This delightful story of persistence and self-acceptance highlights the value of practice, friendship, and a good attitude . Miss Merida Brown thinks her tail gets in her way, but friends help her discover the truth. The Cat with the Crooked Tail is ideal for kids 5-7 or those who have enjoyed other books in the series. Ballerina Konora joins each page with ideas to get kids moving. Three books in one: readers can enjoy the story, act out the tale in their own way, or follow Konora’s suggested moves, designed by an award-winning ballet teacher to improve body coordination and learn dance fundamentals . “...teaches children to step out of their comfort zone and try new things, be confident in themselves, and understand that practice makes perfect.” —Reedsy “...an excellent addition to movement curricula for preschool and elementary school-aged children .” —Mary Lanni, Librarian Reviewer Movement, technique, and dance concepts in this story include: Leaping - Crawling - Balancing - Jumping - Tiptoes/Relevés - Attitude - Arabesque - Pointed Toes - Falling - Body Parts and Coordination - Movement Patterns and Sequences Themes include Friendship, Empathy, Helping Each Other, Trying New Things, Overcoming Fear, Different Abilities, Disabled Friends, Meeting New People, Making New Friends, New Experiences, Being Kind, Helping and Encouraging Others, Persistence, Perseverance, and of course , Cats and Kitties. The Dance-It-Out books can be used as a supplement for dance or theater studio classes or camps. The Cat with the Crooked Tail pairs well with themes such as Feline Friends, Cats and Kittens, Farmyard Fun, At the Barn, Beginning Gymnastics, Movement Fair, Awesome Obstacle Courses, or Making New Friends . Dance-It-Out! movement journeys are ideal for dance, pre-ballet, creative movement, preschool, daycare, early learning, physical education, homeschool, kindergarten, or first-grade activities. Books make a great gift for boys or girls interested in dance, ballet, gymnastics, or yoga, or reluctant readers who enjoy getting up and moving. With kind characters, subtle life lessons, and a positive role model in Ballerina Konora, teachers love the kid-approved, ready-made additions to curriculum and lesson planning. Children at home adore the stories that “ young readers will return to again and again ” ( —Reedsy ). About the Author Once Upon a Dance is a mother-daughter team dedicated to inspiring joyful movement through stories. Teacher Terrel is a longtime dance educator recognized by her local City Council for “embodying the spirit of partnership and commitment” for her work with young dancers. Ballerina Konora, now a professional dancer, appears throughout the books as an encouraging role model. Together, they’ve created an award-winning collection of 40 interactive children’s books that blend whimsical storytelling with movement, breath, and imagination. Their titles feature strong women, uplifting themes, and opportunities for young readers to leap into the adventure. Once Upon a Dance has earned over 60 book awards, more than 3,000 five-star reviews, and honors including BEST IN SHOW, a Kirkus Reviews Starred Review, and Outstanding Creator Awards Top 10 Author. All royalties through 2030 are donated to nonprofit charities supporting the arts, animals, people, and the planet. Miss Merida Brown lives on a farm with several other cats. She is friendly with all of her feline companions, but Merida is timid when it comes to climbing and participating in the obstacle courses everyone else loves so much. With a crooked tail and small stature, she is so afraid of falling that she has never really given climbing a try. When her friend Ziggy offers to teach Merida how to climb, though, she bravely accepts, learning that her only limits were the ones she placed upon herself. This lovely story fits right in with the others in the Creative Movement series by Once Upon a Dance. True to form, this book begins with a message from Ballerina Konora and incorporates illustrations, text, and movement suggestions on each page. The design differs slightly in this addition, specifically in the presentation of the text explaining the movement. Placed in a separate box, it is tipped at an angle and reflects the crookedness of Merida's tail . Though each book in this series utilizes movements that enhance readers' gross motor skills, this one takes it a step further and introduces a game . Just as Merida goes through an obstacle course in the barn, so too can readers create their own obstacle courses in their homes. Practicing balance, vertical levels, and teamwork, young readers will build their own strength and tenacity while having fun. Perseverance is a major theme in this story, and Merida's model of picking herself back up and trying again is one that readers will be compelled to emulate . Colored pencil-style illustrations delightfully encapsulate the textures and sigh