The Twirly Wiggly Dance, written by Farrah Riaz, illustrated by Naya Raja, reviewed by Pippa Goodhart

 

This is, ultimately, a joyful picture book. It's about that very relatable feeling doubt and inadequacy, of horrible dread that we are going to spoil something special ... and then the release of realising that we are fine just as we are. 

Intisar loves to dance, and is delighted at the prospect of dancing in the Walima for her Auntie Maria's wedding. But she can't get her body to do the dance routine properly. She tangles and trips, twirling and wiggling, and making up her own moves. But big cousin Isla says she has to do the proper dance moves. Oh dear. The moment to perform is looming, and Intisar now doesn't want to even attempt the dance. But when the music starts she can't resist. Soon she, and everyone, are doing their individual dances. Intisar does her twirly wiggly dance, and 'everyone whooped and clapped ... even Isla.'

I wish there was a QR code in the book to summon up the music so that we could all join in!