Why We Dance: A Story of Hope and Healing

by Deidre Havrelock, Aly McKnight (Illustrator)

From Indigenous creative team Deidre Havrelock and Aly McKnight comes a powerful and exuberant story about the heritage, joy, and healing power of the Jingle Dress Dance—a perfect read-aloud picture book.

It’s a special day—the day of the Jingle Dress Dance! Before the big powwow, there’s a lot to getting dressed, braiding hair, packing lunches, and practicing bounce-steps. But one young girl gets butterflies in her stomach thinking about performing in front of her whole community. When the drumbeats begin, though, her family soothes her nerves and reminds her why she dances.

Emerging historically in response to the global influenza pandemic of 1918–19, the Jingle Dress Dance is a ceremonial dance of healing and prayer that still thrives today in many Indigenous and First Nations communities across North America. Lyrically and rhythmically written with lush, full-color illustrations, Why We Dance is a joyous celebration of a proud Indigenous tradition that inspires hope, resilience, and unity.

Genres: Picture Books, Indigenous, Childrens, Family, Cultural, History, Native American

40 pages, Hardcover

Published February 6, 2024

About the author

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Reviews

[DaNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lush descriptions of the regalia worn for Jingle Dances combine with an emphasis on the meaning of the ceremony. I particularly enjoyed the POV of a young child taking on a solemn task.

[Aolund · Rating 5 out of 5]

The watercolor illustrations in this book are beautiful! I thought this was a loving, informative, and well-written story of the Jingle Dance tradition. I loved the repeated onomatopoeias (rum pum pum, tink tink tink tink) interspersed through this story of tradition, family, community, healing, and the power of dance!

Themes: Dance, Modern Indigenous Life, Healing, Community, Tradition
Age range: Preschool-Elementary

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful introduction to the Jingle Dress Dance, which appeared in 1918 in a few Native American communities as a response to the global pandemic at the time. Girls and women wear cones on their skirts which make a tink-tink rainfall sound and dance while saying prayers for healing and thanks. The tradition continues to thrive today. After reading the lyrical and beautifully illustrated story, I was glad to find some backmatter with more information on this tradition and how it is performed today.

[Kirsten Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back matter includes further information about the Jingle Dress Dance as well as noted from the author and illustrator, who share their connection to the culture and traditions portrayed in this story. Such a beautiful pairing of text and art!

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children's Room Sunday takes place on Monday this week! I loved this book. There was movement and history and sound and celebration with each word and drawing. "With each step, we offer grateful prayers. Thank you, Creator, for life and love." All the stars.

[Scottsdale Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's summer, which for the northern part of our continent means powwow season! This lovely watercolor-illustrated picture book tells the story of a girl preparing for the traditional Jingle Dance with her family. While it's too wordy for a Storytime read-aloud (think: 20+ rambunctious toddlers), its simple language is great for emerging readers and one-on-one read-alouds. When the dance begins, the language becomes appropriately rhythmic. After the story, the author and illustrator include additional information about the origins, purpose, and continuing tradition of this specific dance. Representation is excellent in this book. It accurately depicts contemporary/traditional camp with its mix of tipis and nylon pop-up tents, its reference to selfies as the girls climb trees, and Dad's bannock sandwiches packed in the Igloo cooler every family seems to own. Just like at a real powwow, all ages, skin tones, and hair types are represented, as are a variety of mobility devices. The prose takes the reader from the mundane to the spiritual as it shifts from missing earrings and fixing dresses to offering tobacco and getting (literally) into the spirit of thanksgiving and healing. A really lovely addition to Indigenous kidlit. I even learned some things.
~Rebecca O.

[Eli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of the Jingle Dress Dance. It is a beautifully illustrated picture book that takes the reader through the special day when the Jingle Dress Dance is performed at the big powwow. The young girls take the reader through their getting ready with braiding their hair and packing lunches. They practice their bounce-step and seek soothing from their family right when they get nervous right before the big moment. But then they dance.

This sweet story introduces the historical performance that emerged as a response to the global influenza pandemic of 1918-19. Jingle Dress Dance was and is still a ceremonial dance of healing and prayer, and this book is a celebration of Indigenous hope, resilience, and unity. It is well-written, and the parts that describe the sounds were a lot of fun for my child to read aloud to me. The weaving of information in pieces small enough for littles to digest were lovely additions to accompany the watercolors. It was also very informative for me to have such a detailed author's note at the end.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always nice to come across new picture books with Native American/Indigenous representation. Publishing still needs to do better, but my heart is always happy when a new one is released.

