Smallman, Steve. Doggy Dance-Off. Robert Starling, Illus. Tiger Tales, 09/2023. [28]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-6643-0025-5. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Dogs dressed in clothing show off their skills at the disco, where the Doggy Dance-off is held. Who is the dancer in the tux, fedora, and mask, demonstrating the best moves? The answer is a surprise but a few readers might guess it. The rhyming text points out each dancer’s breed, including a pug and a Labrador, and repeats the phrase “Down at the big Doggy Dance-off” which is perfect for chanting at storytime. The full-color, cartoonish illustrations are full of energy, showing the dance movement, and may have been done in gouache. Libraries who have dance party storytimes will find this essential, but it will be popular at any storytime or classroom readaloud.
Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool