The Daddy-Daughter Dance

PreS-Gr 2–“We take the groove wherever we go. Because the groove is inside us!” Mona and her daddy have been waiting all year for the big event, the annual Daddy-Daughter dance, and today’s the day. Readers join the lively pair as they bounce, floss, and shake across town, all glammed up to impress. But moments before the event, a pipe bursts at school, and Mona has to be quick on her feet, learning that even when the record skips or scratches, you can always find your rhythm again. Newsome shares a familiar yet powerful story about the special love between father and daughter, and about finding silver linings, while giving plenty of chances for families and story hour attendees to find reason to dance. Mohammed’s artwork shines as a colorful scrapbook come to life, adding depth to Mona’s relationship with Daddy on the endpapers. The collaboration between author and illustrator is on full display, showcasing the bond between father and daughter, but also reflecting the real world in its stellar depiction of all kinds of families. Verdict A joyful family-centric addition to all collections.