Aurora, Uncle Ian. Dance. Natalia Moore, Illus. Flowerpot, 11/2023. [36]pp. Picture Book. Trade $16.99. 978-1-4867-2775-9. GRADES Preschool–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Children of various races, cultures, genders, and abilities (one uses a wheelchair) perform various dances from around the world. The simple rhyming text describes aspects of the dance and country: “The Trata dance in Greece looks like we’re pulling in fish netting. The Dragon Dance in China is for parties like a wedding.” The dances featured include six from Europe, two from Africa, two from Asia, two from South America, one from New Zealand, and one from the United States. The full-color illustrations exhibit energy and action, and were likely done in gouache. The book ends with two pages containing a paragraph and photo of each dance, which makes this a great choice for classrooms where dance may be part of the curriculum. This is the fourth in a series by Uncle Ian (who is featured in one illustration), that focuses on movement: Clap (2016), Stomp (2019), and Cheer (2020).
Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool