Bollywood Beat!

Written by Anita Yasuda
Illustrated by Devika Oza
Published by Kids Can Press

Two sisters arrive for the Masala Magic Dance Recital. They join the other performers to get ready. “Rustle, hustle.” And watch the opening act. “Wiggle, giggle.” Then it’s older sister’s turn. “Flickity-flip. Thumka-hip.” The families in the audience join in. “Toes tap. Hands clap.” It’s a wonderful time. Until … uh-oh. Younger sister has second thoughts about performing! “Heart-stopping.” With a gift and a bit of encouragement from older sister, little sister steps on stage. “Thumka-hip. Flickity-flip.” The audience is invited to participate. “Hustle, rustle.” And soon everyone is dancing to the Bollywood beat!

The joy is infectious in author Anita Yasuda’s lyrical romp of a picture book, and children won’t be able to resist dancing along! Bollywood culture is on full display in this delightful celebration of family, tradition and dance. Yasuda cleverly repeats the same rhymes from the first part of the story in reverse order to tell the second part of the story. The deep, rich colors in Devika Oza’s mesmerizing art bring the dance recital to life, exquisitely conveying the movement and emotions of the dancers and the audience, as well the street where the recital is set. The back matter includes a brief glossary of terms.