• Age: 3 to 5
• Grade: p to k
• Reading age: 3 to 5

Leopold loves to dance!

He dances everywhere he goes. When his dance teacher announces the year-end recital, Leopold hopes he will get to be a graceful bird. Alas, no such luck. Miss Linda says the dancers are going to be bees. But Leopold doesn’t want to be a buzzing little bee. He wants to be tall and elegant like an ostrich! When the big night comes around, the combination of stage fright and an uncomfortable costume are too much for Leopold. Will he find a way to overcome his fear and disappointment to show off his passion for dance?

Rhiannon Wallace is a children’s author, a graduate of the library and archival studies at the University of British Columbia, and a future children’s and youth librarian. She works in public libraries, providing services to visitors of all ages as well as preparing and delivering children’s story times and other programs. Rhiannon lives in Vancouver.

Rhiannon Wallace's profile page

Risa Hugo is a Canadian illustrator with a bachelor of fine arts and major in illustration from Emily Carr University of Art + Design. She is the illustrator of Why Are You So Quiet? (Annick, 2020). Risa spent most of her childhood living in Japan but currently lives in Vancouver with her husband and their son who loves to dance.

Risa Hugo's profile page

• Commended, BC Books for BC Schools

"A jocose picture book honoring—and rewarding—the free spirits of children."

School Library Journal (SLJ)

“A most unusual and revealing dance recital for little performers.”

Kirkus Reviews