GET MOVING with bunnies, elephants, bees, Ballerina Konora, and Eka.

"Konora glides across the pages, inviting youngsters to tiptoe, leap, roll, squat, jump among others physical activities through her ballet positions. ... Cristian Gheorghita’s playful, animated illustrations enchant readers, immersing them in the authors’ vivid imagination." —The Prairies Book Review

*Outstanding Creator Award First Place Winner
*Purple Dragonfly First Place Winner

Each Dance-It-Out! story brings movement, joy, breath, connection, and imagination. Ballerina Konora inspires with dance photos and suggestions. In this story, Eka’s family creates a garden, but Eka worries animals may destroy all their hard work. When playful elephants visit, will Eka's calm quick thinking and problem solving save the vegetables and flowers?

Three books in one: readers can enjoy the story, act it out in their own way, or try Konora’s suggested activities, designed by an award-winning ballet teacher to develop body awareness and practice dance fundamentals

The Dance-It-Out! collection spans books ideal for kids 3-9, and Eka and the Elephants makes a great series introduction for children 4+. Eka and the Elephants features Eka (no pronouns), Eka’s brother and sister, Koda and Kanoni, and Eka’s parents, along with elephants, bunnies, and bees.

Movement Concepts and Dance Technique in this story:
• Sideways Leap
• Tiptoes
• Forward Stretch
• Jumping
• Squatting
• Relevé
• Bow
• Balance
• Body Part Isolation (Fingers, Thumb, Shoulders, Hips, Nose, Lips, etc.)
• Fine Motor Skills (Pinching, Twisting, Wriggling Fingers, Flat, Clasped, etc.)
• Closed/Expanded Shapes
• Falling
• Rolling
• Stillness/Muscle Deactivation
• Breath In/Out
• Counted Movements
• Quality of Movement (Heavy/Light, Slow/Fast, Jerky/Gently)
• Moving with Emotion (Surprise, Excitement, Fear, Interest, etc.)
• Importance of Healthy Eating and Sleep

Main elements and themes include Elephants, Rabbits, Animal Rescue/Sanctuaries, Bees, Family, Gardening, Pea Plants, Carrots, Sunflowers, Dreams, and Healthy Eating.

This movement journey is ideal for dance, creative movement, physical education, homeschool, preschool, kindergarten, or first-grade activities. The full Dance-It-Out! collection features male, female, ungendered, and nonbinary diverse characters. Dance-it-Out! books make a great gift for boys or girls interested in dance, ballet, gymnastics, or yoga, or reluctant readers who enjoy getting up and being active.

Once Upon a Dance
Brought to you by a mother-daughter pair donating all profits to charity. Ballerina Konora is a professional ballet dancer. Her mother, Teacher Terrel, taught creative movement and ballet for decades and was recognized by her local City Council for embodying the spirit of partnership and commitment to children in our community for her work with young dancers. She’s breathed dance from every angle and has worked in education and with various non-profits supporting kids and families.

Once Upon a Dance has won the following awards and endorsements:
• Kirkus Reviews Starred Review
• PenCraft Award First Place Winner
• Mom’s Choice Gold Award Recipient
• Firebird Book Award First Place
• Family Choice Award
• Royal Dragonfly Book Award First Place
• B.R.A.G. Medallion Award
• Pinnacle Book Achievement Award (Best Book Juvenile Fiction)
• Outstanding Creator Awards Winner (First Place)
• Readers Favorite Certified Great Read
• Love Reading 4 Kids Indie Books We Love
• Literary Titan 5-Star Book Award
• Readers' Choice 5-Star Review
• Indie’s Today 5-Star Recommended
• Wishing Shelf 5-Star Emblem