Why We Dance is beautiful book that serves as a look into the past and present. Havrelock wonderfully captures the importance of the Jingle Dress Dance while also illustrating the love amongst and for community, friends, family, Creator, and ancestors. There was a specific part of this that I really enjoyed where the mother tells the main character to have fun, but also be respectful and to remember why they danced. I think that it reinforces the idea that we can fun with traditions like the Jingle Dress Dance, but there is a certain level of respect and honor that must maintained. I learned a lot reading this book and I enjoyed the water color illustrations that were created by Aly McKnight. I definitely recommend checking this one out!

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a great "windows and mirrors" book. It follows two girls as they begin their day, "Today is a special day. Today, we get to dance!" It shows the various preparations they make with their hair, dresses, and other regalia. We then join them as they arrive at their destination, they make their final preparations and then they dance! Throughout this process, we also learn about the regalia, the dance they're going to perform, and its significance. In other words, it is not only a mirror that allows some children to see themselves, but is also a wonderful window that allows outsiders to learn a bit more about another culture.

Some of this learning is expertly woven into the narrative, but there is also more detailed information contained in the author's note, artist's note, and a section about the Jingle Dress Dance.

I'm often not a huge fan of watercolor illustrations but, perhaps because these are also combined with graphite, I thought the illustrations in this book were lovely.

The book is a little text-heavy for the smallest littles, but it could be probably used with those in elementary school and middle school (and maybe those a bit younger if it was a very small group of attentive listeners).

[Laura Bontje · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of Deidre Havrelock's Buffalo Wild, I was excited to read her newest picture book, and it didn't disappoint! Why We Dance is a beautiful, gentle, family- and community-oriented look at the Jingle Dress dance tradition. The reflections on the dance itself are poignant in both the story, with its powerful refrain about why they dance, and in the back matter, which draws a connection between the Jingle Dress dance and pandemics past and present. Kids will recognize the way the story reflects the blend of traditional customs and modern elements, with children taking selfies before they prepare for their event.

The illustrations by Aly McKnight are alive on the page; the characters feel so real among the soft yet vibrant swirls of color.

I received a digital ARC from the author for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

[Chantal Bourgonje · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warm story full of colour and dance, family and friendship, hope and healing. And next to following two young girls on their exciting day of dance, we learn about the Jingle Dress Dance itself, its history and importance to the Anishinaabe people, but really to all of us. We can all relate to the healing power of dance and togetherness through dance. When the book gently leads us through the preparation to finally dancing, it draws the reader in so that we’re ready to dance ourselves, especially together! The watercolour illustrations dance of the page and are a delightful accompaniment to this charming story.

Thank you for sharing the ARC with me, a pleasure to read and I’m going to put some music on and have a little dance!

[Roxanne Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told with gorgeous watercolors, Why We Dance: A Story of Hope and Healing is a meaningful story about the Jingle Dress dance. A family gets ready for a dance, from all the regalia to the hair and makeup. After all the practice, the young dancers are reminded, "why we dance." This book is beautifully told, allowing the reader a "window" into the experience and ultimately understanding of what it feels like to dance. The author's note goes further to explain the significance of the number and color of cones. The book holds a wonderful message of persistence, strength, and healing. I am grateful to have read this book.

[charlene.librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful depiction of the tradition of the jingle dance performed at the pow wows for hope and healing in the community. The focus is on a family with two young girls who are participating this year. It's a solemn and joyful opportunity to shine. They all prepare by repairing anything needed on the dresses, fixing their hair and makeup, and practicing the steps. Auntie, Mom, and Dad help to get everything ready including the bannock sandwiches. The watercolor and graphite illustrations are bright with the colors of the dresses and depict the beauty of the land with its trees and grasses.

[Abbigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful and helpful author's note and other backmatter about the jingle dress. I loved the water color illustrations and how we observed a family getting ready for the powwow, but I think I wanted to have the "why we dance" part resonate more throughout the story. To me, "we dance for those who can't" being repeated isn't especially compelling. It was moving as a one-time line, but to have that be the only answer to "why we dance" I found disappointing. I just wanted more on this front. But a beautiful book.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great. The artwork is lovely and hits the sweetspot with slightly abstracted backgrounds and careful detail for people and clothing. Back matter includes author's note, illustrator's note, and more about Jingle Dresses and the Jingle Dress Dance--including many dances being done and shared on social media during 2020 which I totally missed.

This hits some of the same notes as What Your Ribbon Skirt Means to Me and Heart Berry Bling (with different cultural touchstones) but more approachable than the first and a better length than the second.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A joyful picture book about two cousins preparing to participate in the Jingle Dress dance at a powwow. Diving a little into different meanings and traditions, this book is good information for those less familiar with Jingle Dance. But this is also an affirming picture book about family, community, culture and tradition. These illustrations are crazy good with ethereal watercolors filled with color and life. Really powerful, really lovely.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As revealed in the Author's Note, the Jingle Dance has its roots in the flu pandemic of 1918, and the tradition became especially relevant when the covid-19 pandemic began in 2020. The story itself takes the reader through a day of getting ready to dance, and the experience of dancing with your family and friends all around. There's a good amount of onomatopoeia that gives the story some auditory punctuation, and the watercolor illustrations are soft and complement the text nicely.

[Yewande Daniel-Ayoade · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids have been learning about indegenous culture in school so this is a great addition to our library. Tbeautifully illustrated book provides a lovely introduction to jingle dress dancing. Kids will connect to the rhythmic dance thanks to the descriptive words, but also to the deeper meaning of the dance. This will be a wonderful addition to a class library.

[Maria Antonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole book has a lovely rhythmic cadence to it. It's all about the jingle dance of the indigenous peoples. We get to see the prep as well as the dance itself.

I love learning about new things, and while I've seen indigenous dancing before, the jingle dance is new to me. I love author's notes and this one did not disappoint.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this would be a nice read, so I was not prepared for just how lovely and moving it is. It is so joyful and warm and generative. So many delightful aspects can be found in the unspoken. The repetition in the text over the change/movement of the illustrations is a pleasure; but so are the quietly paced moments that go into the preparation of the occasion.

[Thomasin Propson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations, beautifully-depicted family and community. And did YOU know that one of the stories about how the Jingle Dress was developed includes a dream-vision of its healing power during the influenza pandemic of 1918-19?! I had no idea. Will look for more by this author and illustrator.

[Dara Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book and learning about the Jingle dancing and the steps that are taken such as getting in proper dress, hair being combed and braided, etc. The beautiful, watercolor illustrations, pairs well with the text that highlights Indigenous traditions. Additional back matter provides more information. This book would be perfect for home or classroom.

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A family gets ready to participate in a jingle dance, getting their dresses and other regalia ready for the big day. Love the author and illustrator notes explaining the significance and history of the jingle dance. Love the watercolor style illustrations, especially the representation of the red handprint over some girls’ faces for #MMIW movement, which is also mentioned the notes.

[Tracy Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, beautiful book sharing the tradition of jingle dancing. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, bringing to life the idea that this dance is done not just out of joy and community but to honor and heal those who can not dance.

[Moni Ritchie Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved learning about the jingle dance and the details of the dresses and traditions. The story, beautifully illustrated in watercolor, compliments the language with a harmonious flow and depth. Additional back matter provides more information about the dance, which is equally interesting!

[Ana Siqueira · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful message of hope and healing: We dance for those who can't. I love learning about this beautiful dance and the tribe traditions. The gorgeous illustrations take us into this dance. After reading this story and the Backmatter, be ready to dance with your loved ones.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two young Anishinaabe girls prepare their regalia for a powwow, where they will dance to honor the ancestors and those who can't dance themselves. The art is gorgeous and vibrant, and details many traditional regalia pieces that are often worn at powwow dances.

[Shannon Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully painted book shares a special cultural dance used to promote healing. Readers will learn about the Jingle Dance and the Tink, Tink, Tink, of the special dresses worn by the dancers. Back matter shares more about the origin of the dance and how it is still used today.

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved learning about the Jingle Dress Dance. Going step by step through the preparations built up the anticipation until, finally, we dance.

The book is beautifully illustrated and conveys and uplifting message about this happy celebration of life.

[MaryAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because one of the descriptors was disabilities. But disability is not portrayed only implied because they dance for those who can’t. Nonetheless I’m glad to have read this beautiful book.