Written by Rekha S. Rajan, Illustrated by Hannah Abbo
From the publisher: “Animals use movement to communicate and each way is extraordinary and unique . . . All of them do it to survive. And you can learn how to move like the animals do!”
With bright and colorful illustrations and text that includes direct questions and instructions, this book pulls the reader right in and inspires interaction. It would be a perfect book for a fun, physical–and possibly a bit noisy and wild–read-aloud. Younger grades would be especially eager to dance with the animals. The text is musical and rhythmic. This is bright and entertaining nonfiction.
The author’s credentials as a “nationally-recognized STEAM expert” and early childhood educator lend credibility and confidence that the book will give you accurate information. The end materials include more factual and complete information about each featured animal’s “dance” and there are ideas for activities teachers and parents can try.
I personally like the cute illustrations–they are not silly or exaggerated so the actual animal is recognizable. Some prefer photographs in their nonfiction which I understand, and while the illustrations are relatively accurate, they are anthropomorphized more than some may like (the text too, especially without the end material).
For a young audience, though, I think this is an engaging introduction to the ways animals move and the information itself is not commonly known. I would read the facts first to a group then follow up with the fun.
Reviewed by Marci Bishop, District Elementary Library Specialist, Granite School District
Review shared in June 2024
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades PreK-3
Can You Dance Like a Peacock?
Written by Rekha S. Rajan, Illustrated by Hannah Abbo
Sourcebooks eXplore
40 pages
Release Date: September 5, 2023
ISBN: 1728264235
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
