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Eka and the Elephants: A Dance-It-Out Creative Movement Story for Young Movers
GET MOVING with bunnies, elephants, bees, Ballerina Konora, and Eka.
"Konora glides across the pages, inviting youngsters to tiptoe, leap, roll, squat, jump among others physical activities through her ballet positions. ... Cristian Gheorghita’s playful, animated illustrations enchant readers, immersing them in the authors’ vivid imagination." —The Prairies Book Review
*Outstanding Creator Award First Place Winner
*Purple Dragonfly First Place Winner
Each Dance-It-Out! story brings movement, joy, breath, connection, and imagination. Ballerina Konora inspires with dance photos and suggestions. In this story, Eka’s family creates a garden, but Eka worries animals may destroy all their hard work. When playful elephants visit, will Eka's calm quick thinking and problem solving save the vegetables and flowers?
Three books in readers can enjoy the story, act it out in their own way, or try Konora’s suggested activities, designed by an award-winning ballet teacher to develop body awareness and practice dance fundamentals
The Dance-It-Out! collection spans books ideal for kids 3-9, and Eka and the Elephants makes a great series introduction for children 4+. Eka and the Elephants features Eka (no pronouns), Eka’s brother and sister, Koda and Kanoni, and Eka’s parents, along with elephants, bunnies, and bees.
Movement Concepts and Dance Technique in this
• Sideways Leap
• Tiptoes
• Forward Stretch
• Jumping
• Squatting
• Relevé
• Bow
• Balance
• Body Part Isolation (Fingers, Thumb, Shoulders, Hips, Nose, Lips, etc.)
• Fine Motor Skills (Pinching, Twisting, Wriggling Fingers, Flat, Clasped, etc.)
• Closed/Expanded Shapes
• Falling
• Rolling
• Stillness/Muscle Deactivation
• Breath In/Out
• Counted Movements
• Quality of Movement (Heavy/Light, Slow/Fast, Jerky/Gently)
• Moving with Emotion (Surprise, Excitement, Fear, Interest, etc.)
• Importance of Healthy Eating and Sleep
Main elements and themes include Elephants, Rabbits, Animal Rescue/Sanctuaries, Bees, Family, Gardening, Pea Plants, Carrots, Sunflowers, Dreams, and Healthy Eating.
This movement journey is ideal for dance, creative movement, physical education, homeschool, preschool, kindergarten, or first-grade activities. The full Dance-It-Out! collection features male, female, ungendered, and nonbinary diverse characters. Dance-it-Out! books make a great gift for boys or girls interested in dance, ballet, gymnastics, or yoga, or reluctant readers who enjoy getting up and being active.
Once Upon a Dance
Brought to you by a mother-daughter pair donating all profits to charity. Ballerina Konora is a professional ballet dancer. Her mother, Teacher Terrel, taught creative movement and ballet for decades and was recognized by her local City Council for embodying the spirit of partnership and commitment to children in our community for her work with young dancers. She’s breathed dance from every angle and has worked in education and with various non-profits supporting kids and families.
"Konora glides across the pages, inviting youngsters to tiptoe, leap, roll, squat, jump among others physical activities through her ballet positions. ... Cristian Gheorghita’s playful, animated illustrations enchant readers, immersing them in the authors’ vivid imagination." —The Prairies Book Review
*Outstanding Creator Award First Place Winner
*Purple Dragonfly First Place Winner
Each Dance-It-Out! story brings movement, joy, breath, connection, and imagination. Ballerina Konora inspires with dance photos and suggestions. In this story, Eka’s family creates a garden, but Eka worries animals may destroy all their hard work. When playful elephants visit, will Eka's calm quick thinking and problem solving save the vegetables and flowers?
Three books in readers can enjoy the story, act it out in their own way, or try Konora’s suggested activities, designed by an award-winning ballet teacher to develop body awareness and practice dance fundamentals
The Dance-It-Out! collection spans books ideal for kids 3-9, and Eka and the Elephants makes a great series introduction for children 4+. Eka and the Elephants features Eka (no pronouns), Eka’s brother and sister, Koda and Kanoni, and Eka’s parents, along with elephants, bunnies, and bees.
Movement Concepts and Dance Technique in this
• Sideways Leap
• Tiptoes
• Forward Stretch
• Jumping
• Squatting
• Relevé
• Bow
• Balance
• Body Part Isolation (Fingers, Thumb, Shoulders, Hips, Nose, Lips, etc.)
• Fine Motor Skills (Pinching, Twisting, Wriggling Fingers, Flat, Clasped, etc.)
• Closed/Expanded Shapes
• Falling
• Rolling
• Stillness/Muscle Deactivation
• Breath In/Out
• Counted Movements
• Quality of Movement (Heavy/Light, Slow/Fast, Jerky/Gently)
• Moving with Emotion (Surprise, Excitement, Fear, Interest, etc.)
