PICTURE BOOKS (ages 3+)

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.  

(Duplicate Story: Danny, Denny, and the Dancing Dragon Ages 4-7)

 • 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 4+

  • 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 

  • 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

Coming Soon

• Fenix and the Firework Fliers (March 2024) Fenix drinks too much nectar at the solstice celebration. Will the event be ruined with the little firefly's help?  Ages 4-7 

• Mira and Marvin's Magic Mirror Mischief  (Mira Book 2) recounts how the friends' playdate to experiment with the magic mirror doesn't go quite as planned. Ages 4-7
 • Mira Monkey and the Fairy’s Ballerina Shoes (Mira Book 3) chronicles what happens when the fairies take their magic mirror back from Mira, but they give her something even better. Ages 4-7

• River's Dreary to Dreamy Day is a refresh of Petunia Perks Up with a nonbinary main character. Ages 4+

• Zara the Zombie picks up where Freya, Fynn, and the Fantastic Flute left off, with a little zombie (she) stowaway. Ages 5-8

Watch for other series' upcoming books at www.OnceUponADance.com 

Audio versions available for select titles. Check out Sora or Frankie for sound-effect stories. Additional audio books coming soon.