Dayana, Dax, and the Dancing Dragon - Book Review

Dayana, Dax, and The Dancing Dragon is written by a mother and daughter collaboration called Once Upon a Dance. It is a story about a young girl named Dayana who just became a sister to her baby brother Dax. Dayana loves ballet and would love to share her passion with her baby brother but quickly realizes that is an impossibility. However, something magical happens and the cries of her baby brothers summons a magical dancing purple dragon that loves ballet as much as Dayana.    The Dragon’s name is Kadeena and she is a fire-breathing dragon with the ability to create all kinds of images with the flames she exhales.

The story is a beautiful and triumphant story that highlights the power of persistence and the beauty of dance. Dayana, Dax, and The Dancing Dragon celebrate the quiet rhythm of life, affirming the importance of all things great and small in our world.  Dayana gets to enjoy dancing with Kadeena who teaches her many dance moves that she had never seen before. With comforting words and dreamlike, loving illustrations, Olha Tkachenko adorns the pages with colorful pictures that complement the plotline. Take a deep breath with this picture book.  Slow down for a moment for a cuddle with your kids.

The Once Upon a Dance duo has had many of their books published before this particular children’s book. This book, however, takes on a different feel from their previous work.  This book includes on every page instructions on how to replicate the moves that Kadeena the winged purple dragon shows Dayana. Warning, if you are over 50 you probably need to skip these positions and movements or you might end up looking like a human pretzel. The Once Upon a Dance duo have won numerous acclaim for their books, 2021 awards and endorsements include: PenCraft Award First Place Winner,   Mom’s Choice Gold Award. B.R.A.G. Medallion Award Honoree,  Independent Press Award Winner,  International Impact Book Award Winner; Readers Favorite Certified Great Read,  Love Reading 4 Kids Indie Books We Love and Indie’s Today 5-Star Recommended award.

I particularly love the double page spreads with very detailed illustrations. You can’t go wrong with this book. This is a great book for baby showers and I think young kids are going to love it.