The Barefoot Book of Dance Stories

The mother-daughter team behind The Barefoot Book of Ballet Stories retells eight folktales featuring traditional dances. A young shepherd finds that animals and humans alike are compelled to flamenco dance when he plays a mysterious flute; Tam O'Shanter is pursued by witches he witnesses dancing a Scottish reel, in a reworking of the Robert Burns poem; a Malian dancing girl falls in love with her suitor when he is transformed into a bird. Cann's textile patterns, ornamental lines, and watercolor washes complement the vibrant stories, which are refreshingly free of prescribed morals. Appended notes describe the steps for each dance, and a narrative CD is included. Ages 8–up. (Nov.)