Jammy Dance

by Rebecca Janni, Tracy Dockray (Illustrator)

In this rollicking bedtime story, a sister and brother turn getting ready for bed into a fun-filled dance routine, from swirling in bath towels to tapping toothbrushes and swaying down the hall to their room. Rebecca Janni's rhythmic text and Tracy Dockray's bouncy illustrations are sure to get hands clapping and the littlest of feet moving so that kids can work off a last burst of energy before sweet dreams drift in.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family

32 pages, Hardcover

First published February 14, 2012

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brother and sister dance their way through their going-to-bed routine in this rhyming storybook, assisted by Mom, and eventually Dad. From bath-time to story-time, they engage in the titular 'jammy dance,' turning their bedtime into one long romp, until eventually they're tired enough to go to sleep.

I always find that rhyming texts work very well for younger children, keeping them involved with the musicality of the reading process, even when they don't understand every word, so I appreciated that aspect of Jammy Dance. I can't say this was a particular favorite otherwise, from either a narrative or illustrative standpoint, but it was very sweet, and I imagine will hit the right note for some parents and children. Recommended to anyone looking for rhyming bedtime books that celebrate the restless spirit that sometimes keeps children up.

[Paige Johns · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jammy Dance by Rebecca Janni is a cute childrens book great for young age readers. It shows two adorable kids getting ready for bed and doing their "jammy dance". I personally loves the illustrations and look of this book, but it lacked real purpose for me. It lacked a storyline and wasn't very interesting to read.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute book. Adorable, lively pictures, and fun rhyme.

[Marcie Brooks-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by my niece, this book helps to create a rhythmic bedtime ritual

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rhythm and rhyme in Jammy Dance accurately reflect the joy and rhythm a brother and sister experience as they prepare for bed. The children, with the aid of their mother and father, dance through a bed time routine that includes bath time, pajamas, toothbrushes and a bed time story. Children will enjoy the simple and colorful illustrations of the two children and their loving mother and father. Children will also identify with the bed time routine. The fun rhymes and dancing help children understand the simple joy of the bed time routine. The book would make a great bed time story. It also provides a wide variety of vocabulary related to dancing and movement for children to explore with an older reader.

[Sunnyvale Librarian]

Bedtime is dance time for this brother and sister. Once baths are over they are ready to MOVE! "Hold my hand: take a chance. Jump into the Jammy Dance! Bow to brother. Bow to Sis. Swing your partner just like this." Mom and dad get in on the act and take a turn around the room but then the rhythm begins to slow down and the little dancers are tucked into bed and fall asleep. This is an enjoyable story that could get little dancing feet moving so it may work better as a pre-bedtime read aloud rather than one read just before lights out.

[Cara Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are delightful and help bring the action of the story to life. If thinking of it as a read-aloud, it helps to go through it prior to reading to a child, just to help get the rhythm down first. Most of the time the rhythm flows well, but every once in a while I had to stop to find where it would fall. Great for gearing kids up for bed and for helping them get excited about nighttime routines.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My girls can't go to bed without reading this book. And even though I have it memorized I don't mind reading it again and again. The wonderful rhymes and illustrations gel together in the perfect picture of the before bed routine, culminating in an ending that gets my little ones ready for dreamland.

[Jan Blazanin · Rating 5 out of 5]

JAMMY DANCE is a bedtime story kids will want to hear again and again. The engaging rhythm and energetic illustrations draw readers in and keep them turning pages. Parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles looking for a fun-to-read bedtime story should pick this one up.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soft illustrations depict the process of getting ready for bed for a little boy and girl. Bathtime, jumping on the bed, etc. told with fun, upbeat rhyme. One of the few books I've read that captures motion. Fun bedtime book!

[Tori Leake · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a funny book, and very cute. I had fun reading "The Jammy Dance". I think this is a cute story to read to young kids, I love the use of words, and the illustrations in the book. I feel like this story that might be accurate for what many kids might go through when getting ready for bed.

[Stephanie Whittit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was adorable. The simple and short sentences made the book easy to get through and it would make a great story to read for younger children. The illustrations would keep young children entertained through out the book.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will make for lively bedtime reading.

[Linda Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhyming,rhythmic text and lively,energetic illustrations sweep a brother and sister (and their dog, my fave;) off to bed. 3+

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet bedtime story, poem works well and the pictures are lovely.

[ReadingWench · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations are great and the story very cute. This is a perfect bedtime story for your energenic child.

[Sharelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rollicking and funny. It's a poem, a song, a dance. It's fun. Charmingly illustrated and a family favorite.

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't follow the cadence of this story and therefore didn't enjoy it much.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kids, parents pets, and toys all get in on the jammy dance!

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd much rather read Sandra Boynton. This one really didn't do it for me.

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dancing bedtime routine book with good rhyming throughout most of the book. The dog was my favorite part of the book.

[Amy Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had great pictures and it rhymes! My 4 year old loves it and so do I!