From Head To Toe

by Eric Carle (HarperCollins, 1999)

Tattered Cover Book Store children’s buyer Kate Brasch and Boulder Public Library librarians both recommend this classic that’s sure to get younger kids moving like animals. Can you clap your hands like a seal? Wriggle your hips like a crocodile?

The Great Whipplethorp Bug Collection

by Ben Brashares and Elizabeth Bergeland (Little, Brown and Company, 2021)

One summer day, Chuck tells his dad he’s bored. His dad responds with a list of
the interesting things done by Whipplethorp men before him. Chuck tries to discover a new type of insect like his grandfather the entomologist, only to find out that he can create something different, and become a great man in a new way.

Friday Night Wrestlefest

by J.F. Fox; illustrated by Micah Player (Roaring Brook Press, 2020)

It’s Friday night, and for this family, it’s time to wrestle before going to bed. Make up your own wrestling moves while you read about Dangerous Daddoo, Mama-Rama, and the Tag-Team Twins. Recommended by the Denver Public Library children’s librarians.

What Would You Do in a Book About You?

by Jean Reidy; illustrated by Joey Chou (HarperCollins 2021)

The latest from local author Jean Reidy, a three-time Colorado Book Award winner, will inspire kids to get their imaginations moving along with their bodies: Would you march slow and steady? Or sprint from the start? Would you follow the crowd? Or lead from your heart?

Lucas at the Paralympics

by Igor Plohol; illustrated by Urska Stropnik Sonc (Holiday House, June 2021)

Kids can learn about the differences required to compete in many Paralympic events including running, swimming, sitting volleyball, para archery, wheelchair fencing, and more. Author Igor Plohl, a teacher who lost the use of his legs after a spinal injury, knows how to answer the questions children ask.

How Do You Dance?

by Thyra Heder (Abrams, 2019)

Mags beckons, Koyo bops, Gilda flits in this story, another favorite of Boulder librarians and Tattered Cover. Everyone dances their own way, in their own style, and in different places. Discover new moves to try, and remember that it’s always OK to dance alone, too.

Librarians and book experts also recommend:

• I Got the Rhythm by Connie Schofield-Morrison; illustrated by Frank Morrison
• Hands Up! by Breanna J. McDaniel; illustrated by Shane Evans
• Let’s Dance by Valerie Bolling; illustrated by Maine Diaz
• Keeping the City Going by Brian Floca
• Go Bikes Go! (board book series) by Addie Boswell; illustrated by Alexander Mostov
• Fred Gets Dressed by Peter Brown
• Boys Dance by John Robert Allman; illustrated by Luciano Lozano
• Dusk Explorers by Lindsay Leslie, illustrated by Ellen Rooney
• Hop Jump by Ellen Stoll Walsh
• From A to Z with Energy! 26 Ways to Move and Play by Connie Bergstein Dow; illustrated by Gareth Llewhellin
• Is Everyone Ready for Fun? by Jan Thomas
• The Hike by Alison Farrell
• How to Two by David Soman
• Stomp by Uncle Ian Aurora; illustrated by Natalia Moore
• Spunky Little Monkey by Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson; illustrated by Brian Won
• Hip-Hop Lollipop by Susan McElroy Montanari; illustrated by Brian Pinkney
• Wiggle by Doreen Cronin
• The Nuts: Sing and Dance in Your Polka Dot Pants by Eric Litwin; illustrated by Scott Magoon
• Barnyard Dance! by Sandra Boynton

From Head To Toe: HarperCollins, How Do You Dance?: Abrams. The Great Whipplethorp Bug Collection: Little, Brown. Unstoppable Me: Macmillan. What Would You Do in a Book About You?: HarperCollins. Lucas at the Paralympics: Holiday House. Friday Night Wrestlefest; Macmillan. Background: Javier Zayas Photography/Getty Images.