Music is designed to evoke emotions good or bad, but a good children’s book on the other hand should challenge the imagination of the child. I am an adult, and my imagination was hugely challenged after reading Bill Kirk’s book, A Midsummer’s Dance.
The author uses fireflies in a simple and profound way to teach young readers about the activities of these insects. The story whisked me back to my childhood days. I immediately thought about the hot, humid summers in both my native Haiti and in New York. I could actually hear the cacophony of buzzes that took place way back then.
This delightful tale is sure to ignite curiosity in the minds of the young reader. It is not just that the author is exploring an event that relates to everyday life, but the way in which he delivers the message is very creative and special.
The story is written in a fun rhyme. I found myself reading the book out loud several times just so I could enjoy the sound of each rhyme.
This fun book can be a great resource for elementary teachers to use in the classroom to teach young children about end rhymes. Examples mentioned in the story include: log/bog, chance/dance, night/flight, mist/twist and cricket/thicket.
Artist Clara Batton Smith does an outstanding job bringing the story to full, vivacious life. Her spunky illustrations complement the story very well.
Author: Bill Kirk www.billkirkwrites.com
Artist: Clara Batton Smith
PRINT ISBN: 978-1-61633-123-8; 1616331232
EBook ISBN: 978-161633-124-5; 1616331240
Read more: http://blogcritics.org/books/article/book-review-a-midsummers-dance-by/#ixzz1E5ynJzka
Posted by Bill Kirk on February 16, 2011 at 7:30 am
Thank you for your kind words, Nicole. I’m so glad you enjoyed the reading of the story and its sounds and images.
Posted by melangeofcultures on February 17, 2011 at 12:30 am
Bill,
It was an honor to read and review your book.
Nicole
Posted by Nancy Stewart on February 16, 2011 at 1:55 pm
This is absolutely lovely. I really like the whimsey of it. Congratulations to Nicole and Bill!
Posted by melangeofcultures on February 17, 2011 at 12:31 am
Nancy,
Thanks for your unrelenting support, so appreciate you stopping by.
Nicole
Posted by Kit Grady on February 16, 2011 at 3:45 pm
Looking great. Nice review Nicole and congrats to Clara and Bill
Kit Grady
Posted by melangeofcultures on February 17, 2011 at 12:32 am
Hi Kit,
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Nicole
Posted by Margot Finke on February 16, 2011 at 9:11 pm
Super review Nicole.
Makes me want to run out and buy Bill’s book.
Margot’s Magic Carpet
http://perfectmagiccarpet.blogspot.com/
Posted by melangeofcultures on February 17, 2011 at 12:33 am
Margot,
It would be well worth it to buy this wonderful book. Thanks for stopping by.
Nicole
Posted by Janet Ann Collins on February 18, 2011 at 1:40 am
The book sounds like fun.
Posted by Clara B Smith on February 20, 2011 at 8:33 pm
Thank you Nicole for the beautiful review!!