Giraffes Can't Dance (2001) by Giles Andreae (author) & Guy Parker-Rees (illustrator) [Board Book or Picture Book] — While Gerald the Giraffe is initially intimidated by the skills of his fellow animals ("The warthogs started waltzing and the rhinos rock 'n' rolled. The lions danced a tango that was elegant and bold."), he eventually learns that "We all can dance when we find music that we love."

Woodland Dance! (2023) by Sandra Boynton [Board Book] — When the fox blows her bugle, it's time to dance. The animals "waltz or they foxtrot. They pivot and prance. And they dance. And they dance. And they dance. And they dance."

¡1, 2, 3 Salsa!: English-Spanish Counting Book (2023) by Delia Ruiz (author) & Graziela Andrade (illustrator) [Board Book] — Each page of this bilingual counting book features a different aspect of Salsa dancing, for example, "Two dancing shoes make a pair," and "Three turns make my hair swish-swish-swish."

Feel the Beat: Dance Poems that Zing from Salsa to Swing (2017) by Marilyn Singer (author) & Kristi Valiant (illustrator) [Picture Book] — 'My heart does / som-er-saults / each time I / hear a waltz.' In this collection of poems about social dancing, the rhythm of the poem is designed to match the rhythm of the dance.

Barnyard Dance! (2022) by Sandra Boynton [Board Book] — Down on the farm, the animals perform a variety of square-dance-inspired calls. "With a baa and a moo and a cockadoodledoo, everybody promenade two by two."

There Was a Party for Langston (2023) by Jason Reynolds (author), Jerome Pumphrey, & Jarrett Pumphrey (illustrators) — Inspired by a real life dance by Maya Angelou and Amiri Baraka at a party honoring Langston Hughes, this book features many energetic illustrations of social dancing. "Don't nobody dance like a word maker. And all the best word makers were there."

Sam Francisco, King of the Disco (2023) by Sarah Tagholm (author) & Binny Talib (illustrator) [Picture Book] — Sent to shut down the cat's raucous disco dance party, two dogs, a pest control specialist, and even the police and fire brigade can't hold back from joining in on the fun. "The party was incredible, a megaton of fun, and they danced till dawn when they woke the sun."

¡Mambo Mucho Mambo! The Dance That Crossed Color (2021) by Dean Robbins (author) & Eric Velasquez (illustrator) [Picture Book] — A nonfiction picture book about Mambo dancing in the mid-20th century. "Mambo dancers went forward and backward, side to side. Feet kicked and flicked. Bodies swiveled and swung."

The Snowman Waltz (2022) by Karen Konnerth (author) & Emily Neilson (illustrator) [Picture Book] — When marching penguins meet waltzing snowmen, chaos ensues, until each group teaches the other a new rhythm, and "penguins and snowmen dance under the moon."

Sebi and the Land of Cha Cha Cha (2017) by Roselyn Sanchez, Eric Winter (authors), & Nivea Ortiz (illustrator) — Transported to the magical land of Cha Cha Cha, Sebi and Keeke are taught to dance by the Cha Cha Cha Cacatúa, the Merengue Monkeys, and the Samba Squirrels.

The Dancing Tiger (2005) by Malachy Doyle (author), Steve Johnson, & Lou Fancher (illustrators) [Picture Book] — In this beautifully illustrated picture book, a girl, and later, her granddaughter, dance with a tiger in the forest under the moonlight. "We've skipped in the spring through bluebells, / In summer circled slow, / We've high-kicked in the autumn leaves, / And waltzed in winter snow."

Tractor Dance (2024) by Matt Forrest Esenwine (author) & Jen Taylor (illustrator) [Board Book] — When the sun goes down on the farm, it’s time for a hoedown! “Combine likes her country with a little southern draaawl… Plow prefers a polka… and Tractor loves it all!”

Zoogie Boogie Fever!: An Animal Dance Book (2018) by Sujean Rim [Picture Book] — Have you ever wondered why zoo animals sleep all day? It's because they boogie all night, of course! "Some moves have names, some do not. That's the tango, and there's the fox-trot."

Beauty and the Beast (A Big Golden Book) (2017) [Picture Book] — Beauty dances with the Beast, and then the Prince, in this literary version of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. (The Little Golden Book version also includes dancing.)

At Night, They Danced (2025) by Victoria Scott-Miller (author) & Toni D. Chambers (illustrator) [Picture Book] — Two boys are confused when their parents don't go out for their traditional date night, until they discover that they're having a silent disco at home instead (and eventually invite the boys to join in).

