Let's Dance!

Children's Literature - Judy Chernak

Brilliant color photos of children, as well as adults, engaged in that most universal of movements-dance! Minimal explanation accompanies a maximum of exuberance, breaking forth in everything from break dancing to wheelchair dancing to war dancing; dance from the Afghanistan to China to Turkey and lots in between; accompanied by musical instruments from Scottish bagpipes to Tibetan fiddle to Congolese drums to just plain hands and feet. The costumes range from exotic to very casual American, as in several camp and street examples. My one disappointment was that there was a noticeable omission of Israeli/Jewish and European (including French, German, and Russian) styles and an over-emphasis on English country and clog dancing. However, this book will be a favorite and certainly encourages free expression and movement.

Children's Literature - Jan Lieberman

A photoessay expressing the joy of dance through color photos portraying the variety and styles of dance throughout the world. Insets on each page describe the dance. In the beginning of the book the reader learns that "If you can walk, you can dance. All you have to do is kick, step, turn, hop, jump, reach, leap, and wiggle." The accompanying photos are full of energy and excitement. This book makes you want to move and smile.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2-Colorful photographs and action shots on white backgrounds show the influence of music and dance on lifestyles and cultures around the world. "If you can speak, you can sing. If you can walk, you can dance." Ancona begins by introducing various musical instruments to set the rhythms for multicultural, multigenerational dances. All of the movements are described through a simple text in a large-print format. Additional small boxes provide more information. Add this book to your collection if you are looking for a basic introduction to a variety of dances from the usual-tap dancing-to the unusual-Polynesian war dancing, and Tibetan Yak dancing.-Kit Vaughan, J. B. Watkins Elementary School, Midlothian, VA

Kirkus Reviews

Through clear, lively photographs, Ancona (Fiesta U.S.A., 1995, etc.) explores the expression of dance throughout the world and demonstrates its universality. "Anyone can dance," Ancona explains; dance is not bound by or exclusive to any culture, age group, or disability. "Even if you can't walk," there is wheelchair dancing; without a partner, "You can dance alone." The simple text and terrific action photos thematically join the dances together while they portray people of all cultures celebrating, telling stories, or performing traditional rituals. Also included, in succinct insets, are straightforward descriptions and facts, ranging from the origins of tap-dancing to the meaning behind the Afghan wedding dance. A festive commemoration of movement. (Picture book/nonfiction. 3-6)