Dance, Dance, Dance!: A Horse and Buggy Tale

I Like to Read

by Ethan Long

This easy-to-read picture book introduces Horse and Buggy, two hilarious new characters from Theodor Seuss Geisel Medalist Ethan Long!

Horse and Buggy are best friends, but they don’t always see eye to eye. When Buggy sees Horse dancing, he asks, "What are you doing?" "I am dancing," Horse replies. "I am the best dancer. I have the best dances!" "You are not dancing. You are just moving around." Can Horse convince the reluctant Buggy to lighten up and join in? YES!

In this side-splitting story about friendship, Horse and Buggy learn that doing something together makes it twice as fun.

The award-winning I Like to Read® series focuses on guided reading levels A through G, based upon Fountas and Pinnell standards. Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors—create original, high quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read with parents, teachers, or on their own!

Level E stories feature a distinct beginning, middle, and end, with kid-friendly illustrations offering clues for more challenging sentences. Varied punctuation and simple contractions may be included. Level E books are suitable for early first graders. When Level E is mastered, follow up with Level F.

A Junior Library Guild selection!
A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year

Genres: Picture Books, Humor, Animals, Childrens, Horses, Friendship, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

Published February 20, 2018

About the author

Ethan Long is a popular, award-winning and internationally recognized children's book author and illustrator with over 70 children's books, a Theodor Seuss Geisel Award and an Emmy-nominated television series to his credit. Just about all of his awake time is spent writing stories, drawing pictures and spending time with his family. Since graduating from Ringling College of Art and Design in 1991, Ethan has never stopped evolving, challenging his creative approach with each new project while constantly honing his instantly identifiable style. Born and raised in Central Pennsylvania, his childhood memories serve as inspiration for many of his drawings and stories. He currently lives with his wife and three children in beautiful Orlando, Florida, USA and flip flops seamlessly between being a world famous children's book author and a stay-at-home dad.

Reviews

[Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's nice that someone finally wrote a book about me.

[Chris Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luka was a bit skeptical the first read through. However, it is now a top pick for first read of the evening. Fun take on a simple reader. Not much separation from other dance books, yet has me wishing for more Horse and Buggy books to share with Luka.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great two-reader storytime book! Especially if you're willing to use your whole body!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love the simple humor and looking at the facial expressions of the characters!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

While watching Horse enjoying himself while dancing around, Buggy points out that he isn't really dancing. After all, there is no music to dance to. Horse disagrees, claiming that the music is in his head. Eventually, Buggy is persuaded to try out her own moves, but by the time she does, Horse has no more energy left to dance. The colorful digital artwork fits the simple story perfectly, and together, the text and images just might inspire some cool moves from young readers. This is part of the I Like to Read series, perfect for beginning readers to practice their new reading skills. The fun is extended even on the end papers, which feature the two friends showing off their dances moves.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great mix of picture book and beginning reader, this story features Horse who loves to dance. Buggy is a little concerned though because there isn’t any music, so is Horse really dancing? Horse invites Buggy to join him, but Buggy just isn’t sure. When Horse tries to make Buggy feel better about not being able to dance, he manages to insult her. So Buggy starts dancing too. They add some great music. Soon Buggy is dancing but now Horse is doing something else: resting.

Long has a great touch with humor in picture books. He makes it broad enough for children to immediately relate to it but not so much as to lose the appeal of discovering the humor for yourself. Horse and Buggy make a strong pair, with the exuberant Horse doing his own thing and Buggy reflecting more of what the reader’s reaction is. The illustrations are large and vibrant filled with bright-colored backgrounds and the gyrations of Horse and Buggy’s dances. One to get the wiggles out! Appropriate for ages 2-4.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long, Ethan Dance, Dance, Dance! EARLY READER I Like to Read (Holiday House), 2018. $15. Content: G.

Horse has some pretty great dance moves, but his friend Bug tells Horse that he isn’t really dancing because he doesn’t have music. Horse continues to enjoy dancing and tells Bug that he should join him, but Bug doesn’t want to at first. Eventually both friends dance and have fun, and Horse is exhausted in the end.

This is an adorable early reader much the same style as Mo Willems’ Piggy and Elephant books. Horse and Bug are adorable dancers and the illustrations are very expressive. The sight words are simple yet the story is conveyed. Super cute!

EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends horse and buggy have things to teach each other. This time the one with the smaller body needs to learn this book's big lesson.

If it helps, I admire Horse for dancing. I admire how expressively he dances, and how totally unihibited are his movements.

But Buggy gives him a hard time. Even worse, when invited to dance too, Buggy makes one silly excuse after another.

What do you want to bet that maybe, just maybe, Buggy may finally learn to let loose and dance?

