using simple text and engaging illustrations it provides age-appropriate answers. There's a useful section covering how our words and actions have meaning and impact on other people. You'll also find a glossary of more complex words used in the book. Noodle Juice has also published a companion called 'What is Money', with titles on art and music also coming soon.