ALA Booklist (Sat Jun 01 00:00:00 CDT 2013)

This picture book, by prominent ­librarian-blogger Bird, includes such irresistible ingredients as a determined young girl, furry blue giants, and lots and lots of dancing. It begins, however, with a sign the girl has painted: I quit ballet and tap and jazz and tango and Scottish Highland dancing! Apparently, Lexy loves to dance but hates recitals because she always freezes in fright. Dorman depicts Lexy as cartoonishly cute, with her big head and nimble body, dancing around with joy fstage at least. Lexy hits upon the solution of becoming a dance teacher and advertises her free services. Dorman's versions of Lexy's only customers ge blue creatures with antennae, little ears, pig noses, and overpowering enthusiasm e an unmitigated delight. After they overcome Lexy's reluctance to teach them, these lumbering giants inspire Lexy to dance onstage without fear or worry. In addition to the sweet outcome (a wild rumpus of sorts), librarians will note the names of Lexy's toys: Anne, Carroll, and Moore.

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Readers will finish this debut picture book from children-s librarian and book blogger Bird understanding the value of facing one-s fears, but even more likely, they-ll want lessons in Irish step dancing and the electric slide. Lexy loves dancing at home, but stage fright takes over during recitals: -She-d freeze like an ice pop and never dance a step. Not one. Not ever.- Dorman-s (Snowman Magic) candy-colored digital illustrations capture Lexy-s mood swings as she sulkily announces she-s quitting dance, attempts to overcome her stage fright, and hits on the perfect solution: she-ll become a dance teacher. Response to Lexy-s advertisements is muted (read: nonexistent) until five furry blue giants appear on her doorstep, requesting lessons. Bird-s chatty narrative is dynamic and funny, as are Dorman-s images of the twirling giants, which resemble a cross between pigs and fuzzy indigo caterpillars. Happily, Bird sticks to fun over -message moments,- though Lexy-s exuberant final performance has a grain of advice for readers attempting something scary: don-t overthink it. Ages 4-8. Author-s agent: Stephen Barbara, Foundry Literary + Media. Illustrator-s agent: Peter Lott, Lott Reps. (May)

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Lexy lives to dance, but she dreads those terrifying recitals. Somehow all the joy she feels in dancing deserts her entirely when she is on a stage in front of an audience. She freezes like an ice pop. All her efforts at overcoming this phobia fail, so she quits dance school. She decides to take a totally different approach by becoming a dance teacher, since they don't have to perform. But in spite of great advertising and preparation, not a single pupil appears. The tale leaves the realm of the ordinary by introducing a group of fuzzy giants who truly love to dance, begging Lexy to teach them. Soon, they are leaping and step dancing and doing the twist. But at their recital, they turn into matching ice pops. Lexy leaps onto the stage, dances with joy and thaws the giants, who join her in a rip-roaring, crowd-pleasing spectacle, and, voila, stage fright is over for all of them. Strong, action-packed language and syntax that speaks directly to readers keep the tale flowing at a brisk pace and make the fantasy elements completely believable. Lexy is a charmer, full of pep and verve and enthusiasm, fully realized in Dorman's large-scale digital illustrations as she sprightly cavorts through the pages. Sheer joy. (Picture book. 3-8)

School Library Journal (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2013)

PreS-Gr 2 Bouncy Lexy loves to dance, but because of her stage fright and dislike of recitals, she tells her parents that she's done with it. Convinced that instructors never have to perform on a public stage, she opts to teach. She has trouble finding students and is ready to quit until five bumbling, furry blue giants with antennae show up at her door. After much instruction, they are ready for a recital, but once in front of an audience, they freeze with fright. Lexy overcomes her own performance anxiety and comes to their rescue onstage. Soon she and the giants are showing off their creative moves. The story nicely weaves together a realistic fear with fantasy elements. The characters' cheery personalities leap off the pages. Children will identify with Lexy and chuckle when they see the giants dancing. Dorman's peppy, full-color digital artwork, printed on glossy paper, pumps up the story line. Bird and Dorman's efforts blend into a delightful picture book with a feel-good ending. Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH

Horn Book (Thu Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2013)

Lexy loves to dance, until recital time when--"blammo!"--stage fright hits. She becomes an out-of-the-spotlight dance teacher instead, taking on five blue giants as pupils. When stage fright strikes her students, Lexy steps up to help. Bird is light and subtle with the message, and the illustrations of a zestful, rosy-cheeked girl and cute fuzzy creatures dance along with the droll text.

Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews

Lexy lives to dance, but she dreads those terrifying recitals. Somehow all the joy she feels in dancing deserts her entirely when she is on a stage in front of an audience. She freezes like an ice pop. All her efforts at overcoming this phobia fail, so she quits dance school. She decides to take a totally different approach by becoming a dance teacher, since they don't have to perform. But in spite of great advertising and preparation, not a single pupil appears. The tale leaves the realm of the ordinary by introducing a group of fuzzy giants who truly love to dance, begging Lexy to teach them. Soon, they are leaping and step dancing and doing the twist. But at their recital, they turn into matching ice pops. Lexy leaps onto the stage, dances with joy and thaws the giants, who join her in a rip-roaring, crowd-pleasing spectacle, and, voila, stage fright is over for all of them. Strong, action-packed language and syntax that speaks directly to readers keep the tale flowing at a brisk pace and make the fantasy elements completely believable. Lexy is a charmer, full of pep and verve and enthusiasm, fully realized in Dorman's large-scale digital illustrations as she sprightly cavorts through the pages. Sheer joy. (Picture book. 3-8)