Alphabet books provide an organizational format for innumerable topics, but rarely do they “teach” the alphabet. Ballroom Bonanza is no different. It rhymes, introduces exotic animals (real and invented for problematic letters such as U), introduces flamboyant dances—samba, quadrille, disco—and musical instruments. The book is visually delightful and concludes with a Where’s Waldo -type puzzle involving naughty monkeys that hide the orches tra’s twenty-six instruments. The watercolor illustrations are over the top, jam-packed with minutiae and humorous details such as “the bears in bright boleros” (n.p.) and belly-dancing elephants sporting bare midriffs, feathered headbands, and beaded costumes. Children’s Book Council of Australia Notable Book. lmp

Originally published by Working Title Press Australia, in 2009.

In this colorfully and flamboyantly illustrated large-format alphabet book, animals from around the globe have gathered for a dance contest in the world-famous Tower Ballroom. Who will win? The camels dancing the conga? The flamingos dancing flamenco? Or the penguins doing the polka? And what are those mischievous monkeys up to? Turns out they've stolen the band's instruments--twenty-six in all! Once the reader finds all of them hidden within the artwork, the grand finale can begin. Ballroom Bonanza is an ideal primer to teach children about some of the most popular styles of dance, while offering a look at musical instruments to inspire young Mozarts--all while helping teach ABCs to aspiring readers and writers.
Praise for the work of Nina Rycroft Children's Book Council of Australia Notable Book