What do you think?
Rate this book
Rap A Tap Tap
With bold paintings and a simple, rhyming text, Caldecott Medalists Leo & Diane Dillon bring young readers a rap a tap tap celebration of dance that will have readers clapping and tapping along. "There once was a man who danced in the street / He brought pleasure and joy to the people he'd greet / He didn't just dance, he made art with his feet / Rap a tap tap--think of that!" This simple book for young children has the added bonus of describing the life of a ground-breaking African-American tap dancer. Bill "Bojangles" Robinson was one of the most popular entertainers of the 1920s-30s. People said he "talked with his feet," and in the Dillons' graceful paintings of old New York, he dances from page to page to the tune of a toe-tapping rhyme. Rap a tap tap--think of that!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2002
About the author
Leo Dillon
124 books34 followersLeo Dillon was a celebrated African-American magazine and book-cover artist, and a children's book author and illustrator. The vast majority of his work was done collaboratively with his wife, Diane Dillon, with whom he won his many awards, although a few early titles were solo projects.
Born in Brooklyn in 1933, Lionel John Dillon was the son of Trinidadian immigrants, and was educated at the Parsons School of Design, after serving in the US Navy for three years. Here he met Diane Sorber, who was initially a fierce artistic competitor. Eventually the two married, and commenced a fifty-year collaborative career that produced over one hundred speculative fiction book and magazine covers, and numerous picture-book illustrations. They were jointly awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1976 and 1977, the only artists to be so honored twice in a row. The Dillons had one son, Lee Dillon, who also became an artist, and with whom they collaborated on Nancy Willard's Pish, Posh, Said Hieronymus Bosch. Dillon died of lung cancer in 2012.
Born in Brooklyn in 1933, Lionel John Dillon was the son of Trinidadian immigrants, and was educated at the Parsons School of Design, after serving in the US Navy for three years. Here he met Diane Sorber, who was initially a fierce artistic competitor. Eventually the two married, and commenced a fifty-year collaborative career that produced over one hundred speculative fiction book and magazine covers, and numerous picture-book illustrations. They were jointly awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1976 and 1977, the only artists to be so honored twice in a row. The Dillons had one son, Lee Dillon, who also became an artist, and with whom they collaborated on Nancy Willard's Pish, Posh, Said Hieronymus Bosch. Dillon died of lung cancer in 2012.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
January 27, 2019
The illustrations pop out of the pages. The fluidity of Mr. Bojangles tap dancing has action and movement, that only a very good artist can show. Wonderful rhyming text in a poetic fluid motion accents the beauty of action and storyline of this incredible book!
Highly recommended!!!
Highly recommended!!!
June 24, 2017
A man tap-dances his way through the streets, passing open and closed doors, through fancy neighborhoods and “the skids.” The man is Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, one of the most famous tap dancers of all time. All different kinds of people love to watch Bojangles dance. His flying feet made him famous.
The illustrations add a layer of symbolism to the infectious rhythm of the text. When Bojangles is dancing in the streets, passersby are African American; when he becomes famous, the audience is primarily white. Vibrant colors develop a lively setting, even as the plight of the poor during the Depression era is depicted throughout the story.The jaunty rhyming text keeps the tone of the book light while introducing young students to the life of the ground-breaking African American tap dancer.
The illustrations add a layer of symbolism to the infectious rhythm of the text. When Bojangles is dancing in the streets, passersby are African American; when he becomes famous, the audience is primarily white. Vibrant colors develop a lively setting, even as the plight of the poor during the Depression era is depicted throughout the story.The jaunty rhyming text keeps the tone of the book light while introducing young students to the life of the ground-breaking African American tap dancer.
