Kenny Loggins (text and music), Dean Pitchford (text and music), Tim Bowers (illus.), Footloose, Moondance Press, 16 Dec 2016, 32pp., $19.99 (hbk with CD), ISBN: 9781633221185
With the arrival of his first grandchild Kenny Loggins decided it was fitting to recreate his classic song Footloose with an animal twist. The song is still just as catchy but this time is about the animals in the zoo partying and dancing once all the visitors leave for the day. Rockin’ chimpanzees and a howlin’ wolf pack begin the full moon dance party with their friends joining in; llamas, rhinos, giraffes, tigers and of course, an elephant DJ!
The illustrations in this story are inviting and full of movement and character. Chimpanzees dressed in tie-dye, a wolf in a tuxedo, llamas dressed as ballerinas and hippos in their boot scootin’ gear.
The book comes with a bonus CD which makes for a fun and different story time. Of course the classic song will have parents and educators tapping along but I’m sure it will also have the children bopping along to the irresistible beat.
I believe books and story time don’t always need an obvious message or opportunity for discussion. Sometimes it’s important just to be in the moment, enjoy the story – and the tune – together; while imagining the impossible and transporting ourselves to a dance party at the zoo with the coolest animal dance crew. Lots of fun!
Reviewed by Raquel Mayman
