School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-Lucy loves dancing. She also loves her grandmother. So naturally, the little fox wants to groove with grandma. The only problem is that "Grandmas don't dance," at least according to her mom. Grandma is no slouch, though. She loves playing ball, horsey, dress-up, lions, and hide-and-seek. At the end of their long, rambunctious day together, Grandma surprises Lucy by showing her that she does dance after all-she just dances in her own way. The story is told in lively, energetic prose, with subtle humor. The tenderness in the relationship between grandmother and granddaughter, as well as a sense of fun, is captured well. The book explores a question that is important for children to consider: How is playing with a grandparent often different from playing with a peer or parent? McMullen offers an authentic picture of the grandmother's physical limitations and fatigue (she needs her nap) while depicting her as exuberant and playful. The book would serve as a great starting point for a conversation to help youngsters understand that grandparents might not be able to interact in the way they want them to, and it also shows that older relatives have unique and surprising gifts-if children are open to them. The cartoon illustrations depict foxes that are somehow simultaneously fierce and cute. Some details, such as the grandmother's distended belly, seem slightly odd, but the illustrations as a whole match the high quality of the text.-Jess deCourcy Hinds, Bard High School Early College, Queens, NY (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
More than anything Lucy loved to dance. When Grandma comes to visit, her mom forbids it, worrying that Lucy will wear Grandma out. After Mom leaves, a disappointed little one tries to entice her by twirling precariously on a stool, causing dismay on her book-reading Grandma's face. However, playing ball knocks Grandma down, playing horsey tires her out, and dress-up and cards seem equally wearying. Hide-and-seek is the last straw, as Grandma seeks solace with a pillow and blanket in the closet. Finally, with a sweet cuddle and a soothing song, Lucy's dreams are realized, as Grandma sways and swings around in a wild dance, ending in a comfortable snooze on the couch. Pastel watercolor washes illustrate this gentle tale about the strong bond of fun and love between a granddaughter and her grandmother. Lucy's expressive face and body portray her immediate joy as she plunges headlong into each activity, while Grandma's final swirling dance is a triumph.--Gepson, Lolly Copyright 2010 Booklist
