Timid Sophie is so shy that she shops during off times (so she won't have to talk to anyone) and stops at the door of the bookmobile (put off by the tall librarian). When Dolores and Rudi open a dance studio across the street from her house, Sophie is fascinated by the instruction she secretly observes. Her curiosity outweighs her fear as she checks out a library book on the subject and soon is gliding gracefully across her living room floor. Throughout the story Lou admires Sophie from afar, until one evening when he appears at her door as she dances solo. When Lou asks for a dance, Sophie's burgeoning confidence allows her to reply with a firm "You bet"! The artist's skilled composition and use of color highlight this humorous story of overcoming a limiting characteristic. (Ages 5-8)

Sophie is too shy to go out in public. Then a dance studio opens across the street, and step by step Sophie's life changes as she comes dancing out of her shell. A 1991 Horn Book Guide Best Book and a 1991 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor Book for Illustration. Full color.