The Cat with the Crooked Tail: A Dance-It-Out Creative Movement Story for Young Movers (Dance-It-Out! Creative Movement Stories for Young Movers)

Sit back and give a child the imagination stage ! Miss Merida Brown thinks her tail hinders her abilities, but with help from a friend, she proves herself wrong. This delightful story of persistence and self-acceptance highlights the value of practice, friendship, and a good attitude . 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 teach dance fundamentals. Book five in the Dance-It-Out! series is ideal for kids 5-7 or those who have had success with earlier stories. “[T]eaches children to step out of their comfort zone and try new things, be confident in themselves and understand that practice makes perfect .” —Reedsy “[A]n 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 Major themes include Friendship, Value of Practice, Joy, Empathy, Celebrating, Helping Each Other, Obstacle Course, Trying New Things, Overcoming Fear, Different Abilities, Disabled Friends, Meeting New People, Making New Friends, New Experiences, Being Kind, Being a Good Friend, Helping Others, 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 would pair 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, easy 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 Ballerina Konora dances with Ballet Idaho and previously with Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Professional Division and Texture Contemporary Ballet. Growing up, she danced iconic roles such as Sugar Plum Fairy and Cinderella. Konora’s mother taught creative movement and ballet for decades and was recognized by her local City Council (2014) for embodying the spirit of partnership and commitment to children in our community for her work with young dancers. She’s breathed dance from every angle and is a Pacific Northwest Ballet trustee. The Dance-It-Out! series has many awards and endorsements including a 2021 PenCraft Award First Place Winner and a 2021 Mom’s Choice Gold Award Recipient. Once Upon a Dance’s first creation, Dancing Shapes, was named a 2021 Independent Press Award Winner .