Doggy Dance-Off

 
4.4 (2)
 
0.0 (0)
388 0
Doggie Dance Off
Co-Authors / Illustrators
Publisher
Age Range
4+
Release Date
September 12, 2023
ISBN
978-1664300255
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All the coolest dogs in town meet at the Doggie Dance-off to show off their best dance moves--and they're intrigued by a newcomer who wows the audience with her amazing moves. Who is she?

At the Doggie Dance-off, the coolest dogs around gather to show off their best dance moves, eat snacks, and listen to DJ Patch, who keeps the music going. Eva the golden retriever struts across the dance floor; Doug the pug likes to spin on his back on the floor; and Duke Doggy Doo bounces around like a kangaroo! Then one day, a masked stranger comes in and dances better than anyone has ever seen. Who is she?

Editor reviews

2 reviews
lively picture book
Overall rating
 
4.3
Plot
 
4.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
3.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
5.0
DOGGY DANCE-OFF is a lively, rhyming picture book about an unexpected champion. The story tells about the key dogs who are competing at the big Doggy Dance-Off. It soon becomes clear that there is a champion - but when they slip and the mask falls off, everyone is shocked to see a cat. Although the cat is worried, the others soon ask her to teach them her moves, and it now becomes the All New Cat and Doggy Dance-Off.

What I loved: This was quite a colorful and charming read about a dog dance contest, where the surprise winner is a cat! It encourages inclusion and learning from those who may seem different in a subtle way. The illustrations were lively and portrayed the dancers well, and the rhyming and repetitive text will work well for toddlers and preschoolers. The reveal was quite fun and sure to delight little ones.

The story is simple and easy to follow, making this a good pick for the youngest picture book readers. Quickly turning pages also make this work well for the toddler and preschooler age groups.

What left me wanting more: As a small thing, the rhythm was a bit off on some pages with some of the rhyming phrases being quite a bit longer than others. This caused some auditory stumbling when read aloud.

Final verdict: DOGGY DANCE-OFF is a jubilant and lively rhyming picture book read that will work well for young children.
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Everybody, get on the floor, LET'S DANCE!
(Updated: September 17, 2023)
Overall rating
 
4.5
Plot
 
4.0
Characters
 
4.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
5.0
The Doggy Dance off is really hopping, with Patch (and his fleas), Suki, Dynamite Doug, and Duke Doggy Doo. They are boogieing, break dancing, and tearing up the dance floor. When one pup spills his orange juice, one exuberant dancer in a black suit with a purple sequined mask and a fedora doesn't stop, but continues to get down and get funky... until she slips on the juice. Who is this masked, mad dancer? There's a big twist that I don't want to spoil, but it will illicit a lot of laughs from young readers. (The title of this review owes thanks to K.C. and the Sunshine Band.)
Good Points
If the musical genre of my youth is showing up in picture books, you know I'm getting old, because this is clearly meant to appeal to grandparents who did a turn or two at a disco back in the day. The sparkle and energy of Saturday Night Fever is evident on every page, and the styles the dogs are wearing evoke various musical artists.

This is reminiscent of Boynton's fabulous Barnyard Dance, and the use of dactyllic lines definitely echoes the hand clapping and foot stomping vibe of that book. The refrain of "Down at the big Doggy Dance-Off" will be repeated again and again. There are a few times that the meter of the lines is off (and I may correct the text in my copy for ease of future readings), but I am very picky about poetry, and most of the lines flow off the tongue like a silk disco dress.

This would be a great title to have if you wanted to have a dog and dance themed story hour; just add a disco ball, some glitter shades, and Bender's Ballewiena and Litwin's Groovy Joe: Dance Party Countdown. Get ready to ease on down the road!
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