Joyful Stories That Celebrate Movement, Expression, and Confidence
Dance is a universal language of joy, storytelling, and self-expression. Whether it’s ballet, hip-hop, tap, or cultural dances from around the world, movement helps children build confidence, coordination, and creativity.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite dance books for kids, organized by age group. You’ll also find fun dance-inspired activities and reflection questions to help kids connect with the stories—and maybe even get up and groove!
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Table of Content
- Why Read Books About Dance?
- The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Dance
- 11 Dance Books For Children
- What Dance Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Why Read Books About Dance?
Dance books show kids that moving their bodies can be a beautiful form of communication.
These stories celebrate the art of movement, the joy of music, and the freedom to express feelings without words. Whether your child dances professionally or just loves twirling in the living room, dance books invite them to celebrate who they are.
Reading about dance encourages body positivity, perseverance, and joy.
The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Dance
Dance-themed stories blend movement, emotion, and cultural appreciation.
Children learn about dedication, teamwork, and the importance of practice. Many books also introduce different dance styles and traditions from around the world—helping children build respect for diversity and develop a deeper love for the arts.
Dance books teach kids to take up space with confidence—and to find their rhythm, on and off the stage.
How to Use Books about Dance with Children
Here are some lively ways to bring dance stories to life:
- 💃 Ask Open-Ended Questions: After reading, ask: How does dancing make you feel? or If you could create your own dance, what would it look like? Use Turn and Talk to inspire sharing and imaginative thinking.
- 🎶 Engage in Dance-Inspired Activities: Try freeze dancing, learn a simple routine together, or host a dance-themed storytime. Kids can design their own costumes, choreograph a mini performance, or explore music from around the world.
- 📚 Refer Back to the Books: During lessons on perseverance, goal-setting, or celebrating differences, return to the dancers in the stories. Say: Remember how she kept practicing even when it was hard? That’s called determination!
- 👨👩👧 Involve Other Caregivers: Encourage caregivers to dance and read together. Play their child’s favorite song after storytime or share videos of different styles of dance featured in the books.
11 Dance Books For Children
Younger Children (Ages 3-6)
#1 Dance by Matthew Van Fleet
🔗 View on Amazon
An interactive book full of flaps, textures, and moving parts that let toddlers wiggle and boogie along.
Activity Idea: Create your own silly animal dance moves.
Discussion Questions:
- What animals do you see dancing?
- How does your body feel when you dance?
- What’s your favorite kind of music to dance to?
#2 How Do You Dance? by Thyra Heder
🔗 View on Amazon
This lively book celebrates all the ways we move—even if we don’t want to dance at all.
Activity Idea: Make up your own dance and give it a name.
Discussion Questions:
- How do you like to dance?
- Why do people dance differently?
- What does dancing feel like to you?
#3 Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
🔗 View on Amazon
Gerald the giraffe learns that everyone can dance when they find the right music.
Activity Idea: Find your own rhythm and dance like no one’s watching.
Discussion Questions:
- Why did Gerald think he couldn’t dance?
- What changed his mind?
- What kind of music makes you want to dance?
Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
#4 Dancing Day by Katharine Holabird
🔗 View on Amazon
A charming ballet adventure with Angelina Ballerina as she prepares for her big performance.
Activity Idea: Pretend you’re in a ballet and perform your own show.
Discussion Questions:
- How did Angelina prepare for her dance?
- What helps you feel confident?
- What does “practice makes progress” mean?
#5 The Night Before My Dance Recital by Natasha Wing
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A sweet and relatable story about pre-recital nerves and the excitement of performing.
Activity Idea: Draw your dream recital costume.
Discussion Questions:
- What are you excited or nervous about before performing?
- How do you feel afterward?
- What helps you get ready for big moments?
#6 Ready Set Dance by Once Upon a Dance
🔗 View on Amazon
A creative movement story that invites children to follow along with dance prompts.
Activity Idea: Act out the story by dancing through it.
Discussion Questions:
- How did your body move in the story?
- Which move was your favorite?
- Can you make up your own dance move?
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!
#7 Dance Is for Everyone by Andrea Zuill
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An alligator joins a dance class and surprises everyone—proof that dance truly is for all!
Activity Idea: Pretend you’re a silly animal in a dance class.
Discussion Questions:
- Why did the teacher welcome the alligator?
- What makes dance fun for everyone?
- How can you invite others to join in?
Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
#8 Bunheads by Misty Copeland
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A powerful story of Misty Copeland’s early ballet journey and finding her passion.
Activity Idea: Write or draw your own “big dream.”
Discussion Questions:
- What inspired Misty to keep dancing?
- What dream do you have?
- How do you feel when you try something new?
#9 Miss Lina’s Ballerinas by Christine Davenier
🔗 View on Amazon
Eight ballerinas move with grace until a new dancer joins and shakes up their routine.
Activity Idea: Practice dancing in a circle with friends or stuffed animals.
Discussion Questions:
- How did the girls feel about the new dancer?
- Why is change sometimes good?
- What makes a good teammate?
#10 Chicken Dance by Tammi Sauer
🔗 View on Amazon
Two determined chickens enter a barnyard talent contest with clucks, kicks, and laughs.
Activity Idea: Choreograph your own silly chicken dance.
Discussion Questions:
- Why did the chickens want to win?
- What made their dance special?
- How can being silly help us have fun?
#11 Danika’s Dancing Day by Once Upon a Dance
🔗 View on Amazon
Follow Danika’s day as she twirls through morning routines, dance class, and her dreams.
Activity Idea: Recreate Danika’s day with your own mini dance routine.
Discussion Questions:
- What parts of Danika’s day did you like most?
- How do you prepare for dance?
- What does dancing mean to you?
Grab these free resources to make your teaching life easier!
What Dance Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Dance books for kids are full of sparkle, spirit, and movement. Whether your child is learning about their first recital or dreaming of performing on a big stage, these stories inspire them to move, shine, and express who they are.
Which dance-themed book will you read next? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and show me your favorite books, dance moves, or story-inspired performances!
Happy reading!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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