Amy the Dancing Bear [Hardcover]

Carly Simon (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up

Carly Simon tells a story about the exuberance of youth--and one perfectly wonderful dancing bear--in a beautifully illustrated book designed to captivate both sleepless children and adults alike. CC

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Marking singer/composer Simon's debut as a children's book writer, and Datz's as a children's book illustrator, is this fruit of their collaboration: the simple, affecting story of Amy, a bear who dances the night away, and her mother, who wishes she would get to bed. Mother's string of wiles to send her daughter to sleep proves of no avail: Amy is too caught up in nocturnal tangos to obey. In a satisfying twist, her mother falls asleep while waiting for the dancing to stop--and Amy puts her to bed, then says her own goodnight to a "dancing bear" in the sky, the constellation Ursa. A minor cavil concerns the book's typeface: though reproduced clearly, the italic script may prove difficult for younger children to read. Framed with twining flowers, Datz's paintings swarm with color, action, good humor and detail, as an exuberant battle of wills waltzes to a magical conclusion. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-K-- Amy, an auburn-haired young bear, insists on dancing despite her mother's requests that she prepare for bed. Finally, daughter tucks in a tired mother, as a bear-shaped constellation dances in the sky. The cloying prose, printed in difficult-to-read italics, may provide some merriment for adult readers, who will be astounded by its pretentiousness. For example, "Amy threw her hands off in another direction and the rest of her body followed" evokes strange visions of someone hurtling across the room. Conversation is self-conscious and stilted. The mother begins her third request, "Amy, you know I am not harsh or strict and never utter a sound that resembles a bark in your direction, but really my child, you push me to the limit." The romanticized illustrations create an idyllic cottage for the pair's home. Each picture is encircled by a wreath of flowers or fruit. Datz' depiction of flora is superior to her renditions of the major characters, who seem to be neither bear nor human. Sweetness practically oozes through the book's covers. --Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MN
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday; 1st edition (September 25, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385266375
• ISBN-13: 978-0385266376
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,117,495 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Joy to Read Aloud, January 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Amy the Dancing Bear (Hardcover)

As a parent, I found that I got as much enjoyment out of reading this book to my daughter as she enjoyed being read to. The illustrations are a delight, and, just like the text, reveal something new with each reading.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great book, November 8, 2001

By 

Lindsey (Connecticut) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Amy the Dancing Bear (Hardcover)

I received this book when I was 3 years old. I am now 16 and to this day, I love this book. I always loved Carly Simon and if you like her music, you will love her wonderful book. I am buying it for my niece Victoria, and hope she will love this book as much as I do. It shows the love between a mother and daughter while also using your imagination. I love it!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book reminded me of days gone by...memories to cling to, December 4, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Amy the Dancing Bear (Hardcover)

While vacationing with my husband on Martha's Vineyard, I happened upon this book and immediately wanted to sit down and read in on the stoop outside. It reminded me of how bed time was when I was a little girl and how I would try to think of anything to convince my parents to let me stay up! I would offer to dance for them (though when they put me in dance class, I quit!), or just rattle on to keep their minds off what we were suppose to be doing at this time of the evening. It truly brought a warmth to my soul and I chuckled out loud with Amy's mischeivous ways to distract her momma. I am grateful for the wonderful memories that I have as a child and as go down life's pathway to middle age, I take these types of memories with me. I collect children's books and from time to time, with all the seriousness around us, one needs to curl up and take a step back in time to once again re-live their warm, soft and carefree memories. I am so lucky that in this day and age, there are still many of us that can look b