Cato's can can by Juliet Sampson & Katrina Fisher

This lovely Australian book, tells the story of Cato who loves to dance! On his travels he sees humans dancing like his fellow birds - brolgas, bowerbirds and lorikeets. He eventually finds the courage to follow the dancing children into the studio and joins in. 

This was a cute book that would be great for children aged 3-6 years, especially those who love to dance and move. It would also make a really nice introduction to a movement session or lesson theme. I like how the author likens the dance moves to the different Australian birds  -this could carry over into a wildlife walk or general day to day outside play. The moves are simple for most children to do (bop, twist, twirl, leap and tap) and understand. This would make this story very interactive in both big or small groups. 

The illustrations by Katrina Fisher are great, the watercolour and pencil provide a medium that has allowed her to bring life and expression into the faces of the dancers and beautiful colours in the birds and environment. The spacious images also allow the characters/birds to pop and are the main attraction on each page. 

A great picture book that would have lots of uses in both a group situation and also as a 1:1 story. Teacher's notes and a craft activity are available from the publisher.

4 out of 5 stars. 

Themes: Dance, Birds, Animals, Ballet.

Lauren Fountain