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Bellyrina: A Tutu Tale from the Belly of the Beast
Bunny leaps from the wolf’s belly with only one memory—she loves to dance.But something, or someone, is STILL MISSING!Bellyrina delivers Once Upon a Dance’s signature blend of heartwarming stories and playful humor wrapped in the mission of inspiring joyful movement.
Dance-Along Fun with Once Upon a Dance features
• Interactive movement prompts
• Sweet, silly, and uplifting
• Screen-free fun that encourages connection
• Movement motivation photos
• Lessons in empathy that extend to all creatures
• Positive characters that celebrate strong girls
Perfect for ages 4–8, Bellyrina features adorable animals, fairy magic, gentle drama, and plenty of sparkle. Whether shared in classrooms, studios, or at home, this Dancing Ever After series debut invites children to dance their own happily ever after.
From the creators of over 40 dance books comes a fresh twist on a classic tale, great for
• Bedtime stories to get the wiggles out
• Dance classes and creative movement activities
• Family reading time with built-in physical play
• Gifts for little dancers, animal lovers, and active kids
A Tutu Tale from the Belly of the Beast Movement & Learning Benefits
Physical Skills Development
• Full-body stretching, jumping, bunny hops, twirls, spins
• Coordination arm sweeps, windmill arms, lasso movements
• Balance & control: tiptoeing, reaching, controlled falls
• Partner hand-holding twirls, cooperative movement
Social-Emotional Learning Through Story
• Core courage, resilience, kindness, friendship, and identity
• Emotional recognizing and expressing joy, suspicion, and wonder
• Mindfulness breath awareness and finding stillness
• Character persistence, teamwork, and appreciation
Creative Expression & Social Skills
• Imaginative gulping, sneezing, shivering for story context
• Free dance exploration and personal expression
• Interactive play that builds confidence
Transform reading time into active fun with giggles and wiggles for everyone!
Dance-Along Fun with Once Upon a Dance features
• Interactive movement prompts
• Sweet, silly, and uplifting
• Screen-free fun that encourages connection
• Movement motivation photos
• Lessons in empathy that extend to all creatures
• Positive characters that celebrate strong girls
Perfect for ages 4–8, Bellyrina features adorable animals, fairy magic, gentle drama, and plenty of sparkle. Whether shared in classrooms, studios, or at home, this Dancing Ever After series debut invites children to dance their own happily ever after.
From the creators of over 40 dance books comes a fresh twist on a classic tale, great for
• Bedtime stories to get the wiggles out
• Dance classes and creative movement activities
• Family reading time with built-in physical play
• Gifts for little dancers, animal lovers, and active kids
A Tutu Tale from the Belly of the Beast Movement & Learning Benefits
Physical Skills Development
• Full-body stretching, jumping, bunny hops, twirls, spins
• Coordination arm sweeps, windmill arms, lasso movements
• Balance & control: tiptoeing, reaching, controlled falls
• Partner hand-holding twirls, cooperative movement
Social-Emotional Learning Through Story
• Core courage, resilience, kindness, friendship, and identity
• Emotional recognizing and expressing joy, suspicion, and wonder
• Mindfulness breath awareness and finding stillness
• Character persistence, teamwork, and appreciation
Creative Expression & Social Skills
• Imaginative gulping, sneezing, shivering for story context
• Free dance exploration and personal expression
• Interactive play that builds confidence
Transform reading time into active fun with giggles and wiggles for everyone!
- GenresPicture Books
30 pages, Hardcover
Published December 1, 2025
1 person want to read
About the author
Once Upon a Dance
50 books121 followersTerrel is a dance educator and storyteller who believes in the transformative power of movement. Through her passion project, Once Upon a Dance, she’s published 42 interactive children’s books that weave whimsical stories with joyful movement.
With her daughter—a former Pacific Northwest Ballet Professional Division student—as the featured ballerina, Terrel brings movement into storytime, encouraging creativity, confidence, and self-expression in young readers.
Each book invites kids to stretch, twirl, leap, and imagine alongside positive characters—from dancing cats to ballerina zombies. Whether reading with a caregiver or moving along in the classroom, children are gently guided to explore feelings, movement, and connection through play.
Once Upon a Dance was named a Top 10 Author by the Outstanding Creator Awards for three consecutive years (2022–2024). The books have earned over 60 book awards—including 14 first-place honors, more than 3,000 five-star reviews, a BEST IN SHOW, and a coveted Kirkus Reviews Starred Review.
Discover the collection at www.OnceUponADance.com or follow their journey on social media.
