Description
From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 1—Debut author Bolling presents 10 forms of dance in short, rhyming stanzas. Each spread features a two-part phrase written in a font that matches the dance style. Alongside the text are bright, spirited illustrations of children doing various dances such as Kathak (India) and Kuku (Guinea), as well as styles with origins in the United States, including break dancing and disco. While some of the rhymes are very descriptive, others are nonspecific and do not provide much to enhance the illustrations. For example, the page with the Long-Sleeve Dance from China says "Glide and slide, side to side." Images depicting dances from the United States feature groups of children who are diverse in race, body size, and abilities. The back matter contains short description of each dance style, though, owing to the length and intended audience, these are also somewhat limited. VERDICT A fun and lively title; however, children will learn only a limited amount about each type of dance. For a more informative book, choose Marilyn Singer's Feel the Beat.—Clara Hendricks, Cambridge Public Library, MA 2021 Crystal Kite Award WinnerFinalist,xa02021 Connecticut Book Awards "Dancingxa0is one of the most universal elements of cultures the world over. In onomatopoeic, rhyming text, Bolling encourages readers toxa0dancexa0in styles including folkxa0dance, classical ballet, breakdancing, and linexa0dancing. Read aloud, the zippy text will engage young children... (and) will get toes tapping." — Kirkus Reviews "Debut author Bolling presents 10 forms of dance in short, rhyming stanzas.xa0Alongside the text are bright, spirited illustrations of children doing various dances such as Kathak (India) and Kuku (Guinea), as well as styles with origins in the United States, including break dancing and disco.xa0Images depicting dances from the United States feature groups of children who are diverse in race, body size, and abilities.xa0A fun and lively title." — School Library Journal Valerie Bolling has been an educator for over 25 years and a writer since age 4. She and her husband live in Connecticut and enjoy traveling, hiking, reading, going to the theater... and dancing.Maine Diaz was born in La Plata, Argentina. She studied Audiovisual communications at Universidad De La Plata and her work can be seen in a number of films as well as children's books. Read more
Features & Highlights
- This rhythmic showcase of dances from all over the world features children of diverse backgrounds and abilities tapping, spinning, and boogying away!
- Tap, twirl, twist, spin! With musical, rhyming text, author Valerie Bolling shines a spotlight on dances from across the globe, while energetic art from Maine Diaz shows off all the moves and the diverse people who do them. From the cha cha of Cuba to the stepping of Ireland, kids will want to leap, dip, and zip along with the dances on the page!
