Bellyrina: A Tutu Tale From the Bellyof the Beast, the latest whimsical creation from the mother-daughter team of Once Upon a Dance and illustrated by Ethan Roffler invites readers into a delightful world where movement, music, and imagination intertwine.
Peter the boy, Milo the cat, Ren the bird, and Roxy the duck have a rough start to their morning when a hungry wolf ambushes them and swallows Roxy. Tickled by her downy feathers, the wolf sneezes out not only Roxy, but a mysterious pink bunny with zero-to-sixty energy and no name. The crew dance their way through the mystery of the bunny’s origins.
The danger of the wolf is an immediate hook that begs to be resolved before putting the book down, and the mysterious, energetic bunny is a relatable character for active young children.
Every page suggests dance moves for children to mirror the story.
Integrated seamlessly into the story, these dancing prompts help children learn about their bodies and the artistic connection between movement and storytelling. The alliteration and rhythm of the text, such as the line “feathers and fluff flew like confetti,” are a perfect match for the dancing theme and might even inspire readers to try out movements of their own invention.
Throughout the book, purple text is used for words that children can act out, providing the opportunity to choose a different adventure with every reading. Each character’s name is also represented by different colors, helping children explore each animal’s personality through their unique words and dance movements.
Ethan Roffler’s sweet, soft illustrations follow the traipsing adventure of the mysterious bunny, with images reminiscent of Timothy B. Ering’s disproportionate, personality-filled animals in The Tale of Despereaux.
The animals’ exaggerated facial expressions are sure to send young readers into fits of giggles—especially when the exuberant bunny springs up in the middle of the group’s slumber to announce a sudden revelation about a distant, sparkling memory.
Children and adults interested in dance and/or animals will fall in love with Bellyrina: A Tutu Tale From the Bellyof the Beast by Once Upon a Dance. Themes of friendship, sticking together, getting your wiggles out, and recovering from a difficult trial will strike meaningful emotional chords for young readers. Adults interested in encouraging play between siblings may be especially interested in this book to create a dance party for the kids right in their own home.
There’s something magical about watching a child discover the joy of reading – the moment when pictures and words combine to transport young minds to new worlds, teach important lessons, or simply bring smiles and wonder to bedtime routines. The Little Peeps Awards celebrate this magic, recognizing the authors and illustrators who understand that creating exceptional children’s literature is both an art and a responsibility.
The best children’s books plant seeds of imagination, teach valuable lessons without preaching, and create positive associations with reading that can last a lifetime. From board books that introduce babies to the rhythm of language to chapter books that help young readers take their first independent literary steps, these works serve as gateways to a world of lifelong learning and discovery.
The Art of Writing for Young Hearts and Minds
Creating outstanding children’s literature requires a unique blend of skills: the ability to see the world through young eyes, the talent to craft stories that captivate short attention spans, and the wisdom to address important themes in age-appropriate ways. The best children’s books achieve something remarkable: they speak to children on their level while offering layers of meaning that adults can appreciate too.
Whether it’s teaching self-esteem through relatable characters, exploring different cultures and experiences, or simply creating beautiful bedtime stories that soothe and inspire, children’s literature serves crucial developmental purposes. These books help young readers understand emotions, navigate new experiences, and develop the empathy and curiosity that will serve them throughout their lives.
The Little Peeps Awards recognize that children’s literature encompasses a range of genres, including educational books that make learning fun, interactive experiences that engage multiple senses, and beautifully illustrated works that demonstrate how art and words can work together to create something truly special.
Celebrating Our 2024 Grand Prize Winner!
We’re delighted to honor Ruth Amanda, whose enchanting picture book Island Moon claimed the 2024 Little Peeps Grand Prize with a work that perfectly embodies the magic of children’s literature. Set in a Caribbean paradise where “warm night airs fill your heart with magic,” this gorgeously illustrated book captures the sweet sounds and sights of a tropical night—from cooing doves and whistling frogs to fairies dancing on waves of froth.
We love Island Moon as a perfect bedtime story for little ones or a simply peaceful moment for readers during a busy day. Ruth Amanda’s vibrant illustrations, tinted with Caribbean blues and moonbeam silver, transport readers to an island paradise while her gentle, rhyming text creates the kind of soothing rhythm that makes for perfect bedtime reading. The book demonstrates how the finest children’s literature creates experiences that families can share and treasure together. In addition to ongoing promotional features, Island Moon will be regularly promoted throughout the year and for the next five years in our upcoming Hall of Fame posts. Ruth Amanda will also be invited to participate in a Chanticleer 10-Question Interview.
