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Doggy Dance Off
All the coolest dogs in town meet at the Doggie Dance-off to show off their best dance moves--and they're intrigued by a newcomer who wows the audience with her amazing moves. Who is she?
At the Doggie Dance-off, the coolest dogs around gather to show off their best dance moves, eat snacks, and listen to DJ Patch, who keeps the music going. Eva the golden retriever struts across the dance floor; Doug the pug likes to spin on his back on the floor; and Duke Doggy Doo bounces around like a kangaroo! Then one day, a masked stranger comes in and dances better than anyone has ever seen. Who is she?
At the Doggie Dance-off, the coolest dogs around gather to show off their best dance moves, eat snacks, and listen to DJ Patch, who keeps the music going. Eva the golden retriever struts across the dance floor; Doug the pug likes to spin on his back on the floor; and Duke Doggy Doo bounces around like a kangaroo! Then one day, a masked stranger comes in and dances better than anyone has ever seen. Who is she?
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 12, 2023
4 people want to read
About the author
Steve Smallman
912 books70 followersSteve Smallman lives in Staffordshire with his wife, two dogs and two cats. He has four children and a grandchild. Steve has been illustrating children’s books for almost 30 years and writing his own stories for slightly less. He also teaches illustration workshops in schools, including mural-painting. Steve is the author of Smelly Peter the Great Pea Eater (Winner of the Sheffield Children's Book Award 2009) and The Lamb Who Came for Dinner (Shortlisted for the Red House Children's Book Award and read by Meatloaf on CITV's Bookaboo). When he’s not working, Steve enjoys films, television, gardening and walking in the countryside.
Steve Smallman on Steve Smallman:
I started working as an illustrator when I was in my final year at Art College and now, over 28 years later I still haven't got a proper job! I've illustrated literally hundreds of books, predominantly in educational publishing. A few years ago I was main illustrator for Longman's 'Story Street' reading scheme, illustrating 79 titles and writing 5.
I've worked in children's television, specifically in character development and most notably in the 'Raggy Doll' series in the mid to late 1980's. I have also done a certain amount of licensed work, illustrating characters such as Postman Pat, Bill and Ben and Sesame Street.
I've been described as an 'Animal Artist', not I hasten to add because I'm wild and hairy but because I love to draw animals and especially like to give them human characteristics.
I've been writing children's books for about 6 years and have already had several picture books published with more in development.
I've got 4 great children and although they're all adults now, my memories of them growing up inspire and inform my writing.
Steve Smallman on Steve Smallman:
I started working as an illustrator when I was in my final year at Art College and now, over 28 years later I still haven't got a proper job! I've illustrated literally hundreds of books, predominantly in educational publishing. A few years ago I was main illustrator for Longman's 'Story Street' reading scheme, illustrating 79 titles and writing 5.
I've worked in children's television, specifically in character development and most notably in the 'Raggy Doll' series in the mid to late 1980's. I have also done a certain amount of licensed work, illustrating characters such as Postman Pat, Bill and Ben and Sesame Street.
I've been described as an 'Animal Artist', not I hasten to add because I'm wild and hairy but because I love to draw animals and especially like to give them human characteristics.
I've been writing children's books for about 6 years and have already had several picture books published with more in development.
I've got 4 great children and although they're all adults now, my memories of them growing up inspire and inform my writing.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 4, 2023
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central
The Doggy Dance off is really hopping, with Patch (and his fleas), Suki, Dynamite Doug, and Duke Doggy Doo. They are boogieing, break dancing, and tearing up the dance floor. When one pup spills his orange juice, one exuberant dancer in a black suit with a purple sequined mask and a fedora doesn't stop, but continues to get down and get funky... until she slips on the juice. Who is this masked, mad dancer? There's a big twist that I don't want to spoil, but it will illicit a lot of laughs from young readers.
If the musical genre of my youth is showing up in picture books, you know I'm getting old, because this is clearly meant to appeal to grandparents who did a turn or two at a disco back in the day. The sparkle and energy of Satruday Night Fever is evident on every page, and the styles the dogs are wearing evoke various musical artists.
This is reminiscent of Boynton's fabulous Barnyard Dance, and the use of dactyllic lines definitely echoes the hand clapping and foot stomping vibe of that book. The refrain of "Down at the big Doggy Dance-Off" will be repeated again and again. There are a few times that the meter of the lines is off (and I may correct the text in my copy for ease of future readings), but I am very picky about poetry, and most of the lines flow off the tongue like a silk disco dress.
This would be a great title to have if you wanted to have a dog and dance themed story hour; just add a disco ball, some glitter shades, and Bender's Ballewiena and Litwin's Groovy Joe: Dance Party Countdown. Get ready to ease on down the rode!