When Dinosaurs go Dancing (2015) by Judy Cook (author) & Sonia Nadeau (illustrator) [Picture Book] — Dinosaurs dance the Waltz, Tango, Minuet, and Bunny Hop in this picture book filled with dinosaur and dance facts. "When the dinosaurs go dancing they like to waltz beneath the moon, their bodies gently swaying to their favourite old-time tune."

Boogie in the Bronx! (2023) by Jackie Azúa Kramer (author) & Jana Glatt (illustrator) [Picture Book] — Set in the Bronx, this book is a colorful, bilingual celebration of numbers, social dance, and culture. “Three chefs salsa as they grill. Shimmying, slicing—that takes skill.”

Rumbelow's Dance (2013) by John Yeoman & Quentin Blake [Picture Book] — On the way to his grandparents' house, Rumbelow encourages a reluctant string of market-goers to dance their way to market, before everyone shares a snack and a waltz at the grandparents' house. "Dance, dance dance to the market! [...] What better partners than farmer and pig?"

Kitchen Dance (2008) by Maurie J. Manning [Picture Book] — "Together they tango across the room with the leftover tamales." In this joyous picture book, two kids sneak downstairs to spy their parents dancing in the kitchen, then join in.

Disney Cinderella Once Upon a Time Treasury (2025) [Picture Book] — This compilation of three Little Golden Books—Walt Disney’s Cinderella, Cinderella’s Friends, and Cinderella—features not just one but two Cinderella ball scenes, as well as a mouse dance at Cinderella's friends' feast.

While You're Asleep (2024) by Emmy Kastner — "Moles and badgers dance the tango in the moonlight" in this book about the nocturnal animals who wake up to have some fun while we're asleep.

Mermaid Dance (2022) by Matthew Van Fleet (author) & Mara Van Fleet (illustrator) [Pull-Tab Book] — In this interactive pull-tab book, young readers can animate the animals doing underwater dances like the "Narwhal Nod" and the "Silly Seal Spin," before everyone parties together in a pop up on the last page.

Salsa Lullaby (2019) by Jen Arena (author) & Erika Meza (illustrator) [Picture Book] — It's time for bed, but first, one last dance! "Mami lifts her arms up high. Papi spins and twists. Baby bounces happily, waves those little fists."

Baby Loves to Boogie! (2014) by Wednesday Kirwan [Board Book] — While "the apes like to orang-o-tango and the sloths like to slow dance," baby loves to "boogie, boogie, boogie!"

ABC Dance!: An Animal Alphabet (2020) by Sabrina Moyle (author) & Eunice Moyle (illustrator) [Board Book] — "Hedgehogs hustle," "llamas lambada," and "water buffalo waltz" in this alphabetical celebration of dance.

Texas, Baby! (2022) by Feather Flores (author) & David DePasquale [Picture Book] — This kids' tour of Texas features the Alamo, bluebonnets, BBQ, and of course, dancing! "Come on, let's get out on the floor! We'll two-step, square dance, waltz, and more!"

¡1, 2, 3 Cumbia!: English-Spanish Manners Book (2023) by Delia Ruiz (author) & Graziela Andrade (illustrator) [Board Book] — Each page of this bilingual manners book features a different aspect of dance etiquette, for example, "May I please dance with you? Yes, thank you for asking!"

The Electric Slide and Kai (2021) by by Kelly J. Baptist (author) & Darnell Johnson (illustrator) [Picture Book] — With his Auntie Nina's wedding approaching, Kai must overcome his fear of dancing the Electric Slide. "So I spin like D.J., dip like Myla, and wiggle my shoulders just like me. There's no tripping, no falling, no missing a beat!"

The Princess in Black and the Prince in Pink (2024) by Shannon and Dean Hale (authors) & Leuyen Pham (illustrator) [Illustrated Chapter Book] — When the Flightless Bird Herd crashes the royal ball, the Herd and the party goers dance it out. "Heroes stepped forward, birds stepped back. Birds forward, heroes back."

Cock-a-Doodle Dance! (2012) by Christine Tricarico (author) & Rich Deas (illustrator) — Life is boring on the farm until Rooster catches a contagious jitterbug, and everyone starts dancing. "The animals love groovin' as they pivot, pounce, and prance, but no one cares that work's not done, since all they do is dance!"

The Big Day: A Giant Celebration of Love (2025) by Rachel Plummer (author) & Forrest Burdett (illustrator) — Two giants get married and share a first dance in this magical celebration of love. "Then he took his groom's hand, and with one happy glance, they took to the floor for an earth-quaking dance."

