Ten Go Tango [Hardcover]

Arthur Dorros (Author), Emily Arnold McCully (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Here's the band--
they play and play.
1 osprey dances ballet....

That twirling osprey joins a host of other swinging animals in this counting jamboree. By the time ten flamingos go tango, the dance floor expands in a special foldout with 55 animals rocking away!

Arthur Dorros's playful verse and Caldecott Medal winner Emily Arnold McCully's boisterous characters dance right off the page and will have you twirling on your toes in no time!

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Dorros's (Abuela) toe-tapping title cuts a rug among counting books. As the band plays on, various members of a vibrant animal cast take to the dance floor. One osprey dances ballet, two toucans do a two-step and so on, up to 10 flamingos that tango. Along the way, bears cha-cha, foxes fox-trot and rhinos rumba until the joint is really jumpin'. Dorros's imagery--a smooth blend of playfulness and grace--provides McCully (Rabbit Pirates; Mirette on the Highwire) with the perfect starting point for her stylish and acrobatic characters. From the osprey, who is a swirl of tutu, plumage and toe shoes, to the gallant walrus couple waltzing on the book's jacket, McCully's fluid watercolors soar. She has left her usual lush backgrounds behind, here bringing the dancing menagerie to center stage on crisp white pages. The penultimate spread features a gatefold that opens into a ballroom brimming with the affable beasts. Especially notable are the bright, fine frocks and accessories worn by all. Ages 3-6. (Apr.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-K-Dance and counting form a natural partnership in this introductory concept book. While a musical band of sartorially splendid animals plays, a winsome series of dapper creatures dance through scenes in the appropriate numbers. There are foxes predictably performing the eponymous fox-trot, sheep kicking up the cancan, and rhinos doing the rumba. McCully's amusing watercolor illustrations are highlighted by spacious white backgrounds, and large, simple representations of the numbers make the format accessible to young children. The only misstep in an otherwise age-appropriate layout is the fact that the characters for numbers 8 to 10 are depicted over several pages. Preschoolers may be confused when they don't see the appointed number of dancers on the initial double-page spread that introduces the number. A charming although imperfect offering.
Rosalyn Pierini, San Luis Obispo City-County Library, CA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; 1st edition (April 5, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060276908
• ISBN-13: 978-0060276904
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 10.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,183,649 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Arthur Dorros is a real-life papa. He learned Spanish while living in Latin America and helped teach his son, Alex, the language. One of Alex's first words was "agua," and Arthur called him "Agua Man."
Arthur Dorros is the author of many books for children, including JULIO'S Magic, a CLASP Amaricas Award Commended Title, and the popular Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science book Ant Cities. He lives in Seattle, Washington.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ten Go Tango, September 9, 2002

By 

Amy - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ten Go Tango (Hardcover)

"Here's the band-- they play and play. 1 osprey dances ballet... 2 toucans can two-step. 1 step, 2 steps." What a wonderful and clever counting book! Illustrated with lots of white space left to surround groups of bright watercolored dancing birds. All this with a double fold-out at the end, "The floor is shaking-- Keep it down! We can't stop. Let's dance some more! 1 and 2 and 3 and 4!". The rhythm and beat will surely make this book a favorite for any music loving toddler. You won't tire of reading this one over and over either. My 8 month-old and I thoroughly enjoy this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Counting in a story, September 17, 2000

By 

Michael S Roberts - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ten Go Tango (Hardcover)

Arthur Dorros has created a book based on learning the numbers and at the same time some dance steps. Emily Arnold McCully has shared a very vibrant form of art that gives a true picture of the story. This book would be an inviting way for a child to learn how to count and learn about the art of dance in a humorous manner. It apprears that the activities in the book could be immitated in a classroom. The class could make character masks and role play as the book was read. One, Two, Three, read away.