About this item
Highlights
- I Can Make a Water Dance is the first in a planned series of children's dance and science discovery books, that connects dance with processes in nature.
- 4-12 Years
- 8.5" x 11.0" Paperback
- 40 Pages
- Juvenile Nonfiction, Performing Arts
Description
Book Synopsis
I Can Make a Water Dance is the first in a planned series of children's dance and science discovery books, that connects dance with processes in nature. Dancers magically rise out of the mist, curl like splashes in the river, and sail as trailing clouds. The embodiment of natural phenomena allows the dancers to learn about the water cycle in a unique way, learn something about their own bodies, and stimulates creative thinking.
The book is presented in two-page spreads. The left side contains text that describes the stage of the water cycle, poetry that vividly portrays the action that is taking place, and a question that invites the readers to think of additional ways that movement can be found in that phase of water. The dynamic movement words invite young listeners to transform themselves into water and extend their vocabulary, helping develop literacy.
On the right side of the spread is a lush painting demonstrating how that stage of water moves. Superimposed dancer photos on the paintings are presented as part of the action. Creating a dance about water immediately becomes understandable.
There are fifteen paintings that include Mist, Clouds, Storm Cloud, Rain, Puddle, Rainbow, Snow, Ice, Stream, River, Waterfall, Lake, Geyser, Ocean, and Water Cycle. Near the end of the book is a two-page spread of all the dancers with accompanying action words, inviting children to create their own dance. The final page includes tips for parents and teachers.
Review Quotes
"Karen Diaz Ensanian has created a beautiful book that will delight readers of all ages. Captivating illustrations are superimposed with photographs of young dancers leaping and twirling through all the stages of the water cycle. Each lushly painted page has an accompanying poem and movement question that is sure to inspire young and old to create their own dances as they learn about precipitation, condensation, evaporation and more! I highly recommend this book for schools, libraries and homes. Movement is the key to learning!"
Anne Green Gilbert, Author
Creative Dance for All Ages and BrainDance
Founder, Creative Dance Center and Kaleidoscope Dance Company, Seattle
"[I Can Make a Water Dance creates]...beauty and opportunity to facilitate wonder and dance making with children...it would be a gem for all children and educators."
Erin Lally
Director, Dance Education Laboratory (DEL) New York City