Dance With The Animals

Probes zoology, ethnology, mythology and folklore to examine dance movements in animals, the origins of dance as man's ritual imitation of animals, and the role of dance in human history and folklore

When Animals Sing and Spirits Dance is an introduction to the diversity and drama that is the gule wamkulu, the 'great dance, ' of the Chewa people of Malawi. Covering 200 characters bedecked in mask and costume or woven structure, the book reveals not only the physical variety of the characters but also analyzes their songs, dances, and often codified messages that are delivered through word and action. It is through the dancers of the gule wamkulu that the ancestors communicate with the living and give instructions on how to abide by the code of moral conduct, the mwambo. It is also through the great dance that we can glean intimate insight into the values and worldview of the Chewa. Illustrated throughout with color photographs and original artwork, When Animals Sing and Spirits Dance is a lively interpretation of the great dance, told very much in the voice of the Chewa themselves. The songs are interpreted in both Chichewa and English, with appropriate recognition that direct representation is often impossible. The gule wamkulu was declared a masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005. This book is a worthy entrée to the majesty, spectacle, and spirituality that is the great dance.

Originally published: Great Britain: Orchard Books London, 1999.

Learn how to move and groove like the animals do with this bright, fun and silly book aimed at younger readers to engage them in movement! Scuttle sideways like a crab, leap like a lemur, and waggle dance like a bumble bee. Meet a collection of animals from around the world and discover how they move, and why. The book features a different creature on each spread, along with step-by-step actions to help the kids move just like the animal. The perfect book to read aloud one-to-one, or as a fun activity to engage a group of young children and get them stretching, hopping, wriggling and jumping!

This delightful mix and match title features animal characters from around the world. Wolf, Lemur, Panda, and friends have gathered together for a night of twirling, twisting, clapping, clicking and tapping. Ella Baileys beautiful illustrations can be mixed and matched to create cute characters in fun outfits, while the text suggests mix and match actions that young readers can do to join in with the animals fun. The split page board format is attractive and robust, perfect for little hands to play with over and over again. Children aged two and up can enjoy the charming illustrations independently, and used with a parent or guardian, the fun join in actions add a further interactive dimension, promoting coordination and cognitive development.

This fun-filled board book based on the popular CoComelon song “Animal Dance” teaches animal sounds, has readers getting up to dance, and features a pop-up finale! JJ and his sister and brother learn to do the animal dance—they stand up, clap their hands, move around, and make animal sounds! Join them in this super fun book that will have readers howling for more! CoComelon is the #1 kids show on YouTube (over 135 million subscribers)! CoComelon™ © 2023 Moonbug Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.