Module 3: Song and Dance Man

Book cover image:

Book Summary: When Grandpa's grandkids come to visit, they cannot resist exploring the attic together. In doing so, they find Grandpa's old tap shoes and cane, with which he proceeds to put on a show similar to the ones he used to perform in the "song and dance days." He tap dances, plays the banjo, flips a bowler hat on and off his head, and even performs a few magic tricks. Join in the grandkids' excitement at finding out why their Grandpa is called the song and dance man.

APA Reference of the book:

Ackerman, K. (1988). Song and dance man. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

Impressions: I remember studying the 1920s in school and in particular the vaudeville shows that were popular during that time. However, this story brought that to life for me in a way that the textbooks did not. It gives a sense of all the different talents that were included in those shows, as well as the excitement of the audience. The illustrations help to tell this story by providing the atmosphere of an actual performance. Before Grandpa performs, the illustrations are dimmer, like the low lights in a theater and the children's excitement builds. Once he begins, the colors get brighter as he shows off his various talents, with particular emphasis on Grandpa himself. Both the words and pictures help capture the joy Grandpa feels in performing and the excitement the grandchildren feel in seeing him do so.

Professional Review: "Gammell's animated, crisp, colored pencil line drawings enhance this story of Grandpa, who was famous for his vaudeville song and dance. Clever details of his and his grandchildrens' personalities are consciously delineated as he now performs on his attic stage. The shadow and the performer, transformed by his art, complement the text tenderly. The spirit of song and dance are reflected in the careful placement of drawings and text; five times they stretch voluminously across double-page spreads, although the text is always legible. It is also poetic at times. The accurate depiction of old age and the magic of the theater rhythmically combine like a dance with a solid beginning, middle, and end. It offers enchantment for children and for the person of any age who reads it to them. In its entirety, this glimpse into a unique, artistic personality offers a sweet reminder of the joy in the diversity of people, much like Blos' memorable Old Henry (Morrow, 1987). In boldness, realism, and linear strength, the illustrations are reminiscent of Steig's Amos and Boris (Farrar, 1971), which is also about individuality and acceptance. However, the persistence of memory and the acceptance of individuality are sophisticated concepts. The book's only weakness is that it may too often be set aside by adults looking for something easier to digest."

Banta, G. (1989). Song and dance man (Book review). School Library Journal, 35(5), p. 58. Retrieved from: http://www.slj.com/

Library uses: This book would be a good one to introduce students to the idea of vaudeville to students and could be shared with them at the beginning of a unit on the 1920s.