Categories That Nurture Every Stage of Development
The Little Peeps Awards welcome children’s books across every format and developmental stage:
Chapter Books for Grades K & 1 – Early independent reading books that help young readers take their first literary steps
Story Books – Narrative-driven books perfect for reading aloud and sharing family time
Picture Books – The beloved format where illustrations and text work together to create magical experiences
Self-Esteem – Books that help children build confidence and understand their unique worth
Educational Books – Learning-focused works that make education engaging and fun
Experiences – Books that prepare children for new situations or introduce them to different cultures and ways of life
Holidays/Traditions – Seasonal and cultural celebration books that help children understand special occasions
Exploring – Adventure and discovery books that encourage curiosity about the world around us
Interactive & Board Books – Hands-on experiences designed for the youngest readers to touch, manipulate, and explore
Bedtime Stories – Gentle, soothing tales crafted to create peaceful transitions to sleep
Each category serves a different developmental purpose while maintaining the core mission of fostering a love of reading and learning.
Celebrating Record-Breaking Excellence
Last year’s Little Peeps Awards celebrated nearly 100 exceptional books – a testament to the incredible creativity and dedication of today’s children’s book creators. This record turnout wasn’t just about quantity; the quality of submissions demonstrated that children’s literature continues to evolve and flourish, with authors and illustrators pushing creative boundaries while never losing sight of their young audience’s needs.
This tremendous response reflects the growing recognition that children’s literature plays a crucial role in early development and education. Publishers, librarians, educators, and families all understand that investing in quality children’s books means investing in the next generation of readers, thinkers, and dreamers.
Looking at Children’s Literature Excellence
Check out some of these wonderful children’s books we’ve celebrated recently!
Lorelei the Lorelei: The Problem with Science Fairs, Cicadas and Sewers
By Kristen J. Anderson; Illustrations by Audrey Suau
Lorelei, the charismatic and outspoken seven-year-old, leaps at the chance to save her school’s science fair from disaster in Lorelei the Lorelei: The Problem with Science Fairs, Cicadas, and Sewers, second book in Kristen J Anderson’s Lorelei the Lorelei series.
Beyond excited for the science fair, Lorelei prepares a project with a mission. She hopes to change people’s perception about cicadas, which most consider a gross nuisance of a bug. On the day of the science fair, during a trip to the restroom, Lorelei encounters a plumbing catastrophe.
With the help of her family and friends, Lorelei put a plan in motion to protect the school fair, while learning valuable lessons about sportsmanship, classroom behavior, and empathy. She may be silly and likeable, but some of her quirks can get her into trouble too!
Even when she gets into trouble, Lorelei is always and unapologetically herself.
Littlest Mano at Bedtime
By Anita Dromey; Illustrations by Taranggana
In Littlest Mano at Bedtime by Anita Dromey, illustrated by Taranggana, Mano wants to keep grazing and playing in the hills when his mamma calls him to come down to the shore.
The rest of the goats wait for Mano, who only comes when his mamma asks him to lead the group. But Mano trips in the evening darkness and loses his chance to lead the procession. Once he and all the other goats reach the ocean, he promises not to make them wait so long next time.
Littlest Mano at Bedtime is a great evening book for children learning to read.
Dromey writes in a consistent rhyming scheme, making the rhythm easy to grasp and read along with.
This story teaches the importance of listening and cooperating with others, and does so with a soft hand fitting for very young readers.
Valley of the Giant Snakes
By Mac Bell; Illustrations by Andy Vanderbilt
After crash-landing his jet, young Ace must embark on an epic adventure through the treacherous Valley of Giant Snakes in this fun tale about imagination by Mac Bell and illustrated by Andrew Vanderbilt.
Valley of the Giant Snakes, the first installment of the Adventure Ace series, takes readers journeying with Ace through a vast and fantastical wilderness.
Ace encounters a humongous moth gliding overhead, casting an ominous shadow on this unknown world. He weaves his way through a forest of colossal mushrooms as he walks to a mountain in the distance.
A pair of mysterious eyes glow inside a tunnel, and a giant snake blocks Ace’s path when he backs away. Ace has only his ingenuity to make it past the beast.
Andy Vanderbilt’s illustrations hearken back to the adventure cartoons of the 70s and 80s, with a fresh look for the modern day.
A Tail of Twirls: Kittina and the Starlight Ballerina
By Once Upon A Dance; Illustrations by Stella Maris
Once Upon a Dance’s captivating children’s picture bookA Tail of Twirls: Kittina and the Starlight Ballerina follows an inquisitive cat as she makes a mysterious discovery.
In Pirouette Pines, small cat Kit peers through the dirty window of an abandoned dance studio. After a desperate initial attempt to enter, Kit spots an opening. The dance photos on the walls fascinate her as soon as she walks in. Curiosity gets the best of her, and she attempts to mimic some of the dance positions.
Her entire world changes in an instant when a voice—coming from a very unexpected source behind her—asks why she has been there every night. Kit has a cordial conversation with the animated mirror, which concludes with a pledge from the mirror to assist Kit in finding her dance.
Kit gains proficiency quickly and is keen to learn more. But as she considers what she has learned and what she still wishes to, she is split between gratitude and despair. To complicate her learning further, Kit is taken aback by yet another startling discovery, which is swiftly followed by a directive that will have an impact on Pirouette Pines as a whole.
These works demonstrate how the best children’s literature combines entertainment with education, creating experiences that delight young readers while supporting their growth and development.
