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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On with the show
Auerbach, Annie.
Paper Book
Splat the Cat can't wait to be in his school play about castles and kings and queens--maybe he'll even get to play a knight! Will Splat find a way to steal the show Join him and his classmates for another hilarious Splat the Cat adventure!
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...
Barnyard dance!
Boynton, Sandra.
Paper Book
It's classic Boynton, supersized! Barnyard Dance! is available as a lap-sized board book. With their appealing format and sturdy board construction, Boynton Lap Books are easy for little fingers to grasp, and are the perfect size for big people to read aloud during story time. The...
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...
Meet the Marching Smithereens
Hayes, Ann.
Paper Book
Join the animal musicians of the Marching Smithereens a they introduce the instruments and sounds of the marching band. Brass, percussion, and woodwinds come together in a wildly fun musical ensemble. A rhythmic text offers facts about the band and its instruments. Full color.
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...
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.
Katie's noisy music
Manushkin, Fran
Paper Book
Katie loves music, and she'd like to make music of her own. She enjoys all of the instruments her dad and friends play, but none seem right for her. What instrument will match the music in Katie's heart?
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....
I want to be a ballerina
Membrino, Anna
Paper Book
When Mia tries to become a ballerina just like her big sister, she discovers that getting the right outfit is just the beginning. Despite great effort, there are lots of mishaps, and Mia doesn't quite become the prima ballerina she hoped to be. But she does finally earn her true reward: time with...
Magic spell
Paschkis, Julie
Paper Book
Award-winning author and illustrator Julie Paschkis casts a spell to transform word play into an entertaining and hilarious picture book that's perfect for reading aloud. With his trusty assistant, Zaza, by his side, magician the Great Aziz can turn a dish into a...
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...
Tap dance troubles
Reid, C. L.
Paper Book
Click. Clack. Tap, tap, tap. Emma just started dance lessons and is determined to learn the routine perfectly. But dance isn't as easy as she had hoped. Thankfully Emma doesn't give up easily! Emma proves that hard work and practice will take those tap dance troubles away in this early chapter book...
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...
Tallulah's tap shoes
Singer, Marilyn.
Paper Book
It's summer, and Tallulah is excited about going to dance camp. She'll get to take plenty of ballet classes. She'll have to take tap, too, and she's NOT excited about that. She's never taken tap before, so she'll be a beginning beginner. And she's right--tap class is not much fun. Plus there's a...
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...

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