Act-ALong PICTURE BOOKS

Ballerina Konora joins each page with movement inspiration, along with how-to photographs for dance exploration. 

Konora's mother, Teacher Terrel, developed the books based on curriculum created over decades' teaching and research. Each independent story is not only a treasure trove of dance fundamentals, but a story laced with affirming messages and positive themes such as the value of practice, helping each other, self-acceptance, sibling relationships, anger management, the importance of bystanders, and working toward a goal. 

Stories feature cats, unicorns, horses, dragons, kangaroos, frogs, castles, squirrels, elephants, goats, princesses, fairies, crickets, dolls, dancers, zombies, ghosts, etc.  

“This amazing book ... is nothing short of splendid." —Readers' Favorite  

Each Dance-It-Out! book is an independent story ready for the imagination stage. Every book has its own unique feel: different sets, costumes, and choreography—just like a new dance performance. Check  each book's page for more info. (suggested order):

• Tammy the Troll: A Dance in the Forest invites kids to join the search for Tammy. Grab a scarf for extra fun and use it as a backpack, butterfly wings, paddle, towel, and pillow. Debut prop-based storytelling series. Ages 3-6, [collaboration with author Dina McDermitt] 

 • Eka and the Elephant is a tale of a new garden, a crazy dream, and finding a real elephant friend for Eka (nonbinary). [Collaboration with author Leah Irby]  Ages 3-7

 • Dayana, Dax, and the Dancing Dragon features sibling love and dragon (nonbinary) encounters.  

 • Brielle’s Birthday Ball is a beautiful was-it-all-just-a-dream adventure packed with movement concepts and subtle life lessons. [three generations' collaboration: original story by Grandma] Ages 3-7

 • Belluna's Big Adventure in the Sky is a quirky celebration of individuality. When Belluna gets swept up by a storm, will she ever make it home again? Ages 4-7

 • Joey Finds His Jump! is a story of friendship and jumping jubilance featuring Joey (he) along with female ensemble characters. Ages 4-7

  • Mira Monkey’s Magic Mirror Adventure kicks off of a trilogy of fairy mischief. Mira enjoys the carnival until crazy things happen. Fairies delight and add a secondary movement challenge. Ages 4-7

  • Princess Naomi Helps a Unicorn includes sister squabbles, a horse (he), a snake, and joyful reunions. Gallops, leaps, and muscle activation are just a few of the movement themes.  Ages 4-7

  • Petunia Perks Up is a relaxing story of meditation and gentle movement. Petunia (she) lets elements of her day spark her imagination and bring a peaceful calm. (Movements are simple, but readers may better-engage with an active story as series introduction.)  Nonbinary version coming 2023. Ages 5+

  • The Grumpy Goat What happens when Aspen (no pronouns) invites a goat to help with lawn care? Mama (she), Mee (she), and sister Sycamore round out the Saps family, who cope with their animal shenanigans in stride. Ages 5-8

  • Sadoni Squirrel: Superhero tells the story of how one little critter (she) with superpowers finds a feline sidekick (he). Ages 5-8 

 • Fenix and the Firework Fliers (March 2024) Fenix can't wait to find out who the Firework Fliers will reveal as the Spirit of the Season. But when best friend Bolt is too sick to fly, can Fenix find a way to save the show? Ages 5-8

  • The Cat with the Crooked Tail highlights the value of practice, friendship, and a good attitude. Merida Brown (she) thinks her tail hinders her abilities. With help from a friend (he), she proves herself wrong. (Kids might ask for props or want to set up an obstacle course.) Ages 5-8

  • Freya, Fynn, and the Fantastic Flute features friendly ghosts, bats, and zombies. Will Fynn (he) and Freya (she) manage to tame the creatures? [Collaboration with author/choreographer Marjorie Thompson] 

  • Sora Searches for a Song is one little cricket's gorgeous imagination journey. Ages 5-8 

  • Frankie's Wish follows Frankie (no pronouns) on a quest to make a special wish. A beautiful story with an important message. [collaboration with author/choreographer Eva Stone] Ages 5-8  

  • Ella's Dance Debut features heavy ballet throughout a touching understudy's story. Ashton (nonbinary) and Ella (she) make a great team, but will Ella ever get back on stage? [Inspired by Ashton Edwards]. Ages 6-9 

  • Danika’s Dancing Day focuses on ballet. Danika (she) creates a performance out of chores, playing outside, and even her dreams. Ballet words are mentioned often; non-dancers may want to start with a different story and build up to this one. Ages 5-8

  • Andi's Valentine Tree is a story of a special tree that offers solace for Andi (no pronouns), a dancer and victim of unkindness. Ages 6-9

  • Daryl and the Dancing Dolls follows Daryl (no pronouns) as an ordinary life takes an unexpected turn. A book inspired by Terrel and Konora's ballet heroes and heroines. Ages 6-9