Finding Joy with The Cat with the Crooked Tail: A Dance-It-Out Creative Movement Story
As a mom of two energetic little ones, bedtime reading can sometimes feel like a chaotic sport. Between the giggles, the wriggles, and the occasional snack break, I’ve learned to choose our stories wisely. When I stumbled upon The Cat with the Crooked Tail: A Dance-It-Out Creative Movement Story for Young Movers, I felt an instant connection to its promise of creativity and movement—perfect for our nightly routine anchored in joy and energy.
Written by the wonderful duo, Ballerina Konora and Teacher Terrel, this enchanting tale follows Miss Merida Brown, a cat who believes her crooked tail holds her back from dancing. With encouragement from her friends, she embarks on a journey of self-acceptance and perseverance. This story speaks of friendship, courage, and the value of practice—musings that resonate deeply with the growing minds of my kids.
From the moment we opened the book, my children were captivated. The illustrations are vibrant and inviting, bringing Miss Merida and her friends to life in whimsical ways that dance right off the page. My daughter, especially, was enchanted by the cats’ antics and couldn’t get enough of the beautiful pictures accompanying each delightful movement.
What truly sets this book apart is its interactive element. As we read, Konora’s suggested movements inspired us to leap, crawl, and balance—turning our cozy reading nook into a mini stage. My son, never one to shy away from a challenge, giggled uncontrollably attempting an arabesque, while my daughter just loved waddling around like the curious little kitties. The story sparked not only laughter but also meaningful conversations about embracing differences and supporting one another.
One of our absolute favorite moments was when we reached the page showing Miss Merida joyfully leaping—my kids couldn’t resist jumping in unison with her. After we finished reading, they insisted on going through each dance move again, making it a mini dance party right in our living room. It was these playful moments that made our reading time feel special, highlighting the book’s theme of trying new things and overcoming fears.
In our home, The Cat with the Crooked Tail has transformed from a simple bedtime story to a cherished family favorite. I can confidently recommend this book to kids aged 5-7, especially those who are curious about movement and dance. It’s perfect for little movers and shakers but also for any child who needs encouragement to express themselves.
Ultimately, what I loved most was how this book touched on resilience and community—reminding us that even if we feel different, there’s always a place for us in our friendship circle. This heartfelt story will definitely be one we revisit, a lovely reminder that being ourselves is worth celebrating. Let’s just say—it’s a hit in our household!