With her daughter—a former Pacific Northwest Ballet Professional Division student—as the featured ballerina, Terrel brings movement into storytime, encouraging creativity, confidence, and self-expression in young readers.
Each book invites kids to stretch, twirl, leap, and imagine alongside positive characters—from dancing cats to ballerina zombies. Whether reading with a caregiver or moving along in the classroom, children are gently guided to explore feelings, movement, and connection through play.
Once Upon a Dance was named a Top 10 Author by the Outstanding Creator Awards for three consecutive years (2022–2024). The books have earned over 60 book awards—including 14 first-place honors, more than 3,000 five-star reviews, a BEST IN SHOW, and a coveted Kirkus Reviews Starred Review.
Discover the collection at www.OnceUponADance.com or follow their journey on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 14, 2025
When I first picked up Bellyrina, I expected a cute Little Red Riding Hood spin-off with a bit of dancing sprinkled in. What I didn’t expect was a book that works on three levels at once: as a fun fairy-story for kids, a movement tool for grown-ups, and a quiet nudge toward empathy and confidence.
The opening is delightfully bizarre in the best way. Bunny emerges from the wolf’s belly with only one clear memory: she loves to dance. Right away, that sets the tone—this is not just a retelling; it’s a reimagining. Kids instantly latch on to that one strong trait. They might not understand the full oddity of “inside the wolf,” but they absolutely understand “I love this thing so much I can’t forget it.” For Bunny, that thing is dance.
Once Upon a Dance leans into that love of movement with a structure that’s part picture book, part guided activity. The story moves forward with short, accessible text that’s easy to read aloud, and alongside it (or woven right into it) are prompts inviting kids to move: twirl like Bunny, jump, stretch, balance, float. These aren’t rigid instructions; they feel more like opening a door and saying, “Want to try?” I appreciated that nothing about the prompts pushed perfection—there’s no “right” or “wrong” way, just the encouragement to try, explore, and enjoy what your body can do.
As a read-aloud, the pacing works very well. There’s enough text on each page to give kids something to follow, but not so much that attention drifts away. The story beats are clear: Bunny’s strange beginning, her love of dance, a sense that something is missing, and the path she follows to figure out what that is. The stakes are gentle—no one is in real danger here—yet there is enough emotional pull to keep kids curious about what Bunny will find and how she’ll feel when she finds it.
The illustrations are a major part of the charm. The art is full of soft, appealing characters, expressive faces, and little details that invite kids to point, comment, and ask questions. There’s fairy dust, costumes, and a bit of sparkle, but it never becomes so busy that it overwhelms the eye. The characters carry a lot of emotion in their posture and expressions, which is especially important for non-readers who are following the story visually. My favorite pages are the ones where Bunny is mid-movement—ears flying, body stretched or curled or spinning. You can almost feel the motion.
What impressed me most, though, is how thoughtfully the book encourages empathy. The description mentions “lessons in empathy that extend to all creatures,” and that’s not an exaggeration. Without hammering the point, Bellyrina invites kids to think about how others feel—who might be missing, who might be scared, who might need a little kindness. These ideas are dropped in quietly, making them easy to talk about after reading: “Why did Bunny feel that way? How do you think the other characters felt? Have you ever felt like something was missing, even when everything looked fine?”
For adults using this book in a classroom, studio, or living room, it offers a lot of flexibility. You can read it straight through as a bedtime story, using the movement prompts only lightly. Or you can lean all the way into the activity side of it:
In a dance class, each prompt becomes a mini-exercise: “Show me your Bunny jumps,” “Let’s make a circle and spin together,” “Can you move as if you’re searching for something important?”
At home, it’s a great way to get kids moving on a rainy afternoon—read a few pages, pause, try the actions, then continue.
In a school setting, you can easily extend it into a social-emotional lesson: talking about missing someone, being brave, apologizing, or supporting a friend.
Another strength is how the book handles “strong girls.” Bunny is not perfect, not flawless, not always poised. She is energetic, determined, and open-hearted. She listens to her feelings, she keeps moving forward, and she doesn’t give up on what matters to her. The story celebrates that kind of strength—not just physical skill, but courage and kindness. It also shows other characters respecting that strength, which is just as important for young readers to see.
In terms of age range, the stated 4–8 years feels accurate. Younger children will enjoy the rhythm of the language, the bright art, and the simple prompts (“Let’s jump like Bunny!”). Older kids can go a little deeper into the story structure and themes. The fairy-tale base gives them something familiar to hang onto, while the dance and character focus gives them something fresh to think about.
