Daryl’s ordinary life takes an adventurous turn when fairies cast their magic.

Kids dance along with the story characters and a professional ballet dancer in this interactive story designed to get kids up and moving. Ballerina Konora joins the pages with photos and suggestions for movement exploration. Three books in one: readers can enjoy the story, act out the tale in their own way, or try Konora’s suggested activities, designed by an award-winning ballet teacher to develop body awareness and movement knowledge.

Daryl and the Dancing Dolls is ideal for kids who have had earlier series’ success or for children 6+. It features Daryl (no pronouns), Penny (she), the dolls (10 female, 2 male), and the creatures Daryl meets on the road. Dance-It-Out!s are above level (language-wise) as they’re intended to be initially enjoyed with a caregiver/teacher. (~700+Lexile)

Movement Concepts and Dance Technique in This Story:
• Second Position Grand Plié
• Pivot Turns
• Piqué
• Twirl
• Forward Stretch
• Jumping
• Head Isolations including Pre-Spotting (also Side-to-Side/Tilted)
• Sideways Kick
• Leap
• Balancing on One Leg
• Flexed Hands/Feet
• Leg/Arm Rotation (Parallel/Turned Out)
• Body Part Isolation (Fingers, Thumb, Shoulders, Leg, etc.)
• Coordinated Movements (Skating, Climbing, Shifting Weight, Squatting, etc.)
• Centering/Breath/Sighing
• Small Motor Skills (Pointing, Fists, Wrist Isolation, Counting on Fingers)
• Muscle Activation
• Counted Movement
• Quality of Movement (Smooth/Sharp, Slow/Fast)
• Showing Emotion (Surprise, Excitement, Fear, Interest, etc.)
• Shapes (Wide/Tall, Bend/Straight)

Main elements include Fairies, Magic, Ice Skating, Trucks, Helping Others, and Developing Friendships.

This movement journey is ideal for dance, creative movement, physical education, homeschool, kindergarten, first-grade, or second-grade activities. The book features diverse characters. Dance-it-Out! 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.

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About the authors

Once Upon a Dance is an award-winning mother-daughter collaboration.

Ballerina Konora climbed the ballet ladder to pro, and she’s thrilled to be living her dreams dancing with Ballet Idaho. Along the way, she danced iconic roles such as Sugar Plum Fairy and Cinderella.

Teacher Terrel taught dance for decades and was honored by her City Council for “embodying the spirit of partnership and commitment to children in our community” for her work with young dancers. She’s breathed ballet from every angle and worked in early childhood education, for non-profits supporting kids, and as a university English teacher as a Peace Corps volunteer.

Once Upon a Dance 2021/2022 Awards: Mom’s Choice Gold Award, Family Choice Award, Royal Dragonfly First Place, PenCraft Award First Place, Firebird First Place, Pinnacle: Best Book Juvenile Fiction, Independent Press Award Winner, International Impact Book Award Winner, Outstanding Creator Awards Winner, Readers Favorite Certified Great Read, Indie’s Today 5-Star Recommended, The Wishing Shelf 5-Star, Literary Titan 5-Star Award.

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