Fenix (No Pronouns)
Bolt (He)
Animals
Classroom (K-2)
Homeschool
Theater Camps
Dance Camps
Beginning Level for Older Child
Options for Challenges
No Named Dance or Ballet Steps
Tiptoe • Forward Stretch • March • Squat • Spin • Crawl • Jumping Turn • Toe Tap • Flex/Point • Sashay/Chassé • Lifted Leg Side/Front • Bow/Curtsy • Roll • Twist
Shoulder/Arm/Wrist/Finger/Neck Isolation • Identifying Body Parts • Direction: Forward/Backward/Sideways • Levels • Shapes • Movement Quality • Tactile Sensation • Cross Lateral Movement • Emotions • Following/Personal Space
The Solstice Celebration has finally arrived, and the creatures of Silver Birch Forest are anxiously awaiting the highly anticipated annual performance by the Firework Fliers. Bolt is the newest recruit to the team, and he has a very important role in the finale. Unfortunately, Bolt overindulges in butterfly nectar during the party, and he is unable to fly. Luckily, Bolt’s friend Fenix is up to the challenge, and despite myriad roadblocks and the added difficulty of having smaller than average wings, Fenix proves to everyone that with tenacity, one can achieve anything.
This newest in the Dance it Out Creative Movement series is one of the most visually stunning of the collection. The images appear in rich colors associated with sunset, including blues, purples, and pinks, and they are built upon a foundation of chunky, geometric shapes. Like the other books in the series, the illustrations occupy half of each spread, and readers of all ages will be drawn to their saturation of color and their compelling appearance. These images are accompanied by a narrative that is well suited to elementary school-aged readers due to its length and overall complexity.
The story itself is one that celebrates the strength inside each individual, even when outward appearances make traditional approaches to certain activities more difficult. Fenix’s wings are not well-suited to flying, but that does not prevent Fenix from attempting a challenging task in order to help a dear friend. Readers will be inspired by Fenix’s choices, and the story will encourage discussion and reflection, as well. Ballerina Konora once again offers guidance in both photographs and text, demonstrating to readers some of the ways they might interpret the story with their bodies. Fans of movement, creative storytelling, and wholesome characters will appreciate this series as a whole, and this book is an especially delightful addition to the Once Upon a Dance canon.
—Mary Lanni, Librarian Reviewer
“This is the harrowing and exciting story of the most daring Fireworks Flier (firefly) there ever was: Fenix!”
—Outstanding Creator Awards
…”one of the most visually stunning of the collection.”
—Mary Lanni, Librarian Reviewer
“Once Upon a Dance presents another delightful tale of movement and courage in Fenix and the Firework Fliers.”
— Chanticleer Book Reviews
I’m happy to recommend all of the books offered by Once Upon a Dance. They are all charming in different ways - and packed full of energy! ‘
—Wishing Shelf Reviews
“Fans of movement, creative storytelling, and wholesome characters will appreciate this series as a whole, and this book is an especially delightful addition to the Once Upon a Dance canon.”
—Mary Lanni, Librarian Reviewer
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!
—Chanticleer Book Reviews
(5/5 Highly Recommended!)