From a blog-review perspective, this is the sort of book I’d recommend in several different collections:
“Books to Get Kids Moving Without a Screen”
“Fairy-Story Retellings with a Twist”
“Stories for Little Dancers and Performers”
“Read-Alouds That Encourage Kindness and Confidence”
It’s also one of those rare titles that can actually support a whole “storytime plus activity” session with very little extra planning. Read the book, pause at the prompts, and you’ve already built a lesson around movement, listening, and feelings.
If you’ve ever watched a child who loves to dance—spinning in the kitchen, twirling in the hallway, jumping off the couch at the faintest hint of music—you’ll recognize Bunny instantly. Bellyrina captures that pure, joyful energy and gives it a story to live inside. It’s lively, kind-hearted, and very easy to revisit, which is good, because kids are going to ask for it again.
The opening is delightfully bizarre in the best way. Bunny emerges from the wolf’s belly with only one clear memory: she loves to dance. Right away, that sets the tone—this is not just a retelling; it’s a reimagining. Kids instantly latch on to that one strong trait. They might not understand the full oddity of “inside the wolf,” but they absolutely understand “I love this thing so much I can’t forget it.” For Bunny, that thing is dance.
Once Upon a Dance leans into that love of movement with a structure that’s part picture book, part guided activity. The story moves forward with short, accessible text that’s easy to read aloud, and alongside it (or woven right into it) are prompts inviting kids to move: twirl like Bunny, jump, stretch, balance, float. These aren’t rigid instructions; they feel more like opening a door and saying, “Want to try?” I appreciated that nothing about the prompts pushed perfection—there’s no “right” or “wrong” way, just the encouragement to try, explore, and enjoy what your body can do.
As a read-aloud, the pacing works very well. There’s enough text on each page to give kids something to follow, but not so much that attention drifts away. The story beats are clear: Bunny’s strange beginning, her love of dance, a sense that something is missing, and the path she follows to figure out what that is. The stakes are gentle—no one is in real danger here—yet there is enough emotional pull to keep kids curious about what Bunny will find and how she’ll feel when she finds it.
The illustrations are a major part of the charm. The art is full of soft, appealing characters, expressive faces, and little details that invite kids to point, comment, and ask questions. There’s fairy dust, costumes, and a bit of sparkle, but it never becomes so busy that it overwhelms the eye. The characters carry a lot of emotion in their posture and expressions, which is especially important for non-readers who are following the story visually. My favorite pages are the ones where Bunny is mid-movement—ears flying, body stretched or curled or spinning. You can almost feel the motion.
What impressed me most, though, is how thoughtfully the book encourages empathy. The description mentions “lessons in empathy that extend to all creatures,” and that’s not an exaggeration. Without hammering the point, Bellyrina invites kids to think about how others feel—who might be missing, who might be scared, who might need a little kindness. These ideas are dropped in quietly, making them easy to talk about after reading: “Why did Bunny feel that way? How do you think the other characters felt? Have you ever felt like something was missing, even when everything looked fine?”
For adults using this book in a classroom, studio, or living room, it offers a lot of flexibility. You can read it straight through as a bedtime story, using the movement prompts only lightly. Or you can lean all the way into the activity side of it:
In a dance class, each prompt becomes a mini-exercise: “Show me your Bunny jumps,” “Let’s make a circle and spin together,” “Can you move as if you’re searching for something important?”
At home, it’s a great way to get kids moving on a rainy afternoon—read a few pages, pause, try the actions, then continue.
In a school setting, you can easily extend it into a social-emotional lesson: talking about missing someone, being brave, apologizing, or supporting a friend.
Another strength is how the book handles “strong girls.” Bunny is not perfect, not flawless, not always poised. She is energetic, determined, and open-hearted. She listens to her feelings, she keeps moving forward, and she doesn’t give up on what matters to her. The story celebrates that kind of strength—not just physical skill, but courage and kindness. It also shows other characters respecting that strength, which is just as important for young readers to see.
In terms of age range, the stated 4–8 years feels accurate. Younger children will enjoy the rhythm of the language, the bright art, and the simple prompts (“Let’s jump like Bunny!”). Older kids can go a little deeper into the story structure and themes. The fairy-tale base gives them something familiar to hang onto, while the dance and character focus gives them something fresh to think about.
From a blog-review perspective, this is the sort of book I’d recommend in several different collections:
“Books to Get Kids Moving Without a Screen”
“Fairy-Story Retellings with a Twist”
“Stories for Little Dancers and Performers”
“Read-Alouds That Encourage Kindness and Confidence”
It’s also one of those rare titles that can actually support a whole “storytime plus activity” session with very little extra planning. Read the book, pause at the prompts, and you’ve already built a lesson around movement, listening, and feelings.
