Chanticleer Book Reviews

Tag: Dancing

  • FENIX And The FIREWORK FLIERS by Once Upon a Dance – Picture Books, Dancing, Animal Stories

     

    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!

     

    5 Stars! Best Book Chanticleer Book Reviews

  • SORA SEARCHES For A SONG by Once Upon a Dance – Children’s Dancing Books, Picture Books, Children’s Adventure Books

    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.

     

    5 Stars! Best Book Chanticleer Book Reviews