Summary: This delightful story is about a loving grandpa who is giving his grandchildren a taste of vaudeville. The grandpa takes his three grandchildren into a special place in his house to see what vaudeville was like. He shows them costumes, hats and the type of performances that might have been on the vaudeville stage. Sing and tap along with the Song and Dance Man when you find the book at your local library.
Citation:
Ackerman, K. (1988). Song and Dance Man. New York,
NY: Dragonfly.
My Impression: This uplifting story is sure to inspire the young dancers of the world. This is especially true for those who are close to their grandpas. It is easy to see spending a day with grandpa reminiscing about days gone by. This Caldecott Medal winner will delight readers with wonderful illustrations by Stephen Gammell. The expressions of happiness depicted on the characters faces provide a sense of peace as you read the story.
Professional Reviews:
Horn Book starred
"A former vaudeville performer, Grandpa can still set his feet to tapping, recall the favorite old songs, and chortle over ancient jokes before his three delighted grandchildren. Ackerman's quiet text is brought to warm and affectionate life by Gammell's superb artistry in this Caldecott medal winner and welcome reissue."
Horn Book Magazine. (2003, October 1). [Review of the book Song and Dance
Man by K. Ackerman]. Retrieved from http://www.hbook.com
Kirkus Review
"Lucky kids--Grandpa used to be in vaudeville, and when he takes them to his attic, gets old costumes and tap shoes out of his trunk, and not only sings and dances but tells jokes and does magic tricks, "the show is better than any show on TV." Dumpy old Grandpa is comfortable in his modest retirement, but he can still enthrall his loving audience of three, bringing the past to life with a little improvisation and a lot of spirit. Though he's soon out of breath, "his voice is as round and strong as a canyon echo"; and when he starts to tap-dance, the sounds "are too many to make with only two feet." Gammell's colors illuminate the uncommon joy of these homely folks and capture the ghostly images of Grandpa's memories as well as the ebullience he conveys to the children. A warm portrait of a grand old man at peace with his past."
Kirkus Reviews. (1988, May 1). [Review of the book Song and Dance
Man by K. Ackerman]. Retrieved from http://www.
kirkusreviews.com
Uses within the Library:
1. Vaudeville Day: Schedule a Vaudeville Day complete with a portable stage and acts that have auditioned to perform. Have students research vaudeville before the Vaudeville Day to determine the types of acts, costumes and music that should be included.
2. Letter to the Author: Have students write a letter to Karen Ackerman to ask questions about how the book was created, the idea that inspired the book and any other questions of interest. Display any responses received in a special display section that highlights the book.
Book Cover: Book cover courtesy of the Mansfield Public Library.
Retrieved from http://www.mansfield-tx.gov/departments/library/
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