Wordsworth Dances the Waltz (2007) by Frances H. Kakugawa (author) & Melissa DeSica (illustrator) [Picture Book] — This touching story about aging centers around a mouse poet who wants to waltz with his grandmother. "Grandma, remember how you used to dance the waltz? Come, dance with me."

The Music From Our Country (2020) by Dabrali Diaz (author) & J Donatella (illustrator) [Picture Book] — In this bilingual picture book, Mechi learns to dance to the music from our country, Bachata. "One, Two, Three, Tap... One, Two, Three, Tap..."

Stompin' at the Savoy: The Story of Norma Miller (2006) by Alan Govenar (compiler) & Martin French (illustrator) [Illustrated Non-Fiction Book] — There are several illustrations of Norma dancing Lindy Hop in this illustrated compilation of stories about her life.

Penguin Cha-Cha (2013) by Kristi Valiant (author) [Picture Book] — When Julia catches the penguins dancing at the zoo, she (and a hippo) try to join in. "Julia and Hippo tangoed and fandangoed, hustled and bustled, and wove all over the cove!"

Dancing with Daddy (2021) by Anitra Rowe Schulte (author) & Ziyue Chen (illustrator) — Neither her Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome nor an unexpected snowstorm will stop Elsie from having a perfect father-daughter dance. "Elsie pressed her forehead against Daddy's, and together they danced. It was just like she had dreamed, except better."

Twist With A Burger, Jitter With A Bug (1995) by Linda Lowery (author) & Pat Dipole (illustrator) [Picture Book] — "Twist with a burger, jitter with a bug, call in all the neighbors and roll up the rug," in this colorful celebration of a wide variety of dance styles.

I Want to Dance in Pants (2025) by Jess & Ruymán Hernandez (authors) & Teresa Martinez (illustrator) [Picture Book] — When it comes time to decide what to wear to her friend's quinceañera, Ava decides she wants to dance in pants, and starts a new trend.

Let's Count Texas: Numbers and Colors in the Lone Star State (2017) by Trish Madson (author) & David W. Miles (illustrator) [Board Book] — "4 red boots cover two-steppin' feet" (and "10 brilliant bluebonnets dance in the breeze") in this Texas-themed book of colors and numbers.

Children Who Dance in the Rain (2023) by Susan Justice (author) & Lena Bardy (illustrator) [Picture Book] — Sophie learns to appreciate the little things in life when she meets a group of children in India who joyfully dance together in the rain.

Itty Bitty Princess Kitty: The Royal Ball (2020) by Melody Mews (author) & Ellen Stubbings (illustrator) [Illustrated Chapter Book] — After struggling to learn the "Unicorn Trot," the "Bunny Slide," and the "Butterfly Waltz," Itty shows everyone how to do the "Princess Itty."

Let's Dance! (2020) by Valerie Bolling (author) & Maine Diaz (illustrator) [Picture Book] — Several social dances are included in this rhyming celebration of different dance styles. "Do-si-do to and fro." "Cha cha cha oo-la-la."

Down on James Street (2021) by Nicole McCandless (author) & Byron Gramby (illustrator) [Picture Book] — This book is inspired by a real incident in Pittsburgh in 1935, when police raided a dance hall for interracial Lindy Hopping.

Pete the Cat and the Cool Cat Boogie (2017) by Kimberly & James Dean [Picture Book] — Despite stepping on his partner's toes and bopping them on the nose, Pete the Cat eventually learns that "it doesn't matter how you move as long as you are being you!"

Uncle Wiggly Learns to Dance (1939) by Howard R. Garis [Picture Book] — In this dance-themed volume in the massive, early-20th century Uncle Wiggily series, Uncle Wiggily takes secret dance lessons from the mouse in the forest. "Waltzing mouse is having fun, / Showing how it should be done. / Cricket plays so merrily / Watching Uncle Wiggily."

Piggies in a Polka (2003) by Kathi Appel (author) & Leuyen Pham (illustrator) [Picture Book] — It's that time of year when every pig gather for the annual hootenanny. "There are piggies by the bushel, and piggies by the pound. They come from all around to hear that oompah-oompah sound."

Ten Go Tango (2000) by Arthur Dorros (author) & Emily Arnold McCully (illustrator) [Picture Book] — Two toucans two-step, three bears cha-cha, four foxes fox-trot, six crickets jitterbug, eight walruses waltz, nine rhinos rumba, and ten flamingos tango in this dance-based counting book.

