Features Princess Naomi (she) En Tournant the Horse (he), Mama/Baby Unicorn
Throughout the Dance-It-Out! series, Ballerina Konora helps readers connect with movement and focus the breath in quirky tales by an award-winning dance teacher, turned award-winning author, and her ballerina daughter.
Each Dance-It-Out! story is an interactive kids’ storytelling adventure to ignite movement, joy, and imagination. The movement journeys are ideal kids ages 4-7. The full collection (16 books expected by March 2022) features male, female, and nonbinary diverse characters.
With kind characters, subtle life lessons, and a positive role model in Ballerina Konora, teachers love the kid-approved, ready-made, easy additions to curriculum and lesson planning.
• For a mini-dance class, choose Joey Finds His Jump! or Princess Naomi Helps a Unicorn.
• As a fun P.E. activity, try Dayana, Dax, and the Dancing Dragon if you have lots of space, or The Cat with the Crooked Tail then set up an obstacle course.
• For a quick, quirky movement break, we recommend Belluna's Big Adventure in the Sky or
Freya, Fynn, and the Fantastic Flute.
• For a calming naptime story, we recommend Petunia Perks Up (nonbinary version coming late 2022).
This whimsical tale of discovery is so full of joy and wonder. It also opens a door to dance in the most charming and accessible way.
—Peter Boal, Pacific Northwest Ballet's Artistic Director
Another wonderful journey into the imagination with Ballerina Konora, perfect for young dancers everywhere!
—Reedsy
Cheerful and heartwarming, this movement adventure will inspire creative expression through imagination.
—Mary Lanni, Librarian
...whimsical storytelling and interactive play to fully engage the reader. Using clever prompts and clear visual representation...while teaching attention to detail as they develop and refine the brain/body connection.
—Garrett Anderson, Ballet Idaho Artistic Director/Father of Three Lively Boys
In effect...a bilingual presentation presented in two languages: that of a traditional story, and its counterpart in movement and exercise.
—D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
...a story young readers will return to again and again.
—Reedsy
An innovative use of dance and storytelling for a fun, child-focused activity.
—Kirkus Reviews
Children who love to dance and move will look forward to interacting with each new character in these unique stories.
—Mary Lanni, Librarian
Children can learn in a fun and healthy way while enjoying valuable bonding time with their parents...
—Reedsy
(Visit book pages on this site for award details and links.)
Each Dance-It-Out! book is an independent story for the imagination stage. Every book has its own unique feel: different sets, costumes, and choreography—just like a new dance performance.
• Brielle’s Birthday Ball is a beautiful was-it-all-just-a-dream adventure packed with movement concepts and subtle life lessons. Features Brielle and the moon family (he/she).
• Sadoni Squirrel: Superhero tells the story of how one little critter with superpowers found her sidekick, Jamison (he) the cat.
• Dayana, Dax, and the Dancing Dragon features Dayana and her new baby brother. While Dayana enjoys ballet, the story movements are mostly about interactions with the dragon (nonbinary).
(Duplicate Story to Danny, Denny, and the Dancing Dragon)
• Freya, Fynn, and the Fantastic Flute features friendly ghosts, bats, and zombies. Will Fynn (he) and Freya manage to tame the creatures?
• Mira Monkey’s Magic Mirror Adventure is Book One of a trilogy of fairy mischief. Mira enjoys the carnival until crazy things happen. Fairies delight and add a secondary movement challenge.
• 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.
• 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 to see her family (she/he/he) again?
• Joey Finds His Jump! is a story of friendship and jumping jubilance.
• Petunia Perks Up is a relaxing story of meditation and gentle movement. Petunia lets elements of her day spark her imagination, and she finds a peaceful calm. (Movements are simple, but readers may better-engage with an active story as series introduction.)
• The Cat with the Crooked Tail highlights the value of practice, friendship, and a good attitude. Merida Brown, the feline heroine, 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.)
• The Grumpy Goat What happens when Aspen (nonbinary) invites a goat to help with lawn care? Mama, Mee, and sister Sycamore round out the Saps family, who cope with their animal shenanigans in stride.
• Frankie's Wish follows a quest for a special birthday wish, and it delivers a heartwarming message about what's important in life.
• Danika’s Dancing Day focuses on ballet. Danika 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.
• Daryl and the Dancing Dolls tells how Darlene's ordinary life is in for some adventure.
• Andi's Valentine Tree is a story of a special tree that offers solace for Andi (nonbinary), a dancer and victim of unkindness.
Check out audio versions too.