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Angelina Ice Skates is the ninth book in the Angelina Ballerina book series, first published in 1993. This is the last book of the series to be created in the 20th Century.



Synopsis[]

Angelina and her friends prepare an ice-skating show on Miller’s Pond to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Their rehearsals are repeatedly disrupted by two mischievous boys, Spike and Sammy, who tease the dancers and interrupt their routines with hockey games and snowball fights. After a particularly frustrating confrontation, Angelina’s mother suggests that the boys might just want to be included, prompting Angelina to find a creative way to handle their behavior.

To resolve the conflict, Angelina challenges the boys to a chase across the frozen pond. By showcasing her superior skating skills and speed, she earns their respect and eventually invites them to join the performance. She proposes that their energetic leaps and athletic ability could enhance the show rather than ruin it. Spike and Sammy agree to stop their teasing and begin practicing alongside the ballerinas, turning their former rivalry into a collaborative effort.

The story concludes with a successful New Year’s Eve performance that delights the entire village. Spike and Sammy perform as the Snow King and his attendant, blending their powerful movements with the grace of the other dancers. The event ends with a spectacular fireworks display, celebrating the spirit of cooperation and the new friendships formed through the group's hard work.

Characters[]

Trivia[]

  • Series Milestone: It was the final book in the series created and released during the 20th century.
  • Modern Re-release: A refreshed hardcover edition of the classic story was released as recently as August 27, 2024.
  • Conflict Resolution: A central theme is diplomacy and finding ways to include others rather than holding onto a grudge.
  • Patience with Family: The story explores the patience required when dealing with younger siblings or cousins, shown through Angelina's interactions with Henry.
  • Universal Childhood Experiences: The book addresses common childhood themes like friendship, jealousy, and the desire for attention.
  • Rivalry to Friendship: The plot features a conflict with two hockey-playing boys, Spike and Sammy, who disrupt rehearsals. Instead of remaining enemies, Angelina invites them to join the show, teaching a theme of inclusion.
  • Snow Queen Persona: In the classic story’s performance, Angelina takes on the lead role of the "Snow Queen," while Spike performs as the "Snow King" because of his ability to skate backward.
    • Holiday Setting: The entire story centers around rehearsals for a grand figure skating show to celebrate New Year's Eve.
    • New Antagonists: The book marked the first appearance of the characters Spike and Sammy Watts, who initially serve as disruptors to the rehearsal.
    • The Show's Leads: During the performance, Angelina stars as the "Snow Queen" while Spike is cast as the "Snow King" because of his ability to skate backward.
    • Miller’s Pond: This is the primary location where the mice practice their spins, twirls, and "figure eights" on the ice.
    • Action-Packed Scene: A major turning point in the book is a pond-wide snowball fight that breaks out after the boys tease the girls during rehearsal.
    • Henry's Role: Angelina's younger cousin Henry participates in the final show as the "King’s attendant" after spending much of the book tumbling into snowbanks.

Video Read Aloud[]

https://youtu.be/8lR6fiig1Yg?si=02CdomiXoryPVkUs

https://youtu.be/up1S1_QJHUk?si=bn3PzkQptsS9zwxW

References[]

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