I think you can tell from the front cover that Let’s Dance is NOT a quiet book. In fact, Valerie Bolling has written a really fun, interactive, and learning book. The beautiful illustrations are from Maine Diaz and her illustrations pull you right into the story.

There is really not much to say about the text of the story, it’s more the concept. There are very few words and the words that are used are the sounds of each dance. I only wish I had Valerie’s talent for few words! However, through her few words and Maine’s illustrations the want to get up and dance is almost irresistible. The kids on the pages are filled with joy, overflowing.

Doesn’t that picture make you want to get up and try it? My 3-year-old definitely tries to do all the pictured dances in the book.

One of the great things about this book is that Valerie takes something so big, universal - dance - and brings it down to known movement and sound. For example, “Tappity-Tap”, “Bust A Move”, “Cha Cha Cha” are all ways to dance and sounds we can easily say (always nice when reading aloud) and our kids will understand without much explanation.

Dance is known by just about everyone on the planet. It’s something that brings us together while still showing where we come from, our culture, and - if we’re on stage performing - where our passion is, what we give our time to. Dance is universal, but it also shows diversity in one of the most beautiful ways. It’s not trying to prove one way is better than the other. It just is your dance, my dance, their dance. Let’s Dance teaches that different doesn’t mean to be at odds.

My favorite part of the book is the backmatter. I was trying to guess the names of all the dances, but Valerie is too kind and gives us the answers in the back! I highly recommend though to try and figure it out before checking out the last pages. She gives the names and gives a brief description of each dance portrayed.

Let’s Dance is a 2021 Crystal Kite winner. This reward is presented annually to published and listed books that represent excellence in the field of children’s literature, peer-selected, and voted on by SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) members from local regions.

Bolling’s book is one to be enjoyed and read over and over again. Maybe even find the music that goes with that dance - there’s even a disco scene! - and explore the moves printed on the pages. I was a little late in the review, but the “book birthday” for Let’s Dance was on March 3rd. I think that would make a great holiday to celebrate each year with your family. Here is the link to Valerie’s website where you can check out the trailer for the book and download some coloring sheets to go with the story: https://valeriebolling.com/books.html

I hope you enjoy this book as much as we have!

Name

First Name

Last Name

Email

Subject

Message

Have you read this one? What did you think? If you haven't read this book yet & want to read it click on the image at the top of the post to order from Bookshop.org.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I’ll receive a small commission should you purchase using those links. All opinions expressed are my own. I receive no compensation for reviews.

Let’s Dance

River

Sea Glass Summer