History

Whether you join hands with an armadillo in the pas de deux or pirouette with the panther, you’ll find plenty of talented and agile creatures to mimic in this enchanting introduction to ballet for emerging readers. Even the bears are dancing in this picture book from mom, author, and illustrator Alexis Braud. Budding ballerinas will love the humorous illustrations paired with beginner-friendly explanations of dance terms, making the moves both easy to understand and memorable.

Jack’s dream is to have a band. Not just any band, a band filled with his bayou neighbors including his new friend, Remy the raccoon. Jack tap-tap-taps his paws as he imagines the music! He can already hear the chank-a-chank of a rubboard and the thump-thump-thump of the drums. Forming a band that includes an alligator, a snake, some turtles, a bullfrog, and a possum isn't always easy! First they will have to overcome their distrust of their fellow creatures and learn to work together. When some poachers invade their home and try to capture their friends, the band must come up with a plan. With a little perseverance and creativity, they create music that turns enemies into friends and unites all the residents of the bayou in this charming tale for emerging readers. The clever use of onomatopoeia allows little ones to sound out words as they “read” along in this musical tale with a Louisiana sound!

Playful limericks about friendly animal characters in Nantucket, with colorful cut-paper illustrations.