Mabel Dancing [Hardcover]

Amy Hest (Author), Christine Davenier (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2000 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Mabel doesn't want to go to sleep while Mama and Papa are having a dance party downstairs.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Davenier's (Very Best [Almost] Friends) wispy watercolors portray a Fred Astaire world that may be far removed from the experience of most children but is no less inviting. Young Mabel's joie de vivre as she spins and twirls through these pages is infectious, and Hest's (Jessie Came Across the Sea) lilting text brims with small details that ground the book in a child's experience. Mabel's parents put her to bed before the guests arrive for the "dancing party" the couple is hosting, but "the music had a way of floating up the stairs/ one, two, three/ one, two, three/ up and up the stairs." Mabel and her dog eventually creep to the landing to watch the swirling dancers below ("swirl, two, three/ swoosh, two three"), and with her blanket cape, Mabel performs her own enthusiastic waltz step to the applause of the guests. Her parents carry her back to bed, where she soon drifts off to sleep. Mabel's insouciant joy and her triumph in the adult world are hard to resist. Ages 4-up. (May)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1-On the night of a party, Mama dresses up, Papa puts on his dancing shoes, and together they lovingly tuck Mabel into bed. But the child does not want to be alone in the night and the music floating up the stairs proves too great a temptation to be resisted. And so, she dances down, her blanket "-like a yellow cape in the wind"-"one, two, three-shhh, two, three-spin, two, three" past the guests and right into the arms of her proud parents. After an encore with Mama and Papa, the sleepy, satisfied little girl can finally go to bed. Hest's lyrical language describes a child's longing to be included in the grown-ups' world. The text is perfectly complemented by Davenier's whimsical watercolor-and-ink illustrations that capture the movement and gaiety of the evening.
Doris Gebel, Northport-East Northport Public Library, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick; 1st edition (May 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763607460
• ISBN-13: 978-0763607463
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,400,637 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Amy Hest's many acclaimed children's books include the New York Times bestseller Kiss Good Night. A three-time winner of the prestigious Christopher Award, she lives in New York City.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Mabel Dancing, October 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Mabel Dancing (Hardcover)

Mabel Dancing is a whimsical childrens book that shows the imagination and wonder of young children's dreams. The illustrations are beautiful and the cover of the book really catches your eye. I think that young and old women alike can delight in this book and all the memories it will bring for you and your daughter.