The Doggy Dance off is really hopping, with Patch (and his fleas), Suki, Dynamite Doug, and Duke Doggy Doo. They are boogieing, break dancing, and tearing up the dance floor. When one pup spills his orange juice, one exuberant dancer in a black suit with a purple sequined mask and a fedora doesn't stop, but continues to get down and get funky... until she slips on the juice. Who is this masked, mad dancer? There's a big twist that I don't want to spoil, but it will illicit a lot of laughs from young readers.
If the musical genre of my youth is showing up in picture books, you know I'm getting old, because this is clearly meant to appeal to grandparents who did a turn or two at a disco back in the day. The sparkle and energy of Satruday Night Fever is evident on every page, and the styles the dogs are wearing evoke various musical artists.
This is reminiscent of Boynton's fabulous Barnyard Dance, and the use of dactyllic lines definitely echoes the hand clapping and foot stomping vibe of that book. The refrain of "Down at the big Doggy Dance-Off" will be repeated again and again. There are a few times that the meter of the lines is off (and I may correct the text in my copy for ease of future readings), but I am very picky about poetry, and most of the lines flow off the tongue like a silk disco dress.
This would be a great title to have if you wanted to have a dog and dance themed story hour; just add a disco ball, some glitter shades, and Bender's Ballewiena and Litwin's Groovy Joe: Dance Party Countdown. Get ready to ease on down the rode!
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November 21, 2023See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/doggie...
DOGGY DANCE-OFF is a lively, rhyming picture book about an unexpected champion. The story tells about the key dogs who are competing at the big Doggy Dance-Off. It soon becomes clear that there is a champion - but when they slip and the mask falls off, everyone is shocked to see a cat. Although the cat is worried, the others soon ask her to teach them her moves, and it now becomes the All New Cat and Doggy Dance-Off.
What I loved: This was quite a colorful and charming read about a dog dance contest, where the surprise winner is a cat! It encourages inclusion and learning from those who may seem different in a subtle way. The illustrations were lively and portrayed the dancers well, and the rhyming and repetitive text will work well for toddlers and preschoolers. The reveal was quite fun and sure to delight little ones.
The story is simple and easy to follow, making this a good pick for the youngest picture book readers. Quickly turning pages also make this work well for the toddler and preschooler age groups.
What left me wanting more: As a small thing, the rhythm was a bit off on some pages with some of the rhyming phrases being quite a bit longer than others. This caused some auditory stumbling when read aloud.
Final verdict: DOGGY DANCE-OFF is a jubilant and lively rhyming picture book read that will work well for young children.
DOGGY DANCE-OFF is a lively, rhyming picture book about an unexpected champion. The story tells about the key dogs who are competing at the big Doggy Dance-Off. It soon becomes clear that there is a champion - but when they slip and the mask falls off, everyone is shocked to see a cat. Although the cat is worried, the others soon ask her to teach them her moves, and it now becomes the All New Cat and Doggy Dance-Off.
What I loved: This was quite a colorful and charming read about a dog dance contest, where the surprise winner is a cat! It encourages inclusion and learning from those who may seem different in a subtle way. The illustrations were lively and portrayed the dancers well, and the rhyming and repetitive text will work well for toddlers and preschoolers. The reveal was quite fun and sure to delight little ones.
The story is simple and easy to follow, making this a good pick for the youngest picture book readers. Quickly turning pages also make this work well for the toddler and preschooler age groups.
What left me wanting more: As a small thing, the rhythm was a bit off on some pages with some of the rhyming phrases being quite a bit longer than others. This caused some auditory stumbling when read aloud.
Final verdict: DOGGY DANCE-OFF is a jubilant and lively rhyming picture book read that will work well for young children.
December 18, 2024
This author's books always leave me giggling even though I'm certainly not their intended audience. But the subject matter--a dance competition among dogs--is already funny just on its own merits, let alone the fact that the language used to describe the competitors and the DJ are funny and fun to read and read aloud. But when the identity of a mysterious masked dancer is revealed, the dogs are quick to enlist her in teaching them more dance moves. Of course, anyone familiar with cats and dogs will already realize that agile cats have far more impressive moves than dogs. The artwork contains plenty of dance scenes and doggies in motion, sure to entertain young readers.
October 23, 2024
Adorable characters and some cute scenes. The plot itself lacks and the rhyme is a bit off. The twist was wholesome. Lots of potential, yet a little disappointing of an execution.
June 15, 2025
Absolutely not. Dogs deserve their own space
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2025
Read at the library to kids.
It's very rhythmic and fun, the kids laughed and enjoyed it and there is a big surprise ending that even I enjoyed.
It's very rhythmic and fun, the kids laughed and enjoyed it and there is a big surprise ending that even I enjoyed.
August 4, 2025
Themes: dogs, cats, dancing/movement
Ages: preK-1st grade
Pub year: 2023
Ages: preK-1st grade
Pub year: 2023
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews