Aspen & Sycamore Saps live on Maple Street with Mama and Mee. The family enjoys the blackberry bushes growing in the yard until the plants spread out of control. The kids want to get some animals to help, but first they’ll need to convince Mama and Mee. Will their new animal friends help? Or will things get a little crazy?

Move along with the quirky collection of animals, firefighters, and more, joined by a professional ballerina. This interactive story will get kids off the couch, exploring movement and dance fundamentals.

The Grumpy Goat is ideal for children 4-7. It features Aspen (no pronouns), Sycamore (she), Mama (she), Mee (she), firefighters, a goat, a pig, and a llama. Major themes include problem-solving, the value of family, and kindness to animals. Dance-It-Out!s are above level (language-wise) as they’re intended to be initially enjoyed with a caregiver or teacher. (~700+Lexile)

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.

Concepts and Movement in this Story:
• Core Strength
• Arabesque (from knees)
• Hands and Feet Locomotion
• Balance
• Weight Shift
• Climbing
• Quality of Movement (Slow/Fast etc.)
• Pliés and Jumps
• Body Part Isolation (Fingers, Thumb, Elbows, Feet, Shoulders, Chin, Tongue, etc.)
• Levels
• Fine Motor Skills
• Coordinated Movement with Voice
• Spinning
• March (Skip)
• Breath In/Out
• Falling
• Shapes
• Counted Movements
• Focus
• Spinning Jump
• Donkey Kick

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

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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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