Jitterbugs! (2014) by by Margot Toppen (author) & Karen Light (illustrator) — Famous jitterbugs George Snowden ("Shorty George") and Beatrice Gay ("Big Bea") are reimagined as literal jitterbugs in this historical fiction picture book about their dance partnership.

Dreaming of a Quinceañera (2025) by Yamile Saied Méndez (author) & Christine Almeda (illustrator) [Picture Book] — Isabella shares a dance with her father, and with her little sister, at her long-awaited quinceañera.

The Cats' Party (1869) by McLoughlin Bros (publishers) [Illustrated Children's Poetry Book] — This 19th century collection of children's poetry surrounding a cats' party features a chromolithograph of cats waltzing, on both the cover and interior. "Tom and her Lady-ship now opened the ball, / And merrily danced to the delight of them all." [Click through to see the interior illustration.]

Baby Danced the Polka (2004) by Karen Beaumont (author) & Jennifer Plecas (illustrator) [Lift-the-Flap Book] — While Mama and Papa do their chores, baby prefers to dance with a variety of stuffed animals. "While Papa shaved his whiskers, and Mama washed her wig, Baby danced the polka with the polka-dotted Pig."

Daddy and Me, Dance Party (2024) by Avery Landrum [Picture Book] — It's a dad and daughter dance party in the living room in this joyous celebration of dancing.

Moomin and the Ice Festival (2018) by Tove Jansson [Picture Book] — In the background of this Moomin story, silhouetted couples are seen skating together and dancing on the snow together under the northern lights.

Dance at Grandpa's (1995) by Laura Ingalls Wilder (author) & Renée Graef (illustrator) [Picture Book] — In this picture book adaptation of the the Little House books, the family prepares for and attends a dance at Grandpa's. "Pa took out his fiddle and began to play. All the skirts began to swirl and all the boots began to stamp."

Cinderella (c. 1869) by McLoughlin Bros (publishers) [Illustrated Story Book] — This 19th century telling of Cinderella features a colorful illustration of Cinderella dancing with the Prince. [The illustration itself is provided, since the cover is generic.]

Tokyo Night Parade (2023) by J.P. Takahashi (author) & Minako Tomigahara (illustrator) [Picture Book] — On the night of the Hyakki Yagyō (Night Parade of 100 Demons), everyone parades through the streets of Tokyo, then dances.

Cha-Cha Chimps (2010) by Julia Durango (author) & Eleanor Taylor (illustrator) [Picture Book] — Rhino hustles, lion jitterbugs, cheetah sambas and congas, giraffe tangos, meerkats macarena, ostrich polkas, and of course, chimps cha cha, at Mambo Jamba's, the local jungle dance hall.

Jazz Baby (2007) by Lisa Wheeler (author) & R. Gregory Christie (Iillustrator) [Picture Book] — When baby drops a beat, the family will dance. "Mama swings high. Daddy swings low. Swingin'-singin' Baby says, 'Go, man, go!'"

Dance by the Light of the Moon (2006) by Joanne Ryder (author) & Guy Francis (illustrator) — Inspired by the chorus of the 1844 song "Buffalo Gals," this book features a literal buffalo gal dancing with her friends by the light of the moon.

Routledge's Singing Quadrille and Lancers (c. 1880) by George Routledge and Sons (publisher) — In this fascinating volume, children's nursery rhymes like Little Bo Peep and The Queen of Hearts are arranged as music for the Quadrille and Lancers.

Tango Red Riding Hood (2023) by Rachel Hobbs (author) & Carolina Vázquez (illustrator) [Picture Book] — While more focused on Tango music and bilingual wordplay than partnered Tango dancing, this book does feature Red Riding Hood practicing the eight count basic solo. "I took a bold step forward, then to the right, back, back, crossed my left leg, back, side, together."

Everybunny Dance! (2017) by Ellie Sandall [Picture Book] — "Nobody is watching, now's the perfect chance. Ready bunny, steady bunny, everybunny dance!" In this cute picture book, bunnies dance in pairs, in a trio, and a Conga line.

The Big Book of Princess Stories (2021) by Applesauce Press [Illustrated Story Book] — Illustrations of Cinderella's dance with the Prince, as well as a mermaid ball, are included in this illustrated story book of princess tales.

Waltz of the Scarecrows (1998) by Constance W. McGeorge (author) & Mary Whyte (illustrator) [Picture Book] — Each summer, the town crafts a crowd of well-dressed scarecrows in honor of a Harvest Ball long ago that scared away the crows. "'There are even a few,' Grandpa added, 'who claim they've seen the scarecrows waltzing.'"

Jammy Dance (2012) by Rebecca Janni (author) & Tracy Dockray (illustrator) — Once bathtime is over, it's time to dance the Jammy! "Hold my hand: take a chance. / Jump into the Jammy Dance! / Bow to Brother. / Bow to Sis. / Swing your partner just like this."

Breaking to the Beat! (2023) by Linda J. Acevedo (author) & Frank Morrison (illustrator) [Picture Book] — While the main focus of this book is breaking, it starts with the main character being inspired being inspired by seeing his families' Latin dance parties when he was a child.

The Verts: A Story of Introverts and Extroverts (2024) by Ann Patchett (author) & Robin Preiss Glasser (illustrator) [Picture Book] — Several scenes of energetic social dancing are included in this book set at an introvert's birthday party.

Dance (2017) by Matthew Van Fleet [Pull-Tab Book] — It's a 60s-style dance party at the local dance hall, as Chickie Baby learns some solo social dances like the "Gator Mashed Potater" and the "Busy Beaver Bop." Similar to Mermaid Dance (see above), young readers will have fun animating the dances with the pull tabs.

The Comical Creatures from Wurtemberg (1851) by David Bogue (publisher) [Illustrated Story Book] — This 19th century story book features a charming illustration of a hare and marten dancing the Polka. "Jack Hare and Grace Marten [...] led off the polka in grand style, greatly to the admiration of all the young folks in the island." [The illustration itself is provided, since the cover is generic.]

This is Texas, Y'All!: The Lone Star State from A to Z (2017) by Misha Blaise [Picture Book] — Two-step, square dancing, honky tonks, and an anti-dance law are included in this alphabetical celebration of Texas.

Eloísa's Musical Window (2024) by Margarita Engle (author) & John Parra (illustrator) [Picture Book] — Hearing the music on the street outside her window Eloísa (and her family) are inspired to dance.

Dance Me, Daddy (2014) by Cindy Morgan (author) & Philomena O'Neill (illustrator) [Picture Book] — Dad and daughter share a dance in childhood and at her wedding, in this celebration of the father-daughter bond.

Flora and the Penguin (2014) by Molly Idle [Picture Book] — In this wordless picture book, Flora shares a dance with a penguin on the ice.

This Is How We Play: A Celebration of Disability and Adaptation (2024) by Jessica Slice & Caroline Cupp (authors), & Kayla Harren (illustrator) [Picture Book] — Several couples are shown dancing together in this book celebrating diversity and play.

On the Night You Were Born (2006) by Nancy Tillman [Board Book, Picture Book] — On the night you were born, the animals celebrated, including a pair of polar bears who danced until dawn. "Or notice the bears asleep at the zoo. (It's because they've been dancing all night for you!)"

Austin Is Cool, And Also Totally Weird (2020) by Annie Mayfield [Picture Book] — "Learn two steps at an old honky-tonk and do yoga with a goat on you ba-don-ka-donk" in this rhyming celebration of Austin, Texas.

The Barefoot Book of Dance Stories (2010) [Story Book] — This long-form story book has several tales featuring social dances including waltz, polka, and Scottish reels. "Each prince took the arm of his princess, helped her from the boat and led her into the castle where they danced all night long in the great ballroom."

Noah's Square Dance (1995) by Rick Walton (author) & Thor Wickstrom (illustrator) [Picture Book] — On Noah's Ark, to pass the time while it rains, the animals dance to Noah's calls. "Circle one, then twirl that lion. Lizards, keep those petticoats flyin'!"

Barn Dance! (1988) by Bill Martin Jr., John Archambault (authors) & Ted Rand (illustrator) [Picture Book] — Unable to sleep, the farm boy sneaks into the barn to dance with the scarecrow fiddler and all the animals. "Right hand! Left hand! Around you go! Now back-to-back your partner in a do-si-do!"

Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You (2012) by Nancy Tillman [Board Book, Picture Book] — While not about dancing, this book does feature a cover illustration and page/stanza about dancing with a bear. "You can dance 'til you're dizzy, paint 'til you're blue. There's no place, not one, that my love can't find you."

Wind Is a Dance (2024) by Debra Kempf Shumaker (author) & Josée Bisaillon (illustrator) [Picture Book] — Although the dancing here is mostly metaphorical, there is one illustration of a couple dancing in this artistic and scientific celebration of the wind.

Baby Danced the Polka:

Social Dance in Children’s Books

In this exhibit, you’ll find a collection of children’s books featuring social dancing.

From board books to picture books to collections of bedtime stories about dances like Salsa, Swing, Waltz, and Tango, you’ll find something here for every young dance enthusiast.