Preller, James. Two Ballerinas … and a Moose: Ready-to-Read Level 1. illus. by Abigail Burch. 32p. (...and a Moose). S. & S./Simon Spotlight. Sept. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781665948821; pap. $5.99. ISBN 9781665948814.
PreS-Gr 1–The wonderfully haphazard Moose is back and ready to dance! Moose wants to join two animal ballerinas, but they thwart Moose’s attempts until they see how sad Moose becomes. After encouraging Moose to dance, his friends are in awe of his righteous moves. They ask to join him, and the three dance the night away under a smiling moon. Children will laugh their way through Moose’s antics, his silly dance shoes, and his enthusiastic attempts at twirling and spinning. Readers may recognize themselves in Moose, full of enthusiasm that outstrips his skills, and sympathize when Moose falls in a tangled heap and looks bereft. Smiles will break out when Moose lets loose and dances the night away. Illustrations are vivid and bold with clear expressions, and will likely inspire readers to break out their own moves. VERDICT Another totally relatable winner from Preller for the early reader shelves.–Melisa Bailey

Rañola, Diana. I Dance. illus. by Christine Almeda. 32p. (I Like to Read). Holiday House. Oct. 2025. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9780823458387.
PreS-K–This latest installment in the “I Like to Read” series highlights traditional folk dances from the Philippines, including the tinikling, itik itik, and others. The text reads like a free verse poem and flows like a dance itself, with each page explaining a different dance. Repeated words and phrases, like “I dance” create a rhythm. At most, each page has six words, leaving plenty of room for the beautiful illustrations, which help readers identify words as well. For example, the spread that says “I dance like a fish” has fish swimming behind the dancer. Costumes, backgrounds, and featured dancers come alive with bright colors, allowing the large black text to stand out. Children will hopefully try to mimic the dances; perhaps a good story hour activity would be to try and dance as a duck, or a fish, or simply with a friend, just like in the pictures. Front matter gives specific information involving reading level and shares an author’s note listing all the dances. VERDICT A great introduction to and celebration of Filipino culture.–Jessica Durham