Dance With Me
Book Review From KIRKUS:
"A lovely collection of 15 poems, graced with iridescent pastel
illustrations. Everyday objects and events are given a new charm in these
verses that capture a rhythmic dance, from the tap-dancing of raindrops
falling on the roof in a summer storm to the hidden music as a baby dances
with her reflection in the mirror. Even such unlikely 'dancers' as a
gardener and basketball make appearances. Esbensen (Baby Whales Drink
Milk, 1994, etc.) has a talent for choosing subjects, using rhythms, and
finding language with ready appeal for her audience. Sunny or dramatic,
Lloyd's illustrations deftly capture the tone of the accompanying verse.
The pacing of the book is particularly nice: It begins with an invitation
to the wind and the wind's reply, and ends with the still dance of sunlight
through a dusty room.
"A fine addition to poetry and picture book collections, this is
simple enough for reading alone and strong enough for group sharing.
(Picture book/poetry, 6-9)"
From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:
"Gr 3-6 -- In 15 poems, all manner of dancers move to all sorts
of rhythms and reveal unexpected images in the most delightful ways.
Introducing the book with an invitation to partner the wind, Esbensen
highlights such diverse subjects as bubbles, waves, and dust, and sees
surprising choreography in everyday experiences. Even the visual
arrangement of words on the page reinforces the verbal images and cadences
that explore movement. Trees '...lock crooked arms/ and step across the
lawn.' Mirages '...slide on invisible feet.' Raindrops are
'...high-stepping/hoofers of summer.' There are people here, too; a baby
tapping a beat to her mirrored reflection, a woman dancing a staccato
rhythm as she weeds the garden, two grandparents gliding to a melody of
memories. Lightning takes the exuberant stance of swordsmen, and children
shadow dance and race in the sun. Lloyd's lovely crayon and pastel
drawings add a floating lightness to each page and suggest, rather than
tell, what the poet imagines. (As in Esbensen's Cold Stars and Fireflies
(1984), Who Shrank My Grandmother's House? (1992), and Words with Wrinkled
Knees (1987), all Harper/Collins), readers will find new discoveries and
fresh delight in repeated readings." -- Barbara Kiefer, Teacher's
College, Columbia University, NY City
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