When Nana Dances

An ode to dancing grandmothers from a range of backgrounds, this picture book celebrates the fun that Nana creates, whether she’s shake-a-shaking, shimmying, or doing the salsa. Yolen and her first grandchild, Stemple-Piatt, who both trained in ballet from a young age, join forces for this dance-centered narrative… A cadenced celebration of grandparent-grandchild relationships. * Publishers Weekly *
The grandmas in this buoyant picture book love to dance (whether it’s tap, ballet, or the bunny hop), and their grandchildren love to join the fun… The colorful, jaunty illustrations feature four ethnically and culturally diverse women alternating as Nana, while the first-person text expresses their grandchildren’s thoughts and feelings. The depiction of grandparents has become less stereotypical over the years, and Burris portrays the grandmas here as fit, active women who take joy in dancing and in sharing the fun. A lively appreciation of dance as it raises the spirits and binds generations together. * Booklist *