If you’ve ever watched a child who loves to dance—spinning in the kitchen, twirling in the hallway, jumping off the couch at the faintest hint of music—you’ll recognize Bunny instantly. Bellyrina captures that pure, joyful energy and gives it a story to live inside. It’s lively, kind-hearted, and very easy to revisit, which is good, because kids are going to ask for it again.
November 17, 2025
Hello, people!
After a long time, I'm back with a children's book review. The truth is that I loved it for many reasons.
First, let me say that it is a multi-layered book. We see that it promotes empathy, movement, dance and self-confidence. Also, the story is so different from what I have read so far. Finally, the text is simple, concise and understandable for the ages it is aimed at, approximately 4-7 years old and the illustrations are full of pastels, mainly colors, shades and have many expressive details of the faces.
This book is a beautiful tool in school classes and dance classes and works as a help in introducing children to dance, in cultivating empathy and imagination and in strengthening self-confidence and self-esteem.
After reading, teachers can engage in a discussion with children to develop creativity, critical thinking, skills, and acceptance. Finally, they can create a play or a drama combined with music and movement.
Many thanks to the author and Blackberry Book Tours for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
After a long time, I'm back with a children's book review. The truth is that I loved it for many reasons.
First, let me say that it is a multi-layered book. We see that it promotes empathy, movement, dance and self-confidence. Also, the story is so different from what I have read so far. Finally, the text is simple, concise and understandable for the ages it is aimed at, approximately 4-7 years old and the illustrations are full of pastels, mainly colors, shades and have many expressive details of the faces.
This book is a beautiful tool in school classes and dance classes and works as a help in introducing children to dance, in cultivating empathy and imagination and in strengthening self-confidence and self-esteem.
After reading, teachers can engage in a discussion with children to develop creativity, critical thinking, skills, and acceptance. Finally, they can create a play or a drama combined with music and movement.
Many thanks to the author and Blackberry Book Tours for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
November 17, 2025
BELLYRINA – A Tutu Tale From The Belly Of The Beast – Book One - Dancing Ever After Series
Written by Ballerina Konora & Teacher Terrel
Illustrations by – Ethan Roffler
Konora Photos in collaboration with Dan Lao Photography
I LOVE the Once Upon A Dance books!
When BELLYRINA escapes the belly of the beast in a flurry, she and her newfound friends must save the others from peril.
The Illustration and narrative on every page are whirly and whimsical, invoking movement from start to finish.
Reading a book with children is awesome, but acting out the story through dance together is so much fun!
Highly Recommend!
Reading Age 4 - 8
Thank you, Blackberry Book Tour and Once Upon A Dance, LLC, for providing me with an eBook of BELLYRINA at the request of an honest review.
Written by Ballerina Konora & Teacher Terrel
Illustrations by – Ethan Roffler
Konora Photos in collaboration with Dan Lao Photography
I LOVE the Once Upon A Dance books!
When BELLYRINA escapes the belly of the beast in a flurry, she and her newfound friends must save the others from peril.
The Illustration and narrative on every page are whirly and whimsical, invoking movement from start to finish.
Reading a book with children is awesome, but acting out the story through dance together is so much fun!
Highly Recommend!
Reading Age 4 - 8
Thank you, Blackberry Book Tour and Once Upon A Dance, LLC, for providing me with an eBook of BELLYRINA at the request of an honest review.
December 12, 2025
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
It’s time to get up and get movin’ with Bellyrina: A Tutu Tale from the Belly of the Beast by Once Upon a Dance! Follow the dancer’s movements demonstrated in the purple ovals. Challenge yourself with the “trickier” moves, such as “wolf creep.” Try your hand at matching the moves to the story. (Bonus feature) However, before you do all that, let’s take a look at the story and discover what or who is causing such a commotion.
Wolves in fairy tales tend to bite off more than they can chew, and the beast in this energetic and exciting story is no different. Luckily, Peter and his friends are there to wrangle and see him safely to the zoo, but this is not the last we’ve seen of the big bad wolf. Why? Because a pink bunny with selective amnesia says the wolf swallowed not just them but someone else, too, and that mystery animal is still trapped in the wolf’s belly. Let the rescue mission begin!
How does the friend group, along with the rabbit, plan to retrieve the imprisoned animal? Ah, that adorable plan will remain a secret. To find out the answer, you must get the book. I highly recommend you do. Bellyrina: A Tutu Tale from the Belly of the Beast features page after page of cuteness from the silly artwork to the amusing text.
