Tap-Dance Fever

by Pat Brisson, Nancy Cote (Illustrator)

From sunrise to sunset, Annabelle can't keep her feet from moving. She's worn out her mother's linoleum. She's danced a hole in the schoolhouse floor. She's danced a ridge into Creek Road that causes Mr. Harville T. Stone's tire to blow. Even Mrs. Ethel Pontoon's chickens are upset. They refuse to lay eggs as long as Annabelle keeps dancing. It seems Annabelle has turned the entire town topsy-turvy with her terpsichore. Now the citizens have banded together to stop Annabelle once and for all! But the people of Fiddler's Creek are in for a big surprise when they try to cure Annabelle's Tap-Dance Fever.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2005

About the author

I have been writing picture books and easy-to-read chapter books for the last twenty years. My first YA, The Best and Hardest Thing, a novel in verse, will be coming out in May 2010.

I am a former elementary school teacher, school librarian and reference librarian in a public library. I now write full-time and do author visits to schools.

My husband and I have four grown sons. We live in Phillipsburg, New Jersey.
Our last name has a short "i" sound and rhymes with "listen".

Reviews

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annabelle Applegate loves to tap-dance. She does it every chance she gets.

Her teacher at school, even the mayor of the town, don't like this. But a happy ending is tapping its way into this upbeat story with the playful illustrations.

FIVE STARS and thanks to author Pat Brisson and illustrator Nancy Cote. This book's sense of fun is contagious.

[Jeani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone is putting up road blocks for this kid until she starts making them money. It's not a bad story, but just such a sad commentary about humans.

[Anna Dipprey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book because of the lively colors and the fun title. This cover definitely did the book justice, because the book was just as exciting as its cover. I found this book very relatable to me because we have the same name, I am a red head and a dancer. I loved the way it was written, illustrated and how fun it is to read aloud.

Purpose
Read aloud for enrichment:
I think this book would be easily relatable to children because they can understand how Annabelle might feel when she is being accused of things. They might also be able to relate to being so passionate about something they have to do it all the time.
This book had a lot of rich vocabulary, such as Linoleum and Paraphernalia. This book also uses some figures of speech like personification and onomatopoeia.
Read Aloud for curricular purposes
This book could be used to help students understand passion, and the importance of doing what you love to do.
This book had a very good plot with obstacles to over come, and a conclusion leading to a happy ending. Because this plot is so strong, it could be used in a lesson about understanding plots and recognizing its different elements.

[Mattie Weck · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved most about this book was its passionate and positive female protagonist. Tap-Dance Fever tells the story of Annabelle’s dancing and the obstacles she overcomes to continue doing what she loves. The story is set in a rural town, filled with a multicultural community. The vibrant watercolor illustrations and upbeat writing are especially engaging. The length of writing on each page is beneficial for children (1st-2nd grade) wanting to advance their reading level. It is an entertaining and inspirational story that encourages children to continue doing the things they are passionate about, despite what other people think. This book would be great as a read aloud, and would provide the opportunity for listeners to hear the rich and varied language the author has provided.

[Jennifer Danko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pat Brisson and Nancy Cote have created a wonderful book for young children. The story line teaches children to continue doing what makes them happy no matter what others think. The colors are bright and engaging. The upbeat writing keeps the reader cheering for Annabelle and her tap dancing. Although there is a lot of writing, the reading can be repetitive at times and somewhat easy. Brisson adds challenging words here and there. This makes this book good book for children trying to advance their reading level. Overall the book is well written and recommended for children between the ages of seven and nine.

[Erik This Kid Reviews Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very cute story. I really love the illustrations - especially how Anabelle’s dresses are drawn! The story has a funny and happy ending to it. Kids will hopefully learn from Annabelle. She’s always happy and doing what she likes best no matter what the problem. That’s being a good role model. I recommend this book to kids 5+!

NOTE- I purchased this book at an arts festival the author was at.

[Daniel Riles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tap-Dance Fever features a tap-dancing girl who just can't stop. She passes through her rural setting tapping her toes on everything. The townsfolk try all kinds of solutions to stop her, but she persists. In the end, her dancing is a boon for the town and all the people who were disgruntled by it originally. A fun read with an indomitable female protagonist whose do-good attitude is refreshing.

[Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Book!

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every town needs a tap-dancing fool like Annabelle to set things aright!

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book with a good message. fFn read with the kids.