What do you think?
Rate this book
An Andy & Sandy Book
Andy & Sandy and the Big Talent Show
Andy and Sandy hit the stage in this fourth book of an easy-to-read picture book series about friendship—from Caldecott and Newbery Honoree Tomie dePaola and Emmy Award–winning writer for the Muppets Jim Lewis.
Outgoing Sandy convinces shy Andy to do a dance at the big talent show. The only problem? Andy doesn’t know how to dance! Luckily, Sandy is a good teacher. But when showtime finally arrives, it’s Sandy who freezes up! A true friend through and through, Andy overcomes his shyness to save the performance. Let’s give a standing ovation to friendship!
Written in simple words and short, declarative sentences, this book is perfect for little ones just learning to read on their own.
Outgoing Sandy convinces shy Andy to do a dance at the big talent show. The only problem? Andy doesn’t know how to dance! Luckily, Sandy is a good teacher. But when showtime finally arrives, it’s Sandy who freezes up! A true friend through and through, Andy overcomes his shyness to save the performance. Let’s give a standing ovation to friendship!
Written in simple words and short, declarative sentences, this book is perfect for little ones just learning to read on their own.
32 pages, Paperback
Published April 9, 2019
About the author
Tomie dePaola
447 books919 followersTomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) was best known for his books for children.
He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.
Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.
He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.
Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 7, 2017
Andy and Sandy are preparing for their talent show. Trouble is, Andy does not seem to have a talent that he can exhibit. When Sandy suggests dancing, he does not seem all that sure, but with a little practice, things might work out. By the night of the show, Andy is ready to show off all he can do, suprising everyone with his abilities. Neo wants to find a talent that he can show off soon... though I find him very talented already.
June 15, 2017
I was happy and surprised to see a new Tomie dePaola book on the shelf at the library yesterday. I didn't know anything about the "Andