Giveaway: Choose Your Favorite of Four Books!

Congratulations to Mary Ann Sheuer--fellow blogger (at Great Kid Books) and winner of LOLA'S FANDANGO! Although the following giveaway is over, I hope you will stay to enjoy the post.

GIVEAWAY OPEN UNTIL 11:59 EST AUGUST 30, 2011

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of my blog, Barefoot Books is helping me host a special giveaway. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post, letting me know which one of the following four dance books (all published by Barefoot Books) you would most like to own and why. And don't forget to leave your contact info if I won't know where to find you if you win. The randomly chosen winner will be announced August 31, 2011, both here and on my new Facebook page. Best of luck!

Lola's Fandango

Author: Anna Witte

Illustrator: Micha Archer

Lola discovers an old pair of flamenco shoes in her mother's closet and embarks on a wonderful journey of discovery--not just of flamenco dancing but also of confidence and of family bonding. A narrated CD version of the story includes a bit of flamenco music and really helps highlight the spirit of the book. Although not being released until October 2011, this book is worth the wait! You can read more detailed reviews of Lola's Fandango here and here. (Available in English or Spanish.)

The Barefoot Book of Ballet Stories

Authors: Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple

Illustrator: Rebecca Guay

A book for all ages, The Barefoot Book of Ballet Stories is an 80-page compilation of six famous stories that have been made into classical ballets. Each story is accompanied by a full page of factual information, and the end of the book includes a more comprehensive history of ballet. A narrated CD allows you listen to musical excerpts from the different ballets while enjoying the book's gorgeous illustrations. Click here to listen to the story of Coppelia. (Available in English.)

The Barefoot Book of Dance Stories

Authors: Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple

Illustrator: Helen Cann

The Barefoot Book of Dance Stories is a 99-page collection of eight delightful folktales from eight cultures, held together by the common theme of dance. The front matter includes an introduction to each folktake and a brief history of dance from the culture in which the story is set. The back matter contains more specific information about each dance. Like its companion The Barefoot Book of Ballet Stories, this book is accompanied by a lovely narrated CD. Click here to listen to a dance story from Japan. (Available in English.)

The Animal Boogie

Author: Debbie Harter

Illustrator: Debbie Harter

Published just over a decade ago, The Animal Boogie has already become a Barefoot Books classic. The accompanying sing-along CD makes the simple text, which inspires movement and reads like song lyrics, especially infectious. Rumor has it that this book is popular among dance and creative movement teachers who work with young children. Here's a sneak peak! (Available in English or Spanish.)