FIVE STARS for this brilliant book, the excellent pacing of the narrative, and the wonderfully comical dance illustrations by Ethan Long.

[Teresa Bateman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the "I Like to Read" series designed for beginning readers, this Level E book is a joyous celebration of dance and friendship. Horse is an exuberant dancer--hooves pointed, shimmy-shaking, totally committed. His friend. Buggy, is uncertain when asked to join in even though Horse assures her that everyone can dance. Once the music starts she finds her rhythm, but by then Horse is exhausted. This is a delightful romp that will make young children want to get up and boogie. Tie it with Shea's "Dance, Dance, Underpants" for a fun preschool story time.

[Linda Sweitzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan Long does it again! In this hilarious debut of his new series, Long gives us a wonderfully captivating duo in Horse and Buggy (gotta love the character names!). Great for kids, especially the reluctant reader, with its simple ideas and repetition. And they (as well as adults) will love the illustrations. How can you not laugh at Horse in his rendition of the Flashdance scene as he stretches himself over a chair? More than just dancing, this is about friends not knowing everything about each other, but having a great time doing so.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bug can't figure out what Horse is doing. Horse says he's dancing. Bug disagrees because there is no music. Horse says the music is in his head. Bug claims that Horse is just moving around and kicking his legs. Horse invites Bug to dance with him. Bug declines saying he just ate. Horse teases him and says he must not be able to dance. Bug disagrees but continues to refuse to dance. Horse continues to tease Bug saying he can't dance until finally, Bug breaks out in dance moves. Eventually Horse brings in some music to help Bug feel not so silly.

A great short story for storytime.

[Madeline Krasnasky · Rating 2 out of 5]

This picture book was simple and creative. I liked the colorful pictures and the relationship the author made between the horse and fly. It was a very easy read that a younger audience may enjoy. I was not a fan of how choppy the words seemed as I read them. Rhyming words would have made it a smoother read and more captivating. I liked how the horse tried to involve the bug and didn't stop trying until he was happy. It shows the reader how to care and include a friend into an activity that they might not be sure of. It was a cute book over, but too simple for my liking in picture books.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fun early reader for primary kids celebrates the joy of movement, as Horse just can’t hold still. He expresses his happiness by dancing about and tries to get his friend, Buggy, to do the same. But Buggy is reluctant to boogie, until Horse turns on the music. Simple text, funny digital art, and humorous allusions to some favorite movie dance moves will make this a fun book to share. It might even encourage readers to turn on their favorite tunes and create their own dance moves.

[Paige Hickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Modern Fantasy
Grade Level: Pre-K - 3rd
I had never read this book before, but I enjoyed it! This would be a perfect book for children learning to read because the words in the story are simple and shorter words. This book also has some humor in it with the animals dancing and is just super cute. I would recommend reading this book with children.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Horse is dancing to his own music. Bee asks him about this as he thinks Horse is just moving around. Horse invites Bee to dance too. Bee feels awkward but does it. Horse turns on music and they both discover they can dance as they choose.
Use to talk about being yourself, taking risks.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the simplicity of the book and how there are not a lot of words on the pages. The colors and illustrations are so appealign too! I am sharing this with my Pre-K classes soon and I can't wait to see how much they love this book.

[Great Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun early reader, this guided reading text by Ethan Long depicts Horse convincing Buggy that it's time to dance and get down! Clear backgrounds and easy to decipher text bubbles contributes to the quality of this early reader.

Reviewer 21

[Kifflie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horse likes to dance, even if his friend Buggy points out that there's no music playing. Eventually Buggy decides to give it a try (to some actual music), but by then Horse is all worn out! A fun easy reader that should make you smile at the end.

[Madeline Knauff · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love how this book encourages the fly to dance even though he is against it. The horse shows so much happiness from nothing and they way he spreads it is to the fly is heart warming. I find it funny after all that convincing the horse gets exhausted.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lively and colorful.

[DaNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horse has got the moves!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes in life you just have to move around...some people may see it as dancing, some may not. And that's okay too.

[Quintina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends Horse and Buggy get their groove on in the fun filled early reader Dance, Dance, Dance! By Ethan Long. A fun story time read that will get the kids moving.

[Gwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leveled Reading: E (Guided Reading)

[Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids · Rating 3 out of 5]

An appealing easy reader with repetition and primary colored illustrations. Works great for reading groups, or read to self centers.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute

I’m thinking this would be a good intro to large group dancing

It’s a quick fun read with colorful illustrations

Two character dialog

Short and sweet

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A horse tries to convince a fly to dance. Can he suceed. Preschoola nd up. could copy movements. told in speech bubbles

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one made me giggle.

[Phyllis M. Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I found another author! Too cute!

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute story but definitely would be best if you have two people to read it so one can be the horse and one can be buggy.