About
I am a dance educator and author. My verses and stories for children are written from the point of view of a dance educator. I enjoy using prompts to encourage children to move and use their imaginations. I began dancing as a child, and have been dancing ever since. I attended Denison University, and received my MFA from the University of Michigan.
I performed professionally for ten years in ballet and contemporary dance companies, in both the US and in Latin America. I have taught ballet and contemporary dance to all ages from preschool to senior citizens. My writing career flowed naturally from my career in dance and dance education. I have written two books for teachers published by Redleaf Press: DANCE, TURN, HOP LEARN! and ONE, TWO, WHAT CAN I DO?; and three picture books: FROM A TO Z WITH ENERGY! and TAP AND RAP, MOVE AND GROOVE (Free Spirit Publishing) and BEASTIE JAMBOREE (Young Dragons Press).
Featured Work
TAP AND RAP, MOVE AND GROOVE
Children love to dance and use their imaginations, and picture books can inspire them to explore new ideas. The chants in my book, for children and adults to read and dance together, include a variety of rhythms and steps. They nurture young children’s physical, social, and language development — from an upbeat rap and dance (“Tappity Rap”), to a chant that addresses personal vs. shared space (“On Your Spot”), to an homage to our planet (“Earth Dance”). As they dance, children will unleash their creativity, develop social-emotional skills, and find solutions to playful prompts.
Debbie Palen’s beautiful illustrations show a diverse cast of children joyfully dancing throughout the book. Back matter includes tips for success and ideas for making the activities accessible for all children.
Other Works
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Let's Dance (Cricket Babybug)
2022
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The Octopus (Highlights Magazine)
2020
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Splishy-Splashy Drops (Highlights High Five)
2020
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From A to Z with Energy!
2019
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Animals 1.2.3.4 (Highlights High Five)
2018
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Dancing in the Streets? No, Dancing OFF THE STREETS (Dance Education in Practice)
2017
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A-Dancing We Will Go (Highlights High Five)
2016
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Stand and Sit (Highlights High Five)
2016
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Opposites (Highlights High Five)
2015
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Fly Away (Highlights Hello)
2014
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Little Birdie (Highlights Hello)
2014
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One, Two, What Can I Do? Dance and Music for the Whole Day
2011
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Dance, Pop Culture and Community: A Tale of Two Flash Mobs (Journal of Dance Education)
2011
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Young Children and Movement: The Power of Creative Dance (Young Children magazine)
2010
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Dance, Turn, Hop, Learn! Enriching Movement Activities for Preschoolers
2006
Awards and Recognition
- 22 NYC Big Book Award, Distinguished Favorite, Picture Books, Ages 4-8; Story Monsters Approved, 2022; Finalist in two national children's literature contests, 2018