April 21, 2021
I wasn't as wowed by this as I hoped I would be, though I'm typically a big fan of Leo and Diane Dillon's work. The illustrations and story here are effective in conveying a mood and a style of dance, but I don't feel that it's very strong as a biography. The story itself shows "Bojangles" dancing in the streets here there and everywhere around town. I wanted to know, did he really do that? And, if so, why? Was he a street performer before he turned to the stage and screen? The information in the Afterward is quite sparse and we don't learn anything about Bill Robinson's childhood or what inspired him to dance. I was already familiar with his screen work with Shirley Temple. I did learn that he was the highest paid Black entertainer in the 1930s and that he shared his wealth with less fortunate friends and neighbors through those hard times. I would recommend this only as a very entry level biography for young readers who will probably enjoy the "rap a tap tap" repetition in the story and will probably come away with an appreciation for Bojangles but personally wanted much more from the story or, at least, the Afterward.
January 19, 2018
This is a cute book for children. It's about a man that is dancing everywhere he goes and through life. The dancing makes him famous at the end. Has repetition through out the book which is good for young children.
June 14, 2022
A more shown-then-told book that reflects aspects of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson’s life. Although a repetitive narrative, I liked it; and the pages were full of action and color.
Ages: 3 - 8
Ages: 3 - 8
June 28, 2022
My nephew loves this book.
January 24, 2020
This book highlights the unique talents of the famous tap dancer, Mr. Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. The rhyming and rhythmic narrative and the colorful illustrations work well together to create a story that is a joy to read aloud.
October 16, 2016
Rap A Tap Tap Here’s Bojangles---Think of That! Is a very fun and colorful children’s book about African American tap dancer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. It is very short and simple and repeats the same words “Rap a tap tap---think of that!” which is great for young readers to follow along. There are a few social issues implied that you could ask kids about, or that they could ask you. One of these opportunities is where it says “He danced past doors; some were open, some closed.” I honestly had never heard about Bojangles before reading this book and by reading the afterword and looking him up online, I got to learn more about him and the struggles he faced as an African American entertainer during the 1890’s through 1940’s as well as his triumphs. It was also really fun getting to see videos of his dancing in old movies. These would also be really fun to share with kids. I can now also celebrate National Tap Dance Day (May 25th) which was declared in his honor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkD60...
http://www.atdf.org/awards/bojangles....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkD60...
http://www.atdf.org/awards/bojangles....
January 11, 2015
Movement is felt with joy in each illustration of dancing legend Bojangles. The story is tapped out simply and vibrantly. Read this book for fun, history, and celebration of dance. This is Leo and Diane Dillon at their best, when they create text and art to fit together.
I did a library search online for books by Leo and Diane Dillon, because their art is so captivating, and I'd read that Leo Dillon died not too long ago. It's sad to know of his passing, and that there will never be another new collaboration with his wife of 50+ years, Diane.
The last book by this gifted team is "If Kids Ran the World". Savor it yourself, and buy it for people you love.
I did a library search online for books by Leo and Diane Dillon, because their art is so captivating, and I'd read that Leo Dillon died not too long ago. It's sad to know of his passing, and that there will never be another new collaboration with his wife of 50+ years, Diane.
The last book by this gifted team is "If Kids Ran the World". Savor it yourself, and buy it for people you love.
Read
February 21, 2011This short story book takes us on a wonderful journey along with Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson, who is known to be the greatest tap dancer of all time. The authors describe Bojangles as a fun, fearless person who brings joy to the lives of those who he comes in contact with. This is a great story to share with students anytime of the year. It will help them understand how people can have a special talent and use it to make everyone happy. This book provides a text to world connection, and allows the students to recognize how talent is viewed by other people.
December 16, 2014
We first read this when our son was 2, and he enjoyed the rhythmic text and the clear pictures. Now that he's 3 we've revisited it, and he just adores the text (he's big into tap dancing). As a parent I love the story it tells, and that it teaches appreciation of dance. This has been a lasting favorite for all of us.
March 28, 2012
The illustrations were lovely, the rhythm was fun, but I think this book needs something more, somehow. (Teddy liked it.)
January 31, 2015
Really perfect for a special Black History Month storytime!
