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/
Congratulations and best of luck! ❤️
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Sounds amazing, Valerie. Happy book birthday, and Good luck!
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What a lovely cover. Sounds like a fun book that all kids will love.Congratulations!.
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Congratulations Valerie. Your new book sounds like a fun way for kids to be insipired to keep moving.
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This looks like such a joyful book! Congratulations, Valerie.
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Congratulations! This sounds wonderful.
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This sounds like a great book for my younger granddaughter, who is a regular boogie machine! Congratulations, Valerie, and thanks for showing us this book, Vivian!
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Kids are sure to love this book brimming with activity!
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Congratulations Valerie!
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Valerie, I love the universality of children dancing!!
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Yay! It’s your book birthday! Congratulations 💃🕺💃
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With so many little lovers and doers of dance in the world, this PB is sure to be a huge hit! Congratulations, Valerie!
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Dance is a universal language! So I know little movers and groovers will adore dancing their way through this book. Congratulations!
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This book looks like so much fun! Congrats, Valerie!
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Congratulations! This book looks so fun–dancing brings great joy.
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Happy book birthday! Congrats on your book. I can’t wait to study it as mentor text. I shared on tumblr: https://yesreaderwriterpoetmusician.tumblr.com/post/611601058718973952/happy-book-birthday-lets-dance
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What a vibrant and lively book! Have seen several reviews and look forward to reading it. Happy book birthday! Sound like a perfect gift book for grandchildren!
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There’s nothing like dancing to brighten a day and bring people together. Congratulations!
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Thank you all for your wonderful, supportive comments. If you read the book and like it, please leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads. Thank you!
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Congratulations to you Valerie! I am so proud of you. Generous prizes, thank you.
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