BRAVO FOR BACKSTAGE!, dealing with disappointment never looked better

BRAVO FOR BACKSTAGE!
MARY RAND HESS & RANDY PRESTON (illus. Marilena Perilli)
Free Spirit Publishing (non-affiliate Bookshop.org link)
$18.99 hardcover, available now

Rating: 4* of five

The Publisher Says: Oscar is disappointed when he doesn't land the lead role—but as stage manager, he discovers joy, friendship, and magic backstage! Includes resources for a mini-musical. Discover the magic behind the scenes!

Oscar dreams of being in the spotlight, but when the lead role in the school play goes to someone else, he finds himself in an unexpected role—stage manager. Disappointed and unsure, Oscar wonders: can you still be a star if no one sees you?

With encouragement from family and friends, Oscar learns about all the amazing people who shine from behind the scenes—like vice presidents, nurses, and even drummers. As Oscar works to keep things going backstage, he realizes that being backstage doesn’t mean being invisible. It means being indispensable.

Why kids will love Bravo for Backstage!:

Uniquely pairs an online musical performance kit with an illustrated story

Engaging storytelling features an uplifting lesson on handling disappointment and recognizing the value of every role

Celebrates teamwork and the behind-the-scenes heroes who make the magic happen

When the curtains close and the audience cheers, Oscar finally understands: stars don’t just shine in the spotlight—they shine where they’re needed most.

The Mini-Musical Tales from Bird Mountain School picture book series seamlessly blends literature and the performing arts, offering an immersive storytelling experience. Each book provides online access to a script and original song recordings, allowing readers to bring the story to life as a mini musical—just like the characters in the book. This innovative series fosters creativity, imagination, and a love for the arts, making storytelling a truly interactive adventure.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.

My Review: What a great idea! A lesson about disappointment featuring someone who wants to act! It's a package of materials, and it's very personal to the creators:

I'm impressed by the clarity and the vocabulary used in this tale aimed at the five- to nine-year-olds. Not too challenging, not dumbed down...so has your grade-school giftee tried out for a play or a team, and didn't make it? Okay then! Here's a story meant to help that doesn't talk down, wrap it up in cotton wool, or dismiss feeling hurt and rejected.

I think this one's a real keeper.