Shake It Up: Great Dance Books For Kids That Make Movin’ fun!

Discover the best dance books for children that will encourage their imagination and help them express themselves creatively!

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Ballerina! By Peter Sís

A beautifully illustrated board book, Ballerina! introduces the beauty of ballet to the tiniest of dancers. Baby +.

Giraffes Can’t Dance Written by Giles Andreae and Illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees

A modern-day classic for readers of all ages. The story follows Gerald, a tall but awkward giraffe who is self-conscious about his ability to dance. With gorgeous bright colored illustrations and rhythmic verse, Giraffes Can’t Dance helps young readers recognize beauty in their individuality. Baby +.

Sandra Boynton Books

I am a big fan of many of Sandra Boynton’s books! Dinosaur Dance and Barnyard Dance are delightful! I always dance along with the characters when I read these beloved board books (they are well-loved in my home!), as they shimmy-shimmy-shake, quivery-quake, or even square dance across the pages. Sandra Boynton’s books make lovely baby gifts, as they bringing joy to both kids and adults for years to come!

How Do You Dance by Thyra Heder

This entertaining book encourages readers to break out their moves and do what makes them comfortable. The humorous illustrations show people of all ages and ethnicities getting their groove on! From ballet to the “robot,” this book inspires all to move their bodies how they feel. Ages 2+.

Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Holabird and Illustrated by Helen Craig

Angelina loves to dance more than anything. She is constantly dancing everywhere she goes. Sometimes, Angelina is so busy dancing (or thinking about dancing) that she needs to remember what she is supposed to do! Unfortunately, her parents do not know what to do. Read Angelina Ballerina and discover if Angelina can make her dreams come true.

Angelina Ballerina was one of my favorite books to read as a child (I had a stuffed Angelina doll on my dresser for years). I love Helen Craig’s whimsical illustrations. The details in the ink drawings are charming, and I enjoy the soft color palette throughout the book. Angelina Ballerina is a unique book (the first in a long series) about a little determined mouse who makes her dreams come true through hard work and dedication. Ages 2+.

Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle

This wordless Caldecott honor picture book is adorable! In the book, a young girl emulates the bends of a flamingo! How fun!! This sweet book would be fun to read for a story time and copy their moves. Ages 2+.

I Got the Rhythm by Connie Schofield-Morrison and Illustrated by Frank Morrison

On a walk in the park with her mom, a small girl observes the rhythm around her.  From a butterfly’s flutters to a drummer’s beat, there is rhythm everywhere! I Got the Rhythm is a charming reminder that music is all around us if we only pay attention. I love the illustrations! The colors are bright, vibrant, and attractive. The characters represent a diverse community that readers can identify with. Ages 3+.

John’s Turn by by Mac Barnett Illustrated by Kate Berube

Every Friday at school, there is Sharing Gifts time, when friends in the class share their special talents. Today is John’s turn and he is nervous. With courage and grace, John dazzles on stage. I love the vulnerability and bravery John exhibits as he meets the assignments expectation, persevering over his stage fright. This book encourages readers to take pride in doing what they love and encouraging sharing their gift with others. Ages 4+.

Firebird by Misty Copleand and Illustrated by Christopher Myers

I truly enjoyed reading Misty Copeland’s Firebird. Misty Copeland made history as the first African American Female Principal Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. Firebird is an exceptional picture book describing Ms. Copeland’s encouragement of a young girl to follow her ambition to be a dancer. My favorite page features a dancer (presumably Ms. Copeland) performing a jeté across the New York City skyline! Firebird is the winner of the 2015 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award and recipient of an Ezra Jack Keats Book Award New Writer Honor, and is truly a work of art. If you enjoy Firebird, be sure to check out her second picture book, Bunheads. Ages 5+.

Ballerina Dreams: From Orphan to Dancer written by Michaela DePrince and Elaine Deprince, Illustrated by Frank Morrison

An inspiring autobiography of Michaela DePrince chronicling her journey from an orphan in Sierra Leone to becoming a premier ballerina. Readers will delight in following Ms. DePrince as she identifies her dream and makes her dream come true through hard work and perseverance. This book is an excellent choice for an early grade biography project. Ages 7+.

Maria Tallchief: Prima Ballerina by Kate Moening

An excellent resource for kids interested in learning about a trailblazing ballerina, Maria Tallchief: Prima Ballerina is full of biographical information and excellent photographs. This helps to introduce budding historians how Ms. Tallchief broke barriers becoming America’s first prima ballerina who was a member of the Osage Nation. This book includes nonfiction text features such as a glossary, index, map, captions that will be fruitful for potential research projects. Ages 7+.

Love to hear YOUR thoughts!

I am always on the lookout for a great book! Please DM me on Instagram @playgroundlibrarian or Facebook at Playground Librarian with recommendations!

Happy Reading!

XO, Sheryl