Barnyard Dance! (Boynton on Board) Review
As I settled in for our nightly bedtime routine, my little ones were bursting with energy—after a day filled with giggles, sticky fingers, and too many unplanned messes. Some nights, I crave a quiet moment with them, and that’s when I know it’s time for Barnyard Dance! by Sandra Boynton. This delightful book never fails to transform our chaotic evening into a lively, love-filled dance party right in our living room.
Barnyard Dance! invites readers into a whimsical barnyard where a lively crew of animals—twirling pigs, fiddle-playing cows, and more—are all ready to kick up their heels. The rhythmic, catchy text has us stomping our feet and clapping our hands, creating a delightful symphony of sounds that echo through the house. Each page encourages us to join in the fun, as we stomp, bow, and wiggle along with the charming characters.
One of the outstanding features of this book is its engaging illustrations. Boynton’s signature style brings the page to life with vibrant colors and expressive animals that my kids adore. My three-year-old often giggles at the silly expressions on the animals’ faces, and my one-year-old claps her hands in excitement as we read the words together. There’s something about the exuberance of the animals that resonates with their little hearts.
What truly captures my children’s attention is the interactive nature of the story. I couldn’t help but laugh one night when my daughter jumped up to dance around the room after I read, “Skitter like mice!” That moment—a joyful swirl of her tiny feet trying to mimic the animals’ movements—reminded me exactly why we read together. It’s these shared experiences that create beautiful memories, each one a stitch in the quilt of our family life.
A favorite moment for us is when we reach the line, “Everybody ready for a BARNYARD DANCE!” We turn it into our own mini celebration, often ending up in roars of laughter and a few missteps! It’s a simple pleasure, but those moments of joy remind me of the importance of play and connection—even during the chaos of daily life.
This is a book I wholeheartedly recommend for toddlers and preschoolers, especially for those who thrive on interactivity and movement. If your child enjoys animal sounds, rhythmic language, or just a good giggle, Barnyard Dance! is sure to become a cherished favorite in your household, just as it has in ours. It bridges imagination and reality, and each read feels like a warm hug, making it a staple on our bookshelf.
So if you’re looking for a story that not only entertains but also gets those little feet moving, I can’t encourage you enough to pick this book up. It has become a delightful part of our home that brings smiles, laughter, and dancing, making it more than just a story—it’s a joyful experience we share. Happy reading, dancing, and laughing to all my fellow parents!
