Dance with Oti: The Bird Jive
★★★★★
Lively illustrations and simple dance moves will make this debut your go-to classroom or library read-aloud. It’s the first day of dance class and the opening spread reveals mixed emotions throughout. Some children look excited, but others look a little nervous and unsure of what to expect. Nervousness slips away as Mrs. Oti guides her students (and us readers!) through a warm-up and step-by-step dance moves. Fikile gets distracted, and Mrs. Oti encourages her to try again. Gan forgets which way to go, but Martin steps up by saying “Follow me.” Mrs. Oti recognizes the move and praises their teamwork. Poppy can’t keep up, so Mrs. Oti teaches her how to listen to the music and feel the beat. Suddenly, a bird flies into the dance studio, and Mrs. Oti frees it only to use the inspiration to add a new dance move. Olivia falls, and Mrs. Oti encourages her by saying “Up you go…Style it out and make it look cool!.” In the end, all the families join the fun to watch their children perform the Bird Jive. Even the bird returns with family and friends to join in the fun.
Dance with Oti: The Bird Jive has interaction at its core. Readers will want to jump up and try the moves as they are taught to Mrs. Oti’s students. More importantly, readers will learn that it is okay to make mistakes and that we all learn at our own pace and in our own way. Mrs. Oti is an exemplary teacher who stresses the growth mindset that is particularly important in any setting.
5 STARS - STAR RECOMMENDED (PreK-3):
The fast pace of the text and the rapid movement inspired by bright illustrations make it easy to miss a few segments of text. However, this is a story that is meant for celebration. Diverse students and their family members show that anyone can learn and can have fun in the process. Subtleties in the illustrations reveal that one student uses a leg brace and another uses a hearing aid. Backmatter includes an introduction to the author and information about the origin of the Jive. Includes a QR code and website link to a video with the song and dance as well as activity sheets.
Reviewed by Melissa A.