Rufus the Scrub Does Not Wear a Tutu (review)

Rufus may not wear a tutu, but he's a novice ballet dancer nonetheless, hoping the classes will give him a bit more coordination and help him be more nimble on the football field. He's not fazed by the idea, or by being the big guy in a class of eight-year-old girls (he becomes quite popular as a lifter of tiny ballerinas), but the razzing from the coach and his teammates may convince him to quit—unless he can demonstrate some real improvement in his game. The old story of grade-school gender conflict moves up to varsity level in this affable early reader touched with laconic wit, and even the inevitable lesson about the benefits Rufus has obtained from ballet follows an original game plan. Characterization varies from humorously broad (the football coach) to sly and economical (Rufus' mother), while Rufus himself is an easygoing and sympathetic protagonist, absolutely the kind of big boy who'd become the pet of a fleet of little girls. Computer-drawn cartoon spot art enlivens chapter openings, and the big print will reassure timid readers. Fans of this series' Willy the Scrub (BCCB 4/04) and other easygoing sports adventures will want to give this one a twirl.