April 21, 2018
_Rap a Tap Tap Here’s Bojangles- Think of That!_ by Leo and Diane Dillon is a book dedicated to the late Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and how he spent his life doing what he loved: tap dancing, bringing joy to others, and helping those around him. It is a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor book from 2002. Due to the simple plot, length, and amount of text, this book would be appropriate to use with preschool aged children as well as school aged kids. Each double page spread ends with the same phrase of “Rap a tap tap-think of that!”. Children can catch on to the repeated phrase, allowing them to help tell the story instead of the teacher simply reading every word. The painted art has a variety of bright colors showing the joy that Bill “Bojangles” Robinson is bringing the people. The illustrations show his feet in motion as he tap dances through life as well as the smile on his face, as well as everyone he passes. Instead of focusing on each element that makes up the human body, the illustrations focus on Robinson’s feet and the smiles of the people. Another interesting aspect of this book, is the use of multiple races in the illustrations as this story is set in the early 1900s, when racism still plagues the lives of many people. This fact further demonstrates that Robinson’s joy did not apply to one race, but instead was an area of common ground that many different individuals all appreciated. Simply put, this is feel good story that is meant to show the positive impact Robinson had in his everyday life.
September 18, 2023
A picture book kind of sort of about Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, a Black tap dancer popular in the 1930s. The story is for VERY young children and focuses on the repetition of the sound as Bill taps his way through probably Harlem and New York. The entire plot consists of tap dancing. There's not much to it and even the backmatter provides only a brief biography and no resources.
The backmatter mentions the Great Depression briefly and how was the highest paid Black entertainer and helped out friends and neighbors during that difficult time. The dedication is dedicate to Bill Robinson and Aaron Douglas who created art through adversity and inspired this book.
The illustrations are unique in being almost silhouette like. The people reflect the diversity of Bill's neighborhood which I am guessing must be Harlem but I'm not sure.
The backmatter mentions the Great Depression briefly and how was the highest paid Black entertainer and helped out friends and neighbors during that difficult time. The dedication is dedicate to Bill Robinson and Aaron Douglas who created art through adversity and inspired this book.
The illustrations are unique in being almost silhouette like. The people reflect the diversity of Bill's neighborhood which I am guessing must be Harlem but I'm not sure.
August 10, 2025
This book succeeds admirably in its primary goal: to introduce the legendary tap dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson to a new generation and, most importantly, to capture the infectious spirit of his art form. The narrative is driven by a percussive, rhythmic text that mimics the sound and energy of tap shoes on a city sidewalk. This, combined with dynamic illustrations, effectively conveys the joy, energy, and generosity of a man who danced for everyone, bringing moments of delight to everyday life.
Where the book feels less complete is in its biographical substance. It is a celebration of a mood and a motion rather than a life. While it is an important and valuable act to center a pioneering black artist, the text remains at a surface level, offering very little concrete information about who Bojangles was beyond his public persona as a dancer. The reader is left with a powerful impression but very few facts, which feels like a missed opportunity to provide a richer, more contextualized portrait of this significant historical figure.
Where the book feels less complete is in its biographical substance. It is a celebration of a mood and a motion rather than a life. While it is an important and valuable act to center a pioneering black artist, the text remains at a surface level, offering very little concrete information about who Bojangles was beyond his public persona as a dancer. The reader is left with a powerful impression but very few facts, which feels like a missed opportunity to provide a richer, more contextualized portrait of this significant historical figure.
September 26, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this short and fun picture story book. I applaud Leo Dillion. It's about African American tap dancer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. He is dancing wherever he decided to go and through life. The dancing makes him famous at the end of the story. The author repeats the same words “Rap a tap tap---think of that!” which is great for young readers to follow along and shout at story time. Seems to take place in past time period. The illustrations are well done with rich details. Colors are vibrant and add richness to the story. Read this book for fun, history, and celebration of dance. I would read this book to K-2 aged students. Highly recommend! Don't miss out on the endless opportunities of lessons and activities that could accommodate this book!
