The Song and Dance Man
by Karen Ackerman
Summary
An elderly grandfather takes his three grandchildren to the
attic. While there, they explore his
trunk filled with costumes and accessories from his days as a “song and dance
man.” He demonstrates his former skills
to them. The children get to see another
side to their grandfather as he relives his younger days.
Ackerman, K. (1988). Song and dance man.
New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.
My Impressions
I really enjoyed The
Song and Dance Man. The soft
pictures help add an air of love to the story.
This would be a great book to read before Grandparents’ Day.
Reviews
Lucky kids--Grandpa used to
be in vaudeville, and when he takes them to his attic, gets old costumes and
tap shoes out of his trunk, and not only sings and dances but tells jokes and
does magic tricks, ""the show is better than any show on
TV."" Dumpy old Grandpa is comfortable in his modest retirement, but
he can still enthrall his loving audience of three, bringing the past to life
with a little improvisation and a lot of spirit. Though he's soon out of breath,
""his voice is as round and strong as a canyon echo""; and
when he starts to tap-dance, the sounds ""are too many to make with
only two feet."" Gammell's colors illuminate the uncommon joy of
these homely folks and capture the ghostly images of Grandpa's memories as well
as the ebullience he conveys to the children. A warm portrait of a grand old
man at peace with his past.
Kirkus.
(n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/karen-ackerman-2/song-and-dance-man/
Suggestions for use in Library
- Before reading the book, show a clip from an old Fred Astaire movie.
- Let students put on their own soft-shoe show. Tape a penny to the sole of each shoe near the toe. Put on some lively piano music and invite the children to try out their tappers!
Scholastic.com.
(2011). Retrieved from
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/song-and-dance-man-extension-activities
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