Many preschoolers take dance lessons before they even begin kindergarten. A dance-themed storytime can be a lot of fun, especially if the kids get to move around to music in between stories. For an art project, you can make ballerina paper dolls.
Allen, Debbie. DANCING IN THE WINGS. Sassy is told she is “too tall” to be a lead in the ballet, but she proves them wrong!- Asch, Frank. MOONDANCE. Bear gets his wish to dance with the moon.
- DePaola, Tomie. OLIVER BUTTON IS A SISSY. Oliver takes tap dance lessons despite the teasing from his classmates.
- Dorros, Arthur. TEN GO TANGO. Animals do various dances in this rhythmic counting book.
- Hest, Amy. MABEL DANCING. While her parents host a party, Mabel is in her nightgown dancing on the stairs.
- Isadora, Rachel. MAX. The best of Isadora’s many picture books featuring dance, this has Max visiting his sister’s dance class on the way to his baseball game.
- Isadora, Rachel. MY BALLET CLASS. Kids can move along with what is described in this book.
- Isadora, Rachel. OPENING NIGHT. Heather experiences opening night in her first dance recital.
- Isadora, Rachel. LILY ON STAGE. Lily gets a part in “The Nutcracker.” Also see LILY AT BALLET, and LILY BACKSTAGE.
- Jonas, Ann. COLOR DANCE. Three dancers use scarves to make colors.
- Marshall, James. THE CUT-UPS CARRY ON. Spud and Joe take ballroom dancing lessons.
- Mathers, Petra. SOPHIE AND LOU. Shy Sophie the mouse is afraid to enroll in dance class.
- Walton, Rick. HOW CAN YOU DANCE? Explore the many ways you can dance – like a marching band, or like a tree in the breeze.
Penny Peck, San Leandro Public Library
September, 2001