March 12, 2019
This book won the Coretta Scott King book award. Age range is from pre-k to 2nd grade. The book is a biography about Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. Robinson was one of the most famous entertainers from the 1920s-1930s. It continues to describe to ground breaking success and life of an African American tap dancer. This book is simple, rhythmic and a great text to read to children. The illustrations are very colorful and attention grabbing. The repetitive sentences make a corresponding rhyming for Bojangles tap dancing throughout the book. This book is great historical text for teaching children about the life of a successful tap dancer. It makes for an enjoyable read aloud and a great choice for independent reading in the biography genre basket in a classroom library.
Read
October 19, 2021This was a short multicultural book, that went through the process of how Bojangles came to be the dancer he ended up being at the end of the book. It's a rhyming book about a dancer who brings joy to people on the streets. He goes places where children are, the skids where people who are struggling, and anywhere else he can dance to! He dances no matter what the weather- rain or shine. His dancing in the streets brought him to dancing for a career and became famous on stage.
This book could be used to have the students rap the Rap a Tap Tap rap with the children, clapping hands to emphasize the rhythm. Teach the children the words to the rap, this time tapping feet to emphasize the rhythm. Repeat the activity as desired, using other body parts to tap out the rhythm.
This book could be used to have the students rap the Rap a Tap Tap rap with the children, clapping hands to emphasize the rhythm. Teach the children the words to the rap, this time tapping feet to emphasize the rhythm. Repeat the activity as desired, using other body parts to tap out the rhythm.
February 15, 2023
Bojangles -- for sure, thinking of him and remembering his performances -- brings joy to my heart.
"He danced past doors; some were open, some closed."
Inspiring for us to remember about him, when Bojangles made his art appear so effortless!
MY ONLY REGRET WITH THIS SO-INSPIRING BOOK?
The idea of his artistry and leadership culminating in "bringing him fame."
Surely there are loftier ideals in life than fame.
Seems to me, we would be wise to encourage our children to make a positive difference in this world, to serve as leaders and community builders, to make a difference in ways that count.
As Bojangles did. And, to me, fame was the least of them.
OTHERWISE, WHAT A LOVELY BOOK
And such a perfect refrain: "Rap a tap tap -- think of that!"
"He danced past doors; some were open, some closed."
Inspiring for us to remember about him, when Bojangles made his art appear so effortless!
MY ONLY REGRET WITH THIS SO-INSPIRING BOOK?
The idea of his artistry and leadership culminating in "bringing him fame."
Surely there are loftier ideals in life than fame.
Seems to me, we would be wise to encourage our children to make a positive difference in this world, to serve as leaders and community builders, to make a difference in ways that count.
As Bojangles did. And, to me, fame was the least of them.
OTHERWISE, WHAT A LOVELY BOOK
And such a perfect refrain: "Rap a tap tap -- think of that!"
September 21, 2017
Summary: This book is a celebration of dance and creativity. This book follows the dancer, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and his wonderful take on dance. The book talks about the way he would dance and how his feet almost seemed as if they were talking.
Evaluation: This book is engaging and entertaining. It keeps the children's attention captured with the vocabulary and images in the book. Overall
Teaching Point: I would use this book to teach a younger grade classroom. The book has great rhyming for the sentences that you could use to help students with rhyming words. With the rhyming, the book may be easier to follow along for the students.
Evaluation: This book is engaging and entertaining. It keeps the children's attention captured with the vocabulary and images in the book. Overall
Teaching Point: I would use this book to teach a younger grade classroom. The book has great rhyming for the sentences that you could use to help students with rhyming words. With the rhyming, the book may be easier to follow along for the students.
March 6, 2019
Summary: This book is about an African American male tap dancer
Connections: This book rhymes and has a beat to it which I have always loved as a kid and even still do now
How you would use it: I would use this when talking about music or art as a read aloud or just have in my classroom library
Subject heading:
Robinson, Bill, 1878-1949--Juvenile fiction.
Robinson, Bill, 1878-1949--Fiction.
Dancers--Fiction.
