Song and Dance Man

Song and Dance Man

Written by: Karen Ackerman
Illustrated by: Stephen Gammell
Published: Dragon Fly Books 1992
Grades: 1-3
Genre: Children’s literature, Realistic fiction, Picture BookAwards: Caldecott Medal 1989

Synopsis: It is a story that takes place in the attic of the grandfather of three children.  He takes them up there to entertain them while they await dinner.   Their grandfather is seen as the song and dance man, when he uses his imagination to have fun with his grandchildren in the attic.  The children put on hats and pretend to dance like they are on stage too.  Grandpa demonstrates some of the songs, dances, and jokes he performed when he was a vaudeville entertainer.  All of the children cheer with laughter and beg him to do more.  But in the end, grandpa would never trade his days back then for what he has now.

Theme/Skill: Performing Arts, Family

About the Author: Karen Ackerman

Karen was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1951.  She graduated from Woodward High School.  She is known as an American author of over 25 children’s books.  Her first book was published in 1982.  The book above mentioned, Song and Dance, won the 1989 Caldecott Medal.  She is also credited for the books Flannery Row, I Know a Place, Moveable Mabeline, The Night Crossing, and This Old House. 

For more information visit:  http://www.juggle.com/karen-ackerman

About the Illustrator: Stephen Gammell

Gammell grew up in Des Moines, Iowa.  He was given inspiration to be an artist from the periodicals his father brought home from his magazine.  He worked in commercial freelance until he became interested in children’s book illustrations.  He is known for his illustrations in books including, Scary Stories to tell in the Dark, More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, Scary Stories 3, Where the Buffaloes Begin, and Song and Dance.  He received the Caldecott Medal for his book Song and Dance as well as Where the Buffaloes Begin, and The Relatives Came.  He lives with his wife in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Source used: http://www.jacketflap.com/stephen-gammell/145693

Pre-Reading Activities: Students will close their eyes and scribble on paper while thinking in their mind of anything using their imagination.  After they are given a couple minutes, students will come back together.  We will discuss the word imagination and then we will make a web chart of when we use our imaginations and the feelings they create inside of us.

Post-Reading Activities:  After the book we will come together as a class and discuss how the grandfather and the children in the story used their imagination and also how it made them feel.  Students will then take their scribble papers from prior to reading and switch with a partner.  The students will look at the scribbles and use their imaginations to color in different parts of the scribble to make a picture and how it makes them feel.  They will then share with the class. 

Reflection:  This book received a Caldecott Medal for many reasons. I love books that have illustrations that help illuminate the story. The story line goes hand and hand with the pictures and is good for readers who need context clues to help them decipher words. The story helps the audience use their imagination and show how people can have fun with the most simple things. I love how its from the children's perspective and allows them to see their grandpa or elders in a different light.