Dance has been a part of life in our house since my kids were tiny. I think most kids enjoy dancing, even if it’s just the informal bouncing to music or participating in sing alongs with lots of motions at the library.
My twins did their first ballet class together when they were two. They didn’t stay interested for long, but after a brief foray into tap dance my daughter settled on Irish dancing and has been reeling and jigging for the past few years.
If you’re looking for ways to encourage kids to read books, then tying them to their interests is a great way to do that. This list is for kids who love dance in any form.
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12 Picture Books about Dance
1. Let’s Dance
by Valerie Bolling
illustrated by Maine Diaz
LET’S DANCE is a joyful celebration of dance. With tight, rhyming language and vibrant illustrations, this book covers a huge variety of dances from around the world. Each spread touches briefly on a form of dance, Irish stepdancing, Kathak from India, breakdancing and more. There is also additional brief backmatter included at the end about each form of dance represented. I love that it depicts many types of dance that are often not seen in picture books. I also love the energetic spirit of the book that mirrors the subject. Read this book aloud to preschoolers and then be ready to get up and dance!
2. Bea at Ballet
by Rachel Isadora
This cute book is perfect for toddlers who are first trying ballet. It is brief but oh so sweet. I love the illustrations of the adorable little toddlers.
3. This Is It
by Daria Peoples-Riley
A beautiful book that reads like a poem about a little girl getting ready for an audition. This one is great for reading aloud and full of exuberance and energy – just like dance.
4. Tallulah series
by Marilyn Singer
illustrated by
Tallulah is a spirited girl who LOVES to dance. This is the first one, but there are 6 others in the series if your kids fall in love with Tallulah like my daughter did (including a Christmas story about the Nutcracker). They take you through classes, performances and more.
5. Dancing in the Wings
by Debbie Allen
illustrated by Kadir Nelson
This is one of my favorite books on this list. Sassy – as she is called – is well named and full of energy, passion, and spunk that you will love. I don’t know if it’s because I’m also a bit freakishly tall or just that I get choked up about people striving for their dreams, but I get goosebumps when I read this one. So well told and beautifully illustrated!
6. Amy Wu and the Ribbon Dance
by Kat Zhang
illustrated by Charlene Chua
I am a huge Amy Wu fan. We own this whole series of darling books because Amy Wu is such a fun character. In this book, Amy Wu wants to have a ribbon dance party with her friends. She has (as usual) big plans but she doesn’t have quite the right materials. In comes the part I think I love most about Amy Wu, she does her very best to solve the problem all on her own. Her inventiveness and determination are on full display in this addition to the series, as is her generous spirit and the bubbling energy in all of her books. Another win for a great picture book series.
7. Max
by Rachel Isadora
I’m probably dating myself here but I remember hearing this story on Reading Rainbow. I know it’s the second Isadora book on this list but a) she’s amazing and b) this one is much older and has a different feel to it. I love this story because I have a boy who also loves baseball but also finds himself doing “girlie” things sometimes because of his sister. It playfully discusses embracing what you like no matter what others might think.
8. Waltz of the Snowflakes?
by Elly Mackay
This is a wordless children’s book about the Nutcracker. We read it at Christmas Time, but I think it could be shared as a winter / Nutcracker book as well. It is stunning and moving and all about the power of dance.
9. Angelina Ballerina
by Katharine Holabird
illustrations by Helen Craig
This has become a children’s book classic – it was published in 1983 and continues to resonate with children. Angelina is a little mouse who dreams of becoming a ballerina. Kids can relate to sweet Angelina, her dreams, her morning woes. For kids who fall in love with Angelina, there is a whole series about her all written by Katharine Holabird.
10. To Dance
by Siena Cherson Siegel
artwork by Mark Siegel
TO DANCE is a must read graphic novel for any aspiring dancer. Siegel beautifully describes the demanding work and the commitment required to become a ballerina, but she also shares how she dreamed dance and how it was an escape from her home life. Seeing ballet through her eyes is an entirely different experience. The words are transformed to movement through the graphic style illustrations. This is the re-released, refreshed and expanded edition of the Sibert Honor-winning graphic novel. It is a moving, inspiring story of pursuing your passion and about a great love of dance. Best for 8-14 year olds.
11. Boys Dance
A lovely book by the American Ballet Theatre that features boys doing ballet. Rhyming text, perky illustrations, and a simple story about boys at ballet class – this is a great read aloud but also such an important book for boys (and girls) everywhere, but especially those who love to dance.
12. I Will Dance
by Nancy Bo Flood
illustrated by Julianna Swaney
Inspired by an inclusive dance program, this is Eva’s story. A girl who dreams of dancing and the place that makes that dream come true. Gentle, fluid illustrations, brief lyrical text. A lovely story about dreaming, dancing, and including all.
