Kitty and her friend, Princess Pussycat, both look forward to their ballet school's holiday recital, which features selections from The Nutcracker. Unfortunately, each kitten wants to dance the same role, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and they begin to quarrel. Ballet classmate Tom reminds them, "You're supposed to be best friends," and their teacher coaxes them to consider alternative roles, without success. Over the next few days, each kitten wrestles with her dilemma and comes to the same conclusion. Early-reading preschoolers will find the book's relatively simple text, large print, and wide-spaced lines inviting. While the plot's outcome is predictable, many young children will sympathize with the characters' struggle to choose between what they instinctively want and what will work out best. Watercolor washes brighten the pencil drawings of the cuddly characters, and give them a certain grace as they dance. From the pink jacket to the happy ending, this addition to the popular Ballet Kitty series will appeal to the youngest ballet fans.