The heart on the bunny’s belly was a sweet touch. The rescued animal looked adorable in their tutu. Milo’s (the cat’s) facial expression and sarcastic tone when meeting the bunny for the first time were quite humorous. The dance party scene will tickle some ribs. Plus, let’s not forget that every page encourages readers to get up and move with visual prompts.
There is so much to love about this book, from its amusing storyline to its interactive movement prompts. I encourage you to share it with your family or students, as it not only entertains but also promotes physical activity.
Amazon recommends a reading age of 4-8 years.
(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
November 4, 2025
Sometimes, the most unexpected experiences are those that bring new friends together. One day, while some companions are playing in the morning meadow, a hungry wolf sneaks up and eats Roxy the duck. Luckily, Roxy’s feathers cause the wolf to sneeze, launching Roxy back out safe and sound once more. After returning the wolf to the zoo, the friends attempt to relax, only to learn that Roxy was not the only animal inside the wolf’s belly. Combining their various skills and ideas, the intrepid companions proceed to develop a clever plan to free all those trapped inside the evil wolf once and for all. This movement forward picture book is the newest in the collection of stories by Once Upon a Dance. Unlike most of the books in the series, this story is presented more like a traditional picture book, where text and illustrations make up the majority of each image. Fans of the earlier stories will still find suggested movements featuring Ballerina Konora throughout the book, but there is not as much detail in this story as is found in previous adventures. Instead, the text itself invites movement both through its descriptive and detailed writing and the fact that all action phrases appear in purple. Anthropomorphic animals are the primary protagonists of this story, though one human appears among them. Each character receives its own hue that appears within the text, and the colorful and cheerful illustrations invite readers into the book. Entertaining in both plot and design, this picture book is a positive addition to library collections for young elementary school-aged children who enjoy imagining themselves in the stories they read.
October 24, 2025
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
EDITORIAL REVIEW
23rd October 2025
TITLE: Bellyrina, A Tutu Tale from the Belly of the Beast
AUTHOR: Once Upon a Dance
Star Rating: 5
“A superbly illustrated picturebook which not only compliments ‘dance’ but also offers a host of memorable animal characters, a little humor, and a highly unpredictable (and fun) story.” The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
There’s not a dull moment in this rather unpredictable story from the gang at Once Upon a Dance. And when I say ‘unpredictable’, it’s a compliment. It’s the story of Peter (a boy), Milo (a cat), Ren (a bird), Roxy (a duck), Bellyrina (a rabbit), and a very hungry wolf. Thankfully, when he gulped down Roxy, he sneezed – and out she popped. But Roxy’s not the only animal in the wolf’s belly!
There’s so much fun to be had here. The book is filled with wonderful ‘wow’ words, the artwork is superb – bright, colorful, and not computer generated at all, and the layout in terms of font, colors, etc., is top-notch. And, of course, being a Once Upon a Dance book, there’s plenty of moving and stretching accompanying the text.
I have to say, I think the books from Once Upon a Dance keep getting better and better. Although the purpose of the book is to promote dance, they seem to understand how important it is to have humor, fun characters and an interesting story for the young reader to enjoy.
All in all, a fab book – not only for dancers, but for kids who LOVE a good – and very unpredictable – story.
Loved it!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
EDITORIAL REVIEW
23rd October 2025
TITLE: Bellyrina, A Tutu Tale from the Belly of the Beast
AUTHOR: Once Upon a Dance
Star Rating: 5
“A superbly illustrated picturebook which not only compliments ‘dance’ but also offers a host of memorable animal characters, a little humor, and a highly unpredictable (and fun) story.” The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
There’s not a dull moment in this rather unpredictable story from the gang at Once Upon a Dance. And when I say ‘unpredictable’, it’s a compliment. It’s the story of Peter (a boy), Milo (a cat), Ren (a bird), Roxy (a duck), Bellyrina (a rabbit), and a very hungry wolf. Thankfully, when he gulped down Roxy, he sneezed – and out she popped. But Roxy’s not the only animal in the wolf’s belly!
There’s so much fun to be had here. The book is filled with wonderful ‘wow’ words, the artwork is superb – bright, colorful, and not computer generated at all, and the layout in terms of font, colors, etc., is top-notch. And, of course, being a Once Upon a Dance book, there’s plenty of moving and stretching accompanying the text.
I have to say, I think the books from Once Upon a Dance keep getting better and better. Although the purpose of the book is to promote dance, they seem to understand how important it is to have humor, fun characters and an interesting story for the young reader to enjoy.
All in all, a fab book – not only for dancers, but for kids who LOVE a good – and very unpredictable – story.