See the Chanticleer Difference for Yourself!
We’re excited about all the exceptional children’s books we receive every year for both the CIBAs and for our Editorial Reviews. The Chanticleer International Book Awards offers an incredible $30,000 in cash, prizes, and promotion across all divisions!
The Little Peeps Awards provide recognition for the often-undervalued but incredibly important work of creating literature for our youngest readers. Whether you’re an author crafting your first picture book, an illustrator bringing stories to vivid life, or a publisher committed to quality children’s literature, these awards celebrate the dedication required to nurture young minds and foster lifelong love of reading.
Plant Seeds of Literary Love
Creating children’s literature means accepting a beautiful responsibility—the chance to introduce young minds to the joy of reading and the power of imagination. Your book could be a child’s first favorite story, the bedtime book that creates cherished family memories, or the educational adventure that sparks a lifelong interest in learning.
Once Upon a Dance’s captivating children’s picture book A Tail of Twirls: Kittina and the Starlight Ballerina follows an inquisitive cat as she makes a mysterious discovery.
In Pirouette Pines, small cat Kit peers through the dirty window of an abandoned dance studio. After a desperate initial attempt to enter, Kit spots an opening. The dance photos on the walls fascinate her as soon as she walks in. Curiosity gets the best of her, and she attempts to mimic some of the dance positions.
Her entire world changes in an instant when a voice—coming from a very unexpected source behind her—asks why she has been there every night. Kit has a cordial conversation with the animated mirror, which concludes with a pledge from the mirror to assist Kit in finding her dance.
Kit gains proficiency quickly and is keen to learn more. But as she considers what she has learned and what she still wishes to, she is split between gratitude and despair. To complicate her learning further, Kit is taken aback by yet another startling discovery, which is swiftly followed by a directive that will have an impact on Pirouette Pines as a whole.
A Tail of Twirls: Kittina and the Starlight Ballerina engages readers in fun and unique activities while they read along.
The story effectively mixes mystery and humor, and its vibrant illustrations and photo images will hold any child’s interest throughout the entire book.
Kids learn to help both themselves and their communities from Kit’s example. This is a novel that will spark lively discussions on sharing, resilience, supporting others, and pursuing one’s dreams.
With particularly lovely touches to facial expressions, the illustrations create a wonderful tone for the narrative.
Each element of the photos has been carefully considered to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The layout is simple, fluid, and easy to read while providing excellent hints about the plot’s progression.
Once Upon a Dance’s A Tail of Twirls: Kittina and the Starlight Ballerina is lengthy enough to deliver a complete and well-developed story without making it feel overwhelming—perfect for reading with children.
Join Fenix the firefly for the Solstice Celebration, where the animal who most captured the Spirit of the Season will be announced! Once Upon a Dance presents another delightful tale of movement and courage in Fenix and the Firework Fliers.
While Fenix is too small to be a member of the Firework Fliers, he’s excited to cheer on his best friend Bolt who is going to be the highest point in the firework finale! His cheering inspires Bolt to do his best as a new recruit. But trouble looms when the butterflies bring Bolt’s favorite drink, nectar, despite Fenix cautioning him that it may be possible to have too much of a good thing.
As in all Once Upon a Dance books, there are suggestions for movement activities that can be done while reading!
Ballerina Konora returns to help guide readers through the literal motion of the story. These steps include simple movements like stretching up to show the sunrise, and ways to embody the different animals like snakes, frogs, and rabbits that Fenix encounters as he tries to save the Firework Fliers Finale.
Fenix shows us that even the smallest among us can make a difference.
Filled with excellent guides that will get readers up and dancing, Fenix and the Firework Fliers takes us on a dangerous adventure, watching for predators as Fenix works to save the day. An inspiring book on movement and stepping up to help your friends!
Note: Fenix’s gender is never explicitly mentioned, so it would be totally reasonable to refer to the brave firefly as she as well! The book will be available March 1, 2024!
Sora Searches for a Song from Once Upon a Dance will delight children and adults with its synthesis of story and movement.
Once Upon a Dance features several creative works that combine reading with physical activity, and this book delivers that pairing with gusto. Beginning with a beautiful overview of a marsh, we are introduced to Sora, a little cricket who everyone says has no imagination. In place of imagination, however, this cricket has the remarkable gift of transformation. Sora discovers the ability to turn into living beings like birds and fish, which allows for a greater understanding of the different songs sung by all creatures.
The charming storytelling is paired with two sides of dancing instruction.
Ballerina Konora demonstrates a movement in image, and a written description not only explains the motion but also how it relates to the current moment in the story. Konora’s careful instructions are perfect for both visual and auditory learners, as the reader can easily walk their children through the steps.
Sora’s transformations lead to a wonderful gain in confidence that is sure to be mirrored by those who dance along with the story.
With a strong message of celebrating oneself, being open to learning new skills, and finding a place of belonging, Sora Searches for a Song is a book you will read again and again. A worthwhile installment of the wide collection of books from Once Upon a Dance.
