Brielle’s Birthday Ball by Once Upon a Dance is a whimsical story written with
toddlers and early-readers in mind. This magical picture book illustrated by Stella
Mongodi captures the essence of childhood birthday excitement as Brielle
receives a magical gift that takes her to an out-of-this-world birthday
celebration. The authors add another layer of fun with interactive dance
movements that prime the child’s imagination to act out the story. It’s a perfect
choice for young active listeners. It engages them to get up and move as the
story unfolds. For young pre-readers, realistic illustrations add visual
interest and make it an easy “pretend to read” book for kids who know the story.
This book has the potential to be a childhood favorite, and the original storyline will
invite re-readings for both story listeners and early readers.
Book Review: Brielle's Birthday Ball
I recommend this book to children interested in dance, and
to those who enjoy fantastical stories ages 3-7. I’m happy
to give this book 5 stars and recommend it along with other Dance-It-Out!
Creative Movement Stories for Young Movers books like: Princess Naomi Helps a Unicorn and Joey Finds His Jump!
* * *
As BookHookup, I am a long-time book reviewer and received a
free review copy of this book in collaboration with Blackberry Book Tours. I
have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this
post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC
Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a
means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.
About the Author: Once Upon a Dance
Once Upon a Dance offers movement, breath, joy, connection and imagination through stories.
Their catalog (25 books across four series) offers positive role models, whimsical stories, and diverse characters. Alongside movement and dance, the books feature themes of empathy, friendship, the value of practice, self-acceptance, sibling relationships, anger management, and working toward goals.
Ballerina Konora is living her dreams as a full-fledged ballet Company Artist. Teacher Terrel arrived in Seattle after a Peace Corps stint teaching English and dance. Complementing decades of teaching dance, she worked in early childhood education and for non-profits supporting kids. Terrel was recognized by her local City Council for "embodying the spirit of partnership and commitment to children in our community" for her work with young dancers. She serves on Pacific Northwest Ballet's Board of Directors and on a National Dance Education Organization committee.
Stories are lovingly crafted, and royalties are donated to charity partners. A few highlighted honors:
• 40+ Book Awards
• Family Choice Award
• Mom’s Choice Gold Award Recipient
• PenCraft Award: First Place
• Firebird Book Award: First Place
• Royal Dragonfly Book Award: First Place
• Pinnacle Book Achievement Award - Best Book Juvenile Fiction
• Outstanding Creator Awards: Best Children's Book, Top 10 Author of 2022
• Kirkus Reviews Starred Review
Visit DanceStories.com to learn about the mother-daughter team, browse books, or discover learning resources.
Follow Once Upon a Dance on social media for sneak peaks, dance photos, and the latest on their goofy cats.