Loved it!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
January 9, 2026
A Whimsical Ballet Adventure with Courage at Its Core
Bellyrina: A Tutu Tale from the Belly of the Beast is a delightfully imaginative picture book that blends the grace of ballet with a playful, fairy-tale twist. From the very first pages, young readers are invited into a theatrical world where dance becomes both language and courage, and where a seemingly impossible situation sparks creativity rather than fear.
What makes this story especially engaging is how movement drives the narrative. Bellyrina’s ballet skills aren’t just decorative—they’re central to how she responds to her unusual circumstances. The rhythm of the text mirrors the flow of dance, making the story feel almost like a performance on the page. It’s a wonderful way to show children that talents and passions can become tools for problem-solving, confidence, and self-expression.
Visually, the book shines with expressive illustrations that emphasize motion, emotion, and dramatic contrast. The tutu, the poses, and the larger-than-life setting all work together to create a sense of wonder that will appeal to both dance lovers and readers who simply enjoy bold, imaginative storytelling. Bellyrina is a charming choice for read-alouds, inspiring conversations about bravery and creativity, and a joyful reminder that sometimes the best way forward is to dance right through the challenge.
Bellyrina: A Tutu Tale from the Belly of the Beast is a delightfully imaginative picture book that blends the grace of ballet with a playful, fairy-tale twist. From the very first pages, young readers are invited into a theatrical world where dance becomes both language and courage, and where a seemingly impossible situation sparks creativity rather than fear.
What makes this story especially engaging is how movement drives the narrative. Bellyrina’s ballet skills aren’t just decorative—they’re central to how she responds to her unusual circumstances. The rhythm of the text mirrors the flow of dance, making the story feel almost like a performance on the page. It’s a wonderful way to show children that talents and passions can become tools for problem-solving, confidence, and self-expression.
Visually, the book shines with expressive illustrations that emphasize motion, emotion, and dramatic contrast. The tutu, the poses, and the larger-than-life setting all work together to create a sense of wonder that will appeal to both dance lovers and readers who simply enjoy bold, imaginative storytelling. Bellyrina is a charming choice for read-alouds, inspiring conversations about bravery and creativity, and a joyful reminder that sometimes the best way forward is to dance right through the challenge.
November 12, 2025
Well, honey, let me tell you, this little book is cute as a button and twice as charming. Bellyrina starts with that bunny popping out of the wolf’s belly, remembering only that she loves to dance, and from there it just prances straight into your heart. It’s got sparkle, fairy dust, and plenty of giggles, but underneath all that shine, it’s really about a sweet little soul figuring out who she is and what (or who) she’s missing.
What truly warmed my heart is how it gets kids up and moving. Those dance-along prompts aren’t just a gimmick—they turn story time into a mini dance class right in your living room. The children aren’t just sitting there like little statues; they’re hopping, twirling, stretching, and grinning from ear to ear. And the pictures? Lord have mercy, they’re adorable. Soft colors, sweet faces, and just enough magic to make little eyes go wide.
If you’ve got a tiny dancer, an animal lover, or just a wiggly child who needs a gentle way to get those jitters out before bed, Bellyrina is a lovely pick. This Southern lady would happily wrap it up with a bow and bring it to every birthday party in the neighborhood.
What truly warmed my heart is how it gets kids up and moving. Those dance-along prompts aren’t just a gimmick—they turn story time into a mini dance class right in your living room. The children aren’t just sitting there like little statues; they’re hopping, twirling, stretching, and grinning from ear to ear. And the pictures? Lord have mercy, they’re adorable. Soft colors, sweet faces, and just enough magic to make little eyes go wide.
If you’ve got a tiny dancer, an animal lover, or just a wiggly child who needs a gentle way to get those jitters out before bed, Bellyrina is a lovely pick. This Southern lady would happily wrap it up with a bow and bring it to every birthday party in the neighborhood.
November 19, 2025
A Joyful, Dance-Filled Delight!
Belly Rina: Tales From the Belly of the Beast is an absolute treasure from Once Upon a Dance. From the very first page, the story feels fun, whimsical, and wonderfully engaging. The illustrations are bright, expressive, and so delightfully designed that your eyes practically dance across the page as you read. Kids will be captivated—but grown-ups will be smiling just as much.
What truly sets this book apart is the brilliant use of dance-along movement cues woven into every page. Children (and parents!) can hop, twirl, swoop, and stretch right along with the characters, turning storytime into an imaginative, full-body adventure. These playful prompts not only add joy—they deepen connection, spark creativity, and encourage screen-free fun.
With its heartwarming message, gentle humor, magical animal characters, and empowering celebration of strong girls, Belly Rina is a standout read for families, classrooms, and studios. A wonderfully uplifting experience from start to finish!
