“This resplendent book, nearly wordless, is told via the gorgeous, softly textured artwork, rendered in mainly blues, grays, and pinks, making the titular red ribbon a lovely anchor piece. Clever details abound . . . It’s just the thing to instill confidence and kindness in any budding ballerina.”

– Booklist

“Carefully composed, movement-filled scenes convey the determination and practice underpinning the protagonist’s artistic development. Reiterative phrases in text and image aptly evoke the rhythm of dance as an art form that emerges from committed repetition.”

– Publishers Weekly

“Blackham’s illustrations feel tactile and windswept, expressive enough to do the heavy lifting of storytelling with only a smattering of words across the entire book. A muted palette of gray, powder blue, and pale pink lets the vivid red ribbon pop from each spread, while layered echoes of pressed leaves give the story a handmade warmth and depth. Poignant repetition is used in both imagery and words to a calming, comforting effect. A sweet, quiet ode to the courage within.”

– Kirkus Reviews