I DANCE

A pipsqueak dancer shows off some serious moves.

“I dance,” says the brown-skinned child, clad in deep red and white with a straw-colored hat in hand. Next, a delightful hen busts a step alongside the tiny dancer, hat now on head. From page to page, a series of Philippine folk dances form the basis for this easy-to-read volume, beckoning new readers to hop into the rhythm. A courteous dance with a friend exemplifies the affectionate undertones of the cariñosa, while a flap of the wings in the company of a duck showcases the joy of the itik-itik. A graceful stance beside a harvest of colorful fish elucidates the rich mimicry behind the tahing baila. Set against natural landscapes, Almeda’s bright, cheery artwork merges flashes of movement with hints of the fantastical, making each dance leap off the page. Other brown-skinned children and adults accompany the miniature dancer, each character with a slight smile and all-black eyes, a community brimming with celebration. Rañola’s firmly crafted text leverages sound patterns and other phonics-based tricks to excellent effect, often to droll results. “Hear me dance! Clack! Clack!” This frolic concludes with a rather sweet invitation to keep the swirling and twirling going.

A pleasant and persuasive primer that also asks readers to get up and dance.