Belly Rina: Tales From the Belly of the Beast is an absolute treasure from Once Upon a Dance. From the very first page, the story feels fun, whimsical, and wonderfully engaging. The illustrations are bright, expressive, and so delightfully designed that your eyes practically dance across the page as you read. Kids will be captivated—but grown-ups will be smiling just as much.
What truly sets this book apart is the brilliant use of dance-along movement cues woven into every page. Children (and parents!) can hop, twirl, swoop, and stretch right along with the characters, turning storytime into an imaginative, full-body adventure. These playful prompts not only add joy—they deepen connection, spark creativity, and encourage screen-free fun.
With its heartwarming message, gentle humor, magical animal characters, and empowering celebration of strong girls, Belly Rina is a standout read for families, classrooms, and studios. A wonderfully uplifting experience from start to finish!
November 11, 2025
This sweet story for children was such a delight to read! It's about a young boy named Peter and his cute animal friends who are having a crazy time rescuing creatures from the Big Bad Wolf by making him sneeze! This clever story uses elements from "The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf" and mixes it in with special little dancers. It teaches children in a humorous way the importance of friendship, kindness, helping other people, the joy of creative movement, and believing in oneself. They will learn new dance moves that are fun, simple, and can be modified any way you'd like. There's no right or wrong, so you can be as creative as you wish! The adorable and detailed illustrations truly bring out the characters' unique and sweet personalities.
I highly recommend this children's book to all children, both dancers and non-dancers alike (but I'm sure young dancers would especially enjoy it!). 💕🩰📚
I highly recommend this children's book to all children, both dancers and non-dancers alike (but I'm sure young dancers would especially enjoy it!). 💕🩰📚
November 14, 2025
As a guy who mostly reads grown-up books and only stumbles into picture books when there’s a kid on my lap, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Bellyrina. The concept of Bunny leaping out of the wolf’s belly with nothing but her love of dance is weird in the best way, and it gives the story a fun mix of familiar fairy-tale roots and fresh energy. The interactive prompts are smartly placed—never forced—and they give kids a reason to move, spin, jump, and actually be part of what’s happening on the page instead of just watching. The tone balances sweet and slightly dramatic without ever getting too intense for the target age, and the message about kindness, courage, and finding your “missing piece” lands without feeling preachy. The art is bright and expressive, with enough little details to keep kids pointing things out on re-reads.
For parents, teachers, or dance instructors looking for something that encourages movement and imagination at the same time, this one works.
For parents, teachers, or dance instructors looking for something that encourages movement and imagination at the same time, this one works.
November 14, 2025
As a dog person who measures joy in tail wags and zoomies, Bellyrina completely won me over. Bunny bursting out of the wolf’s belly with one clear memory – that she loves to dance – reminded me of the way my dogs seem born just knowing how to play. There’s that same pure, happy energy in this book. The movement prompts feel a lot like giving a pup a new game: “Can you spin? Can you leap?” and suddenly the kids are up, twirling across the living room instead of just sitting and listening.
The artwork is bright and expressive, with the kind of small details that kids (and adults) like to point out every time you read it again. Under all the sparkle and fun, there’s a gentle message about courage, connection, and following what makes your heart race in a good way. On my dog-loving, family-reading scale, Bellyrina is a strong five stars – a great pick for little dancers, animal fans, and anyone who likes their storytime a bit more lively.
The artwork is bright and expressive, with the kind of small details that kids (and adults) like to point out every time you read it again. Under all the sparkle and fun, there’s a gentle message about courage, connection, and following what makes your heart race in a good way. On my dog-loving, family-reading scale, Bellyrina is a strong five stars – a great pick for little dancers, animal fans, and anyone who likes their storytime a bit more lively.
November 17, 2025
Bellyrina is such a playful mix of fairy story and movement that it hardly stays on the page. Bunny’s memory of loving to dance becomes the anchor of the book, and kids instantly latch onto that: she’s scared, she’s unsure, but she keeps dancing anyway. The way the authors slide in little prompts—spin here, stretch there—means you’re not just reading, you’re suddenly clearing space in the living room so tiny dancers can copy the moves.
What I especially liked is that there’s a gentle emotional thread running underneath all the sparkle. Bunny is looking for what’s missing, and along the way, kids see ideas about courage, kindness, and trying again after something frightening. The photos and illustrations give you lots to point at and talk about, so it works just as well one-on-one as it does in a classroom or studio. If you have kids who love animals, fairy stories, or simply can’t sit still through storytime, this book feels like a perfect match.
