Dance Just Like So!

It’s dance class day and Kwesi is delighted when Gran announces that she’s going to teach her trophy-winning dance, the Shooby-Doo-Mambo.

Their neighbours Eva, Tunde, and Miss Ghaderi all join in the fun as Gran enthusiastically shows them how to shake, flap, cha-cha, twirl, and clap, just like so! But when Gran takes a tumble and hurts her knee, the dancing and laughter come to an abrupt end.  

While Gran rests, there’s no music or dancing, and Kwesi feels glum. Although Gran encourages Kwesi to practise the steps so he can teach the class, it’s just not the same without Gran by his side. Then he has a great idea and choreographs some very special moves to put Gran at the centre of the action once more.  

This vivacious picture book bursts with dynamic illustrations, which bring the tale to life. Gran’s vibrant kente clothing, a traditional Ghanaian fabric, adds pattern and colour, while musical notes swirl around the pages, creating plenty of movement.

As well as celebrating the joy of dance, the story also explores the touching, intergenerational relationship between grandparent and child (who live together with no parents depicted or mentioned).