• Importance of Healthy Eating and Sleep
Main elements and themes include Elephants, Rabbits, Animal Rescue/Sanctuaries, Bees, Family, Gardening, Pea Plants, Carrots, Sunflowers, Dreams, and Healthy Eating.
This movement journey is ideal for dance, creative movement, physical education, homeschool, preschool, kindergarten, or first-grade activities. The full Dance-It-Out! collection features male, female, ungendered, and nonbinary diverse characters. Dance-it-Out! books make a great gift for boys or girls interested in dance, ballet, gymnastics, or yoga, or reluctant readers who enjoy getting up and being active.
Once Upon a Dance
Brought to you by a mother-daughter pair donating all profits to charity. Ballerina Konora is a professional ballet dancer. Her mother, Teacher Terrel, taught creative movement and ballet for decades and was recognized by her local City Council for embodying the spirit of partnership and commitment to children in our community for her work with young dancers. She’s breathed dance from every angle and has worked in education and with various non-profits supporting kids and families.
33 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2022
About the author
Once Upon a Dance
49 books120 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 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 1, 2024
Interactive & Engaging
Once Upon a Dance and Leah Irby crafted another delightful story titled, “Eka and the Elephants.” This refreshing book for young readers goes beyond mere engagement; it offers an interactive experience. As the narrative unfolds, Konora, the talented ballerina, breathes life into the story, prompting active participation from young readers in the thrilling adventure. I was genuinely intrigued by Konora's graceful interpretation of the tale, adding a unique dimension to the reading experience. This children's book successfully immerses readers, fulfilling the essential role of involving them in the narrative. I wholeheartedly recommend picking up this amusing creation.
Once Upon a Dance and Leah Irby crafted another delightful story titled, “Eka and the Elephants.” This refreshing book for young readers goes beyond mere engagement; it offers an interactive experience. As the narrative unfolds, Konora, the talented ballerina, breathes life into the story, prompting active participation from young readers in the thrilling adventure. I was genuinely intrigued by Konora's graceful interpretation of the tale, adding a unique dimension to the reading experience. This children's book successfully immerses readers, fulfilling the essential role of involving them in the narrative. I wholeheartedly recommend picking up this amusing creation.
March 8, 2023
My boys danced their hearts out
Another book my boys loved! They had an absolute blast listening to the story and acting out the poses! This is definitely a fun read for parents and the kids. My boys are 3-5 and were able to follow the moves easily. The only little downside is it is a long read. There’s the story itself and then the directions for the moves. So sometimes I did lose their attention. The boys give it 5 stars. They thought Eka and the elephants were silly and loved her adventure with them.
Another book my boys loved! They had an absolute blast listening to the story and acting out the poses! This is definitely a fun read for parents and the kids. My boys are 3-5 and were able to follow the moves easily. The only little downside is it is a long read. There’s the story itself and then the directions for the moves. So sometimes I did lose their attention. The boys give it 5 stars. They thought Eka and the elephants were silly and loved her adventure with them.
January 10, 2024
A fun story you can act out
This story is fun! It would be perfect for teachers to use as a drama/ movement resource as well as using it at home. Each part of the story can be acted out - the adult reads the text that gives instructions on how to act the scene - and the child acts it out. The illustrations are bright and colourful and will appeal to children. This is a unique idea and I highly recommend it.
This story is fun! It would be perfect for teachers to use as a drama/ movement resource as well as using it at home. Each part of the story can be acted out - the adult reads the text that gives instructions on how to act the scene - and the child acts it out. The illustrations are bright and colourful and will appeal to children. This is a unique idea and I highly recommend it.
July 17, 2022
Aww this was just too cute
A wonderful idea to make your kids reading more entertaining. My baby loved the story since she loves to dance. The story is so sweet and the graphics are just beautiful. Seriously, I have no words to describe such wonderful story. And I would like to read the other 24 books with my little love. Would totally recommend this is amazing.
A wonderful idea to make your kids reading more entertaining. My baby loved the story since she loves to dance. The story is so sweet and the graphics are just beautiful. Seriously, I have no words to describe such wonderful story. And I would like to read the other 24 books with my little love. Would totally recommend this is amazing.
May 4, 2023
Highly entertaining read!
This book is so wonderful for kids that have a hard time sitting still! I love how interactive it is! My kids had a ton of fun reading this together and acting out the scenes! It also wonderful to practice listening skills and enhance body awareness! Such a fun, unique book!! Love it!
This book is so wonderful for kids that have a hard time sitting still! I love how interactive it is! My kids had a ton of fun reading this together and acting out the scenes! It also wonderful to practice listening skills and enhance body awareness! Such a fun, unique book!! Love it!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews