Drumbeat in Our Feet
Grade 1-5–This well-designed, visually appealing book opens with a concise overview of the origins of African dance traditions that highlights the diversity of African peoples, cultures, and landscapes. Other two-page chapters cover how dances are passed on to children, different types of dances, image dances (those that mimic animal movements), costumes and body painting, honoring spirits and ancestors, musical instruments, drums, call-and-response songs, masked dancers, and performance. Keeler's watercolor-and-pencil illustrations impart a sense of vibrancy, movement, and joy. Most of the text is presented on the left-hand quarter of each spread, printed over sepia-toned illustrations that reflect the content. On the right, a large, colorful painting shows a troupe of American youngsters learning about that particular aspect of dance and preparing for a performance, along with a few short, rhythmic sentences. Back matter includes a note about Batoto Yetu, a Harlem, NY-based dance troupe founded by Leitão; a map of Africa; and a pronunciation guide. A fresh, uplifting, and captivating offering.–Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OHCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.