I know we are in the middle of the #50PreciousWords Contest…but I just had to kick up my heels and do a shimmy-shimmy for a brand-new book – so…LET’S DANCE!!!
Yes…it is a HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY for Valerie Bolling’s new book, illustrated by Maine Diaz and published by Boyds Mills & Kane – CONGRATULATIONS to all!
Here’s a short synopsis from Amazon:
This rhythmic showcase of dances from all over the world features children of diverse backgrounds and abilities tapping, spinning, and boogying away!
Tap, twirl, twist, spin! With musical, rhyming text, author Valerie Bolling shines a spotlight on dances from across the globe, while energetic art from Maine Diaz shows off all the moves and the diverse people who do them. From the cha cha of Cuba to the stepping of Ireland, kids will want to leap, dip, and zip along with the dances on the page!
And here’s a little back story from author Valerie Bolling:
This book was inspired by my nieces, Zorah and Anyah, who love to dance. Since most children enjoy dancing (and I do, too!), I decided to write a fun, rhyming story celebrating the universality of dance. Dance is a language we all speak, even though we have different “accents.” To illustrate the variety of “accents,” I wanted to ensure that the book displayed an inclusive representation of children: gender, race, ability. My editor, Jes Negrón of Boyds Mills & Kane, expanded upon my vision for diversity by recognizing that some of my words described cultural dances like Flamenco (Spain), Kathak (India), and Long Sleeve Dance (China). I am thrilled to have this added layer of cultural representation in my book!
And if you’d like to know more about Valerie:
Valerie Bolling has been an educator for over 25 years and a writer since age 4. She is a graduate of Tufts University and Columbia University, Teachers College and currently works as an instructional coach.
Her nieces inspired her to write picture books, and she wants children of all backgrounds to see themselves in her stories and feel valued and heard. Let’s Dance! is her debut book.
Ms. Bolling and her husband live in Connecticut and enjoy traveling, hiking, reading, going to the theater … and dancing.
To connect with Valerie and learn more about her books:
Valerie is offering the winner of the giveaway a choice: a query/cover letter critique; a 1st page critique; or a critique of the first 250 words of your manuscript. Please make sure to leave a comment and share on social media in order to be entered in the giveaway. And hopefully, Facebook will have corrected their glitch and people will be able to share this post on FB…otherwise, please share on Twitter and Pinterest, etc.
And because the book is launching TODAY, you can order it on Amazon right now!
And now, dear friends, back to our regularly scheduled program…if you haven’t submitted your #50PreciousWords yet, you still have time…the contest closes on Thursday, March 5 at 11:59pm. I’m looking forward to reading all of your precious words!
Here is the link to the contest: https://viviankirkfield.com/2020/02/29/50preciouswords-2020-contest-is-officially-open/
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
From the moment a young reader catches sight of this book’s ebullient cover, its joyful energy will reach out and greet her, extending the invitation, “Let’s Dance!” Who could resist?
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I pinned this giveaway on my Pinterest board.
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I was just reading though your kind, generous comments again. Thank you for taking the time to read the interview and to comment. I hope you are all well and keeping safe during this pandemic. I’m planning a number of virtual events, so if you have young readers in your life, please check out the Events page on my website. Also, there’s a book store (RJ Julia), also on my website, that has a way for me to sign books during this time. So … if you haven’t ordered a copy yet — or want to order more — order from them. I truly appreciate your support!
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