The Leading Role
Active Kids
Author
Tuula Pere
Illustrator
Dane d'Angelis
Themes
Anthony’s lost voice creates the perfect bit of drama before the premiere, and the resolution is both satisfying and encouraging. The message comes through clearly without feeling heavy-handed: sometimes the person least eager for the leading role is exactly the one who can rise to it.
The Leading Role, by Tuula Pere, is a heartwarming children’s book that really understands how big childhood projects can feel. Emma’s idea of turning her attic into a little theater is instantly charming, and the story does a nice job of showing how excitement, creativity, and teamwork can turn an ordinary space into something magical.
Illustrator Dane D’Angeli gives the attic scenes a cozy, theatrical glow, especially in the spreads with the curtain, stage lights, and warm reds and golds. I liked how the artwork makes the attic feel both homemade and magical at the same time. The characters have expressive faces and simple, child-friendly designs that make their emotions easy to read, and the stage scenes in particular have a dramatic, storybook quality that fits the theme perfectly. The illustrations truly sell the excitement of rehearsal and performance.
— Literary Titan
I really enjoyed The Leading Role by Tuula Pere because it shows how every child can contribute to a project, which is a concept I’m continuously trying to reinforce with my students.
From an educator’s perspective, it would work well in a classroom to discuss teamwork, aspirations, and problem-solving. It could also be extended to include activities such as acting out scenarios (like their own Attic Theater), designing costumes, or creating a class story to act out.
Dane D’Angeli’s illustrations are warm and expressive, using soft textures and glowing light that capture the main focus of each page.
— Jennifer Senick, Readers’ Favorite
Anthony’s lost voice creates the perfect bit of drama before the premiere, and the resolution is both satisfying and encouraging. The message comes through clearly without feeling heavy-handed: sometimes the person least eager for the leading role is exactly the one who can rise to it.
The Leading Role, by Tuula Pere, is a heartwarming children’s book that really understands how big childhood projects can feel. Emma’s idea of turning her attic into a little theater is instantly charming, and the story does a nice job of showing how excitement, creativity, and teamwork can turn an ordinary space into something magical.
Illustrator Dane D’Angeli gives the attic scenes a cozy, theatrical glow, especially in the spreads with the curtain, stage lights, and warm reds and golds. I liked how the artwork makes the attic feel both homemade and magical at the same time. The characters have expressive faces and simple, child-friendly designs that make their emotions easy to read, and the stage scenes in particular have a dramatic, storybook quality that fits the theme perfectly. The illustrations truly sell the excitement of rehearsal and performance.
— Literary Titan
I really enjoyed The Leading Role by Tuula Pere because it shows how every child can contribute to a project, which is a concept I’m continuously trying to reinforce with my students.
From an educator’s perspective, it would work well in a classroom to discuss teamwork, aspirations, and problem-solving. It could also be extended to include activities such as acting out scenarios (like their own Attic Theater), designing costumes, or creating a class story to act out.
Dane D’Angeli’s illustrations are warm and expressive, using soft textures and glowing light that capture the main focus of each page.
— Jennifer Senick, Readers’ Favorite
Anthony’s lost voice creates the perfect bit of drama before the premiere, and the resolution is both satisfying and encouraging. The message comes through clearly without feeling heavy-handed: sometimes the person least eager for the leading role is exactly the one who can rise to it.
— Literary Titan
The Leading Role, by Tuula Pere, is a heartwarming children’s book that really understands how big childhood projects can feel. Emma’s idea of turning her attic into a little theater is instantly charming, and the story does a nice job of showing how excitement, creativity, and teamwork can turn an ordinary space into something magical.
— Literary Titan
Illustrator Dane D’Angeli gives the attic scenes a cozy, theatrical glow, especially in the spreads with the curtain, stage lights, and warm reds and golds. I liked how the artwork makes the attic feel both homemade and magical at the same time. The characters have expressive faces and simple, child-friendly designs that make their emotions easy to read, and the stage scenes in particular have a dramatic, storybook quality that fits the theme perfectly. The illustrations truly sell the excitement of rehearsal and performance.
— Literary Titan
I really enjoyed The Leading Role by Tuula Pere because it shows how every child can contribute to a project, which is a concept I’m continuously trying to reinforce with my students.
— Jennifer Senick, Readers’ Favorite
From an educator’s perspective, it would work well in a classroom to discuss teamwork, aspirations, and problem-solving. It could also be extended to include activities such as acting out scenarios (like their own Attic Theater), designing costumes, or creating a class story to act out.
— Jennifer Senick, Readers’ Favorite
Dane D’Angeli’s illustrations are warm and expressive, using soft textures and glowing light that capture the main focus of each page.
— Jennifer Senick, Readers’ Favorite
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