Tap dancing--Fiction.
African Americans--Fiction.
Stories in rhyme.
Connections: This book rhymes and has a beat to it which I have always loved as a kid and even still do now
How you would use it: I would use this when talking about music or art as a read aloud or just have in my classroom library
Subject heading:
Robinson, Bill, 1878-1949--Juvenile fiction.
Robinson, Bill, 1878-1949--Fiction.
Dancers--Fiction.
Tap dancing--Fiction.
African Americans--Fiction.
Stories in rhyme.
April 22, 2021
The story starts off with a man who liked to dance in the street. He would make everyone happy when he would dance down the street. They looked at it as art that he made with his feet. He had a habit of making the statement rap a tap tap think of that. Tapping is all he did throughout the day and it made him happy. The illustrations of this book made me think about pictures that use to be painted back in the day around when jazz was popular. Everything was so detailed from the people to the objects.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2024
Nominated for the 2004 Coretta Scott King award for illustrator, one of 6 times the Dillons were nominated (that year they lost out to Ashley Bryan's Beautiful Blackbird). A children's book version of the story of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson (1878–1949), known as "the greatest tap dancer of all time." His birthday, May 25, is officially "National Tap Dance Day" in his honor.
September 11, 2025
Copyright Date: 2002
Award: Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor
Genre: Picture Book / Biography
This book tells the story of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, a famous tap dancer, using rhythm and rhyme to share his joy and talent. I would use this book in the classroom to introduce students to important figures in music and dance history in a fun and accessible way.
I thought this was a simple and easy book to follow, with great illustrations that brought the story to life. I liked how it represented an important person in the music world and made his story engaging for young readers.
Award: Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor
Genre: Picture Book / Biography
This book tells the story of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, a famous tap dancer, using rhythm and rhyme to share his joy and talent. I would use this book in the classroom to introduce students to important figures in music and dance history in a fun and accessible way.
I thought this was a simple and easy book to follow, with great illustrations that brought the story to life. I liked how it represented an important person in the music world and made his story engaging for young readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2020
This is a simply written book meant for beginning readers or English-language learners. Obviously, it doesn't go into great detail about Bill Robinson's life but it does illustrate (literally and figuratively) who he was and why he's an important person to know about. The artwork is more collage-style than illustration but it's really cool. The way they show Robinson dancing across the page is very creative. Definitely recommend!
December 31, 2017
A good read aloud with a group. You should try to get the group to say the repeating line (Rap a tap tap, think of that) with you.
The illustrations are a very graphic design style.
The words rhyme, but I don't feel like they give a lot of information on Bojangles. You have to read the end matter to learn much about the actual person.
The illustrations are a very graphic design style.
The words rhyme, but I don't feel like they give a lot of information on Bojangles. You have to read the end matter to learn much about the actual person.
February 20, 2018
This book is amazing. It combines a simple repetition that speaks volumes to tap dancing, along with some rhyme and illustrations that express the same. On the right we have the world and all the people, on the left we have our hero and his many dancing legs, always in a suit, and always the gentleman. What a wonderful book for learning about the dance, the man and his world.
August 9, 2018
AGE 2
Arthur really likes this book. He likes to knock on the book in rhythm every time it says "Rap a Tap Tap". He also, likes counting the fish/umbrellas on the pages, pointing out all of the different food on the carts, and the page with the cat.
I don't think he really understands much about the story of the book but he really enjoys it nonetheless.
Arthur really likes this book. He likes to knock on the book in rhythm every time it says "Rap a Tap Tap". He also, likes counting the fish/umbrellas on the pages, pointing out all of the different food on the carts, and the page with the cat.
I don't think he really understands much about the story of the book but he really enjoys it nonetheless.
April 3, 2019
The book Rap a Tap Tap is a very cute book about tap dancing. This man danced on the side streets and made sounds almost art with his feet. The book is based off an African American tap dancer, on the front cover you see all races on their. It gives students that idea that anyone can do what they want in life, that's what I took from the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews