I Dance - (I Like to Read) by Diana Rañola (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Phonics features of this book--cvc: fan, hat, hop; cvce: like, rice; y as long i: my; variant vowels: food; diphthongs: hear; r-controlled: bird; blends: clack, flap, swim, thanks, will; digraphs: clack,duck, fish, thanks, with, wings; inflectional endings: thanks, wings; sight words: a, for, give, I, me, my, see, you; 2 syllables: harvest; story words: dance, friend"--Page opposite title pag

Book Synopsis

An easy-to-read book for girls and boys who love to dance. Perfect for kindergarten and first grade readers.

I dance with a hat.
I dance with a fan.
I dance like a duck.
I hop.

Fun pictures show dancers in authentic poses and beautiful costumes. Each illustration shows a traditional Philippine folk dance.

With simple text that is leveled by educational experts, kindergarteners and 1st graders can read this story on their own. Includes phonics features. Decodable words and sight works are listed in the book. This book is a Level C, for middle to late kindergarten.

The books in the award-winning I Like to Read(R) series build vocabulary and promote fluency, which are essential for reading success. Acclaimed author-illustrators-including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors--create original, high-quality books that are fun for kids to read again and again with their parents, teachers or on their own!

Review Quotes

The text reads like a free verse poem and flows like a dance itself, with each page explaining a different dance. . . . A great introduction to and celebration of Filipino culture.
--School Library Journal

Rañola's firmly crafted text leverages sound patterns and other phonics-based tricks to excellent effect, often to droll results. . .. This frolic concludes with a rather sweetinvitation to keep the swirling and twirling going. A pleasant and persuasive primer that also asks readers to get up and dance.
--Kirkus Reviews

Dancers and children interested in movement will particularly enjoy the visuals, while all readers will gain exposure to Filipino culture. This is a must-have early reader that supports independent reading, celebrates cultural expression, and encourages children to explore movement and tradition.
--Booklist

About the Author

Diana Rañola was born in the Philippines and moved to the U.S. when she was 20 years old. She attended the De La Salle University in the Philippines where she completed her thesis on Singkil, a Philippine ethnic dance from the Maranao. Diana is a certified pilates instructor who also holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration (specializing in Financial Management and Public Finance) from New York University. She is a naturalized U.S. citizen and lives in Stanford, Connecticut.

Christine Almeda is a Filipino-American freelance illustrator & character designer from New Jersey. She grew up reading cozy books and filling countless sketchbooks with drawings. She later graduated from Montclair State University, earning a BFA in Animation & Illustration. Christine illustrates book jackets and picture books. She believes, through the power of creativity, art can make life more beautiful.