Frankie's Wish - (Dance-It-Out! Creative Movement Stories for Young Movers) by Once Upon A Dance (Hardcover)

About the Book

Dance along with the creatures of the forest and a professional ballerina in this interactive story exploring movement and dance fundamentals with a powerful message about what's important in life.

Book Synopsis

A heartwarming story of gratitude.

A reminder to enjoy the journey.

Travel to a mysterious island alongside Frankie to make a wish on a magic feather. The path to the hidden feather will only be revealed through patience, wits, and joy. But time is running out, and wishes are only granted on one special day.

Dance along with the creatures of the forest and a professional ballerina in this interactive story exploring movement and dance fundamentals with a powerful message about what's important in life.

Frankie's Wish is ideal for children 5-8. It features Frankie (no pronouns), Auntie Duke (she), a dinosaur, a gorilla, and an eagle. Major themes include gratitude, asking for help, friendship, self-affirmation, and believing in yourself. Dance-It-Out!s are above level (language-wise) as they're intended to be initially enjoyed with a caregiver or teacher. ( 700+Lexile)

Ballerina Konora joins the pages with photos and suggestions for movement exploration. Three books in one: readers can enjoy the story, act out the tale in their own way, or try Konora's suggested activities, designed by an award-winning ballet teacher to develop body awareness and movement knowledge.

Concepts and Movements in this Story:

- Bridge Pose (*5s may need help with this movement)

- Twirling

- Squatting/Waddling

- Balancing on One Leg

- Jumping

- Stretching

- Reaching

- Swaying

- Upper Body/Head/Forearm/Shoulder Isolation

- Moving with Resistance

- Centering/Breath

- Small Motor Skills (Rotating, Writing, Counting, Closing into Fist, Opening Palm, etc)

- Quality of Movement (Calm/Wild, Powerful, Joyful, etc.)

- Showing Emotion (Surprise, Excitement, Fear, Interest, etc.)

- Shapes (Twisted, Wide, Tall, etc.)

- Concert of Left/Right

- Self Affirmation and Gratitude

This movement journey is ideal for dance, creative movement, physical education, homeschool, kindergarten, first-grade, or second-grade activities. The Dance-It-Out! series features diverse characters, and books make a great gift for boys or girls interested in dance, ballet, gymnastics, or yoga, or reluctant readers who enjoy getting up and moving.

Review Quotes

This charming and uplifting story is an excellent addition to the Once Upon a Dance canon, and it is a positive tale to share with all ages.

-Mary L on Reedsy