Allison Rose and Her Dancing Toes

by Sally Huss

Adorable, Rhyming Bedtime Story/Picture Book for Beginner Readers About Dancing and Having Fun, 43 Illustrations, Ages 2-8

48 pages, Paperback

Published March 13, 2016

About the author

For years I have wanted to do what I am doing now -- writing and illustrating my children's books. Electronic drawing pads and e-books have made it possible for me to create and publish my own books -- and do so in quantity. In the past, Harcourt Brace, Ten Speed Press, Thomas Nelson had only published a few.

The books were always squeezed in between art I needed to do to fill 26 Sally Huss Galleries (my degree was from USC in Fine Art); and licensing demands for clothing, greeting cards (American Greetings), purses, bibs, dinnerware, wallpaper; and the daily King Features Syndicated inspirational panel I do for newspapers called Happy Musings.

Through the years my art and writings have found their way into homes from Hollywood to The White House and perhaps even your house or your mother's.

Along with art, I have had a long history with tennis. In fact I was raised to be a champion (U.S. Junior and Wimbledon Champion, then a semi-finalist in the women's division at Wimbledonin singles and doubles). Later I became one of the top senior players in the country. This experience lead to my writing and illustrating a couple of books on the game -- EIGHT GOLDEN RULES FOR HOW TO PLAY YOUR BEST TENNIS (endorsed by Billie Jean King, Mary Carrillo, Dick Enberg, etc.) and LOVE LADIES LEAGUE TENNIS.

I mostly read the books of the French Philosopher Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov. For me, these present the clearest and most practical explanation of life and man's structure in it that I've come across. These light-filled pages send my heart soaring and give me food for my present work.

Presently I write, illustrate and paint in my Solana Beach, California studio where I live with my husband Marv. I also still play a bit of tennis and walk the beach daily.

Reviews

[La La]

Two cultural dances were labeled, "silly".

I usually give this author's books three stars because although the rhymes are generally good and the reading rhythm smooth, they do tend to go on too long for the recommended reading age. The illustrations are good, but not wonderful. However with this book, two culturally significant dances: belly dancing and the Tarantella were called "silly", and were grouped in with a dance called The Grizzly Bear. I think this is sending a wrong message.

[Barbara Ann]

Newest release in the Sally Huss picture book repertoire. Allison Rose just loves to dance at anytime and anyplace. The beginning of the book brings the reader through her day and night. Allison even dances underwater. As others observe her, she tries to convince them they need to do the same. Here is where the book gets interesting. Allison details dances from the past and present, dances from countries around the world, and how various parts of the body are used to perform the dance. Illustrations are simple and multicultural, humorous and to the point.

Targeted for readers ages two through eight, the book can be used to illustrate customs and cultural traditions to young readers. Certainly will appeal to young dancers, but adults might also learn a thing or two.

[P.S. Winn]

This is just a fun, happy book that I think children will love, especially the future dancers of the world. You don't have to dance to enjoy the rhythm of the world and enjoy life, but I think it helps. The author takes readers on a fun adventure explaining the different types of dances with fun rhymes and cute illustrations that will keep little ones happy to be reading. Love of reading and learning is what makes a children's book amazing and the author does that in so many ways.

[Kristi]

Which dance to choose

Love how the different types of dances are listed throughout the story. Very cute way to teach kids about the large variety of dance styles.

I can't decide what my opinion is about the illustrations. I'm not a big fan of the style at times, but then I think it is so cute and works really well.

[Lisa Swanson]

It has a nice rhythm, this book.

We liked the rhythm and rhyming, it was a fun read. The art was also gentle and light. It makes a great anytime book.

[Lynn]

A delightfully colorful, rhyming, illustrated children's book showing how dancing can not only make people smile but made their hearts happy!

[Adrianna]

Multicultural book: My first impression on the book was a girly book talking about dancing. What caught my eye was the bright pink cover and the title of the book that related to me because i have a friend named Alison when I was younger that danced. This book is a self traditional literature.

The artistic style of the book was a little bit of cartoon art because of the emotion and movement and also realism because of the faithful attention to lifelike detail. The colors inside the book were lots of pink and girly colors. The texture and the font was kiddish font and bold.

[Chad Rexin]

Good nighttime book for young girls

This is a good rhyming book in the style of Dr. Seuss, but not as whimsical. Lots of rhymes with Allison Rose. Didn't know there were so many kinds of dances. Lots of good illustrations to go along with the story as well.