Description
This delightful story of persistence and self-acceptance highlights the value of practice, friendship, and a good attitude. Miss Merida Brown thinks her tail gets in her way, but friends help her discover the truth.
The Cat with the Crooked Tail is ideal for kids 5-7 or those who have enjoyed other books in the series. Ballerina Konora joins each page with ideas to get kids moving. Three books in one: readers can enjoy the story, act out the tale in their own way, or follow Konora’s suggested moves, designed by an award-winning ballet teacher to improve body coordination and learn dance fundamentals.
“...teaches children to step out of their comfort zone and try new things, be confident in themselves and understand that practice makes perfect.” —Reedsy
“...an excellent addition to movement curricula for preschool and elementary school-aged children.” —Mary Lanni, Librarian Reviewer
Movement, technique, and dance concepts in this story include: Leaping Crawling Balancing Jumping Tiptoes/Relevés Attitude Arabesque Pointed Toes Falling Body Parts and Coordination Movement Patterns and Sequences
Themes include Friendship, Empathy, Helping Each Other, Trying New Things, Overcoming Fear, Different Abilities, Disabled Friends, Meeting New People, Making New Friends, New Experiences, Being Kind, Helping and Encouraging Others, Persistence, Perseverance, and of course, Cats and Kitties.
The Dance-It-Out books can be used as a supplement for dance or theater studio classes or camps. The Cat with the Crooked Tail pairs well with themes such as Feline Friends, Cats and Kittens, Farmyard Fun, At the Barn, Beginning Gymnastics, Movement Fair, Awesome Obstacle Courses, or Making New Friends.
Dance-It-Out! movement journeys are ideal for dance, pre-ballet, creative movement, preschool, daycare, early learning, physical education, homeschool, kindergarten, or first-grade activities. The full collection features male, female, and nongendered diverse characters. Books make a great gift for boys or girls interested in dance, ballet, gymnastics, or yoga, or reluctant readers who enjoy getting up and moving.
With kind characters, subtle life lessons, and a positive role model in Ballerina Konora, teachers love the kid-approved, ready-made additions to curriculum and lesson planning. Children at home adore the stories that “young readers will return to again and again” (—Reedsy).
About the Author
Once Upon a Dance offers movement, breath, joy, connection, and imagination through stories.
The books are lovingly crafted by a mother-daughter pair. Ballerina Konora is living her dreams as a professional ballerina. Her mother, Teacher Terrel, taught creative movement and ballet for decades and was recognized by her local City Council for embodying the spirit of partnership and commitment to children in our community for her work with young dancers. Terrel has breathed dance from every angle and has worked in education and with various non-profits supporting kids and families.
Visit www.OnceUponADance.com for information about the books (25 titles spanning ages 3-12), charity partners, and awards, plus teacher resources and kids' bonus activities. Once Upon a Dance has received many honors, including:
• Kirkus Reviews Starred Review
• PenCraft Award First Place Winner
• Mom’s Choice Gold Award Recipient
• Family Choice Award
• Firebird Book Award First Place
• Royal Dragonfly Book Award First Place
• Pinnacle Book Achievement Award - Best Book Juvenile Fiction
• Outstanding Creator Awards Winner - Best Children's Book