What I especially liked is that there’s a gentle emotional thread running underneath all the sparkle. Bunny is looking for what’s missing, and along the way, kids see ideas about courage, kindness, and trying again after something frightening. The photos and illustrations give you lots to point at and talk about, so it works just as well one-on-one as it does in a classroom or studio. If you have kids who love animals, fairy stories, or simply can’t sit still through storytime, this book feels like a perfect match.
December 21, 2025
I received an electronic ARC from Once Upon a Dance through the PW Grab-a-Galley December 2o25.
Readers meet a young boy and his animal friends as they play together. Suddenly, a wolf joins them and eats Roxy the duck. They attempt to rescue her and when they do, another small creature joins them. This little pink bunny may not remember their name but they remember someone else still needs rescued. I love the message of support even when there is danger. All of the creatures dance together in a wild dance party to finish the tale.
Don't miss the informative dance text included at the end of the book and the pictures of dance moves throughout the story. Readers can dance along as this is read in group settings. The illustrations are charming and bring the story to life.
Readers meet a young boy and his animal friends as they play together. Suddenly, a wolf joins them and eats Roxy the duck. They attempt to rescue her and when they do, another small creature joins them. This little pink bunny may not remember their name but they remember someone else still needs rescued. I love the message of support even when there is danger. All of the creatures dance together in a wild dance party to finish the tale.
Don't miss the informative dance text included at the end of the book and the pictures of dance moves throughout the story. Readers can dance along as this is read in group settings. The illustrations are charming and bring the story to life.
November 14, 2025
Bellyrina is such a cute, energetic read. I loved the mix of fairy-tale vibes with this determined little bunny who just wants to dance. The text leaves lots of room for kids to move along, and the prompts feel natural rather than forced—more like gentle invitations to wiggle and twirl than “instructions.” The art is bright and expressive, and there are plenty of fun details for kids to spot on rereads. What really worked for me is that underneath the sparkle and humor, there’s a quiet message about listening to your heart and keeping going even when things feel a bit scary or strange. Great for classrooms, dance studios, or any kid who loves animals and tutus.
November 11, 2025
Bunny leaps from the wolf’s belly with only one memory: she loves to dance. But something, or someone, is still missing.
Once Upon a Dance offers movement, breath, joy, connection, and imagination through stories and this is no exception. This interactive dance book highlights subtle, positive messages/ life lessons and strong role models for the 8-12 age range. The tip, techniques and insights for aspiring dancers.
As ever the setting out and visual impact is beautiful. I would highly recommend this book.
Once Upon a Dance offers movement, breath, joy, connection, and imagination through stories and this is no exception. This interactive dance book highlights subtle, positive messages/ life lessons and strong role models for the 8-12 age range. The tip, techniques and insights for aspiring dancers.
As ever the setting out and visual impact is beautiful. I would highly recommend this book.
November 13, 2025
Bellyrina pirouettes out of the wolf’s belly and straight into the soft corner of the bookshelf where my favorite storytime spells live. It’s gentle and a little wild at the same time: a bunny who remembers only that she loves to dance, movement prompts that turn little listeners into leaping, spinning co-stars, and artwork that feels like someone sprinkled stardust over a classic bedtime story. This is the kind of book that gets read with toes pointed, arms outstretched, and a pile of giggles on the floor when you’re done.
Book Witch Verdict: four and a half moonlit tutus out of five.
Book Witch Verdict: four and a half moonlit tutus out of five.
November 13, 2025
Bellyrina is exactly the kind of picture book I want on my shelf: sweet, a little quirky, and full of movement. Bunny’s journey out of the wolf’s belly and into her own joy feels fresh and funny instead of scary, and the dance prompts are easy to follow without interrupting the story. My favorite thing is how naturally the book encourages kids to move their bodies and use their imagination at the same time.
November 12, 2025
Bellyrina is the kind of picture book that makes you smile before you’ve even finished the first page. Bunny’s love of dance, the gentle humor, and the movement prompts all work together to turn reading time into a little celebration on the living room rug. It’s sweet, sparkly, and genuinely fun—perfect for tiny dancers and the grown-ups who love watching them twirl.
November 13, 2025
Bellyrina is pure kid joy on the page. Cute animals, fairy dust vibes, and dance prompts that actually get kids up and moving. My kid didn’t just listen to the story—they became part of it. Great for ages 4–8, especially dance lovers and little daydreamers who can’t sit still for long.
November 11, 2025
Bellyrina is pure joy from cover to cover. Once Upon a Dance has a rare gift for turning movement into story, and story into magic. Bunny is too cute! Whimsical and lovely.
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