Join us for a sp ecial storytime with award‑winning children&rsquo\;s author Anita Y asuda as she shares her vibrant new book\, Bollywood Beat! Enjoy an upbeat\, interactive reading filled with rhythm\, movement\, and celebr ation.
\nAfter the storytime\, Groove Dance Studio< /a> will lead a lively dance demonstration - perfect for kids who love to move! Families can also enjoy fun\, hands‑on activities inspired by the story.
\nPresented in partnership with Words Worth Books.\n
This is a drop-in event for families with children of all a ges and their caregiver(s).
\nEarly Learning Programs for y oung children at WPL are based on literacy research and include tips and i nformation for parents and caregivers. Your active participation in these programs will maximize the experience for you and your child.
\nAnita Yasuda is an award-winning Canadian writer of South Asian descent. She was born and raised in the rolling hills of sout hern Ontario. From a young age\, Anita was passionate about writing and of ten found herself with a pencil in her hand\, crafting stories. When she w asn&rsquo\;t recruiting friends to act out her tales\, she was studying va rious forms of dance\, watching Bollywood movies and dreaming of the stage . When she grew up\, Anita attended high school in Japan and fondly rememb ers learning Nihon buyo (Japanese classical dance). She later earned a deg ree in East Asian and South Asian studies at the University of Toronto&rsq uo\;s Victoria College. Of course\, her favourite course was on the art of storytelling. Since then\, she has worked as a firefighter (for one day)\ , a yoga instructor for children\, and a Montessori teacher before transit ioning to writing full-time. Anita still loves sharing stories with everyo ne she meets. When she is not writing in her garden studio\, she enjoys hi king in provincial parks\, exploring the Bruce Trail and playing with her dog\, Lenny.
\nDelight in t he ringing of ankle bells and the swish of colourful scarves as Bollywood dance is described in playful rhymes. Two sisters arrive for the Masala Ma gic Dance Recital. They join the other performers to get ready. &ldquo\;Ru stle\, hustle.&rdquo\; And watch the opening act. &ldquo\;Wiggle\, giggle. &rdquo\; Then it&rsquo\;s older sister&rsquo\;s turn. &ldquo\;Flickity-fli p. Thumka-hip.&rdquo\; The families in the audience join in. &ldquo\;Toes tap. Hands clap.&rdquo\; It&rsquo\;s a wonderful time. Until &hellip\; uh- oh. Younger sister has second thoughts about performing! &ldquo\;Heart-sto pping.&rdquo\; With a gift and a bit of encouragement from older sister\, little sister steps on stage. &ldquo\;Thumka-hip. Flickity-flip.&rdquo\; T he audience is invited to participate. &ldquo\;Hustle\, rustle.&rdquo\; An d soon everyone is dancing to the Bollywood beat! The joy is infectious in author Anita Yasuda&rsquo\;s lyrical romp of a picture book\, and childre n won&rsquo\;t be able to resist dancing along! Bollywood culture is on fu ll display in this delightful celebration of family\, tradition and dance. Yasuda cleverly repeats the same rhymes from the first part of the story in reverse order to tell the second part of the story. The deep\, rich col ours in Devika Oza&rsquo\;s mesmerizing art bring the dance recital to lif e\, exquisitely conveying the movement and emotions of the dancers and the audience\, as well as the street where the recital is set. The back matte r includes a brief glossary of terms.
\nPhotography Notice: Please note that photographs and videos may be taken at t his event and may be broadcast\, reproduced\, and/or made available in pri nt or online. For individual or small group photos\, staff will make atten dees aware of their presence and will ask permission before taking photos. \;
\nFor larger public events\, please note that by attending\, you are consenting to the use of your appearance\, image\, and voice in p rint or digital productions created by the Waterloo Public Library for pro motional use only. Please speak to library staff at the event if you&rsquo \;d like to be excluded from any photo/video.
\nProgrammer: Nancy
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