The Dance

This story is a about a girl who loves to dance and her father who she never can see in the crowd, but he is always there, smiling. This book does not have much message, but it is beautifully written and illustrated. I would probably not read this book in my class, but I would definitely recommend it for children to have at their homes. The book describes a father daughter relationship that cannot be taught in a classroom, but rather can be felt between and father and daughter. This book might also offend some kids if they don't have a father figure, especially because it is a fairly emotional book. The illustrations look like pictures turned into paintings and are beautiful.

The dance is a story that adult readers would appreciate. I got tearful when I read this story because it is easy as a parent to relate to. The first illustration drew my attention right away. The illustrator used oil paints and captured the innocence and beauty of the girl in the story. Reading the introduction about where the cover illustration came from was touching. There are a few different implications for the classroom I can see. One would be with younger students talking about family, interests, working hard at something, and losing someone or something you love. I would use this story also in a library or classroom setting to show the impact illustrations have on a story. This book could also be used in an art lesson on show more watercolors. show less