Giant Dance Party

PreS-Gr 2—Bouncy Lexy loves to dance, but because of her stage fright and dislike of recitals, she tells her parents that she's done with it. Convinced that instructors never have to perform on a public stage, she opts to teach. She has trouble finding students and is ready to quit until five bumbling, furry blue giants with antennae show up at her door. After much instruction, they are ready for a recital, but once in front of an audience, they freeze with fright. Lexy overcomes her own performance anxiety and comes to their rescue onstage. Soon she and the giants are showing off their creative moves. The story nicely weaves together a realistic fear with fantasy elements. The characters' cheery personalities leap off the pages. Children will identify with Lexy and chuckle when they see the giants dancing. Dorman's peppy, full-color digital artwork, printed on glossy paper, pumps up the story line. Bird and Dorman's efforts blend into a delightful picture book with a feel-good ending.—Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH