I Am a Dancer

by Pat Lowery Collins, Mark Graham (Illustrator)

Poet Pat Lowery Collins shows children that their everyday motions—catching a ball, reaching up to a shelf, or shuffling through the rain—can contain all of the elements of a dance. Mark Graham's lovely oil paintings give the reader a new appreciation of the beauty of natural movements.

Genres: Picture Books

29 pages, Library Binding

First published December 15, 2007

About the author

Pat Lowery Collins is the author of many acclaimed novels and picture books. She was inspired to write HIDDEN VOICES when she learned that Antonio Vivaldi wrote countless concertos to showcase the talents of orphan girls — and snare husbands for a lucky few. She lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

This one was just meh for me. The watercolor illustrations had 38 people, and only 3 could even possibly be considered not White, it was published in 2008 so I hoped for better.
The text just kept repeating "I am a dance when..." and then listing things like sliding down the banister or pitching a baseball or kicking a soccer ball in addition to things that could actually be considered dancing (like swirling in the breeze or dancing in "click-clacky" shoes). One picture even had a little girl dancing ON a kitchen chair. As a parent, I just see that as a disaster waiting to happen. As a librarian, there was nothing in this book to make me want to select it for my library or recommend it to my patrons. Whatever the point was, it was lost on me and I don't recommend this book for story time, or even one-on-one reading. ymmv

[James Zaksek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with all the depictions of artwork and the fact that just about anything you can do with dance, makes you a dancer! This was a delightful read and reminded me of all the times I've danced just because.

[Joenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about how people dance throughout the day, whether skipping down the stairs, or chasing the tide. Beautiful watercolor illustrations.

[Cali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful watercolors adorn the pages of this lyrical story. It felt like a song more so than a story, I loved it! I also really enjoyed how it emphasized that everyday movements are dance.

[Moushumi Ghosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gorgeous oil paintings and a lovely rhythm to the words made this book memorable. The end could have been better edited.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite picture books. Lyrical, beautiful, joyful, and works on many different levels. Highly recommended for ages 3-6.