Recommended Reading for A Man Standing Backpack

Showtime! What kind of performer would you like to be? Enjoy books about dancing, magic shows, and more.

Updated June 3, 2026
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Banana bop! : a monster show
Boynton, Sandra
Paper Book
Introduce little ones to their soon-to-be-favorite word with this seriously silly board book from the one and only Sandra Boynton. Banana Bop! is a book of few words--and most of them are "banana." But we challenge you to find a better word to repeat over and over again...
Woodland dance!
Boynton, Sandra
Paper Book
The moose plays the cello. The deer, violin. And it's ONE-two-three, ONE-two-three, time to begin! Destined to be a read-aloud favorite, Woodland Dance is a mystical, waltzing story from beloved author and illustrator Sandra Boynton, and a magical book to share with a...
Dancing with the Dinosaurs
Clarke, Jane
Paper Book
Which prehistoric performers are set to appear? Quick, take a look: T-Rex is here. His fang-tastic tango burns up the floor. Isn't that exciting? But wait . . . there's more. See some disco with the Duckbills, tap-happy raptors, Tracey Tops with body pops, and a moonwalk with Miss Maia. The All-saur...
Maisy goes to a show
Cousins, Lucy
Paper Book
Are you ready for the big show? Maisy and her friends show little ones what it's like to attend their first live performance. Today, Maisy and her friends are off to the theater to see a show starring Flora Fantastica! First they line up to show their tickets. After the usher...
Dancing feet!
Craig, Lindsey.
Paper Book
Clickity!nbsp;Clickity! Long green feet!nbsp;nbsp; Who is dancing that clickity beat? Lizard is dancing on clickity feet. nbsp; Clickity! Clickity! Happy feet! Introducing a get-up-and-dance toddler book-so catchy and rhythmic, you'll...
Llama Llama dance recital fun
Paper Book
A Level 2 Reader based on an episode of Llama Llama's animated Netflix television series, perfect for little ones dealing with stage fright! Look out, world--Llama Llama is a TV star! The beloved character, made famous by Anna Dewdney's best-selling picture books, is the star of his own original...
Meet the orchestra
Hayes, Ann.
Paper Book
This lyrical romp through the orchestra begins with animal musicians slowly gathering for the evening performance. Poetic descriptions suggest the sounds of the instruments, and lively watercolor illustrations capture the playful essence of each musician and musical instrument. "It's a smashing...
The scrambled states of America talent show
Keller, Laurie.
Paper Book
Those wacky scrambled states are back. This time they've come together for a spectacular show featuring their many goofball talents. But just when Indiana (the director) is about to callSHOWTIME!, Georgia gets a bad case of stage fright and can't perform in her juggling act. Will the show...
Jim Henson : the guy who played with puppets
Krull, Kathleen.
Paper Book
Sesame Street and The Muppet Show introduced Jim Henson's Muppets to the world, making Kermit the Frog, Oscar the Grouch, and Big Bird household names. But even as a child in rural Mississippi, listening to the radio and putting on comedy shows for his family, Jim recognized the...
Daddy can't dance
Manushkin, Fran
Paper Book
Katie Woo is excited to go a to a special daddy-daughter dance. There's only one problem. Katie's dad keeps stepping on her toes. Can Katie help her daddy with his dance moves? With reader questions, a glossary, an activity, this book is a great choice for libraries.
Music
McDonald, Jill
Paper Book
Learn from home and explore the world with these fun and easy board books! Every young child loves to listen to music, bang on drums, and pound the keys of a piano. Now here's a Hello, World! board book that can teach babies and toddlers all about musical instruments and the...
I am Jim Henson
Meltzer, Brad
Paper Book
Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets and Sesame Street, is the 11th hero in the New York Times bestselling picture book biography series for ages 5 to 8. Jim Henson, was always dreaming up something new, and always expressing his belief in the goodness of people....
Grimelda and the Spooktacular Pet Show
Murray, Diana
Paper Book
From author Diana Murray and illustrator Heather Ross, of Grimelda: The Very Messy Witch, comes a hilarious sequel starring Grimelda that is reminiscent of Norman Bridwell's classic The Witch Next Door. This time Grimelda is on the search for her spell book so she can win first place her...
Let's make music
Musgrave, Ruth
Paper Book
Drumroll, please! This next book in this lively board book series introduces young children to a variety of musical instruments by "looking," to grasp the concept, then "learning," to find out more. From shaking a tambourine to strumming a ukulele to beating a drum, early readers...
You're doing that in the talent show?!
Plourde, Lynn
Paper Book
Penelope, the exuberant hippo, and Tiny, her cautious mouse friend, are back in the spotlight in this book about choosing the right time to shine. When Penelope sees the poster announcing the upcoming school talent show, she can't wait to plan a spectacular act with...
Dancing with daddy
Schulte, Anitra Rowe
Paper Book
Winner of the Christopher Award Elsie can't wait to go to her first father-daughter dance. She picked out the perfect dress and has been practicing swirling and swaying in her wheelchair. Elsie's heart pirouettes as she prepares for her special night. With gestures, smiles, and...
The magic rabbit
Watson, Richard Jesse.
Paper Book
Award-winning artist Richard Jesse Watson presents a warm, funny story about a rabbit who finds many treasures inside his magic hat--but nothing that's better than a special friend to share them with. One day, a magic rabbit hops out of a hat and discovers he can do tricks with it....
Yoko's show-and-tell
Wells, Rosemary.
Paper Book
When Yoko's grandparents send her a beautiful antique doll named Miki all the way from Japan, Yoko couldn't be happier. She places Miki on her red carpet and brings her candy until Girls' Festival on March 3. Even though Mama said no, Yoko decides to sneak Miki to school for show-and-tell....
Elephants cannot dance!
Willems, Mo.
Paper Book
Mo Willems, award-winning, New York Times best-selling creator of The Pigeon, Knuffle Bunny, and Unlimited Squirrels, presents best friends Elephant Gerald and Piggie.   Gerald is careful. Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can. Gerald...
Hilda must be dancing
Wilson, Karma.
Paper Book
Swisha-swisha Clap! Clap! Jump, Jump, Jump! "Hilda must be dancing!" Hilda Hippo loves to dance! But there's just one problem. When Hilda dances, it sounds like this: Ka-bump! Ka-bump! Crash! Crash! Crash! Thumpity-bump!
Play this book
Young, Jessica
Paper Book
For fans of Press Here, this interactive picture book invites readers to touch and move and "play" with the book. To start our show we need a band--maybe you can lend a hand! There are lots of ways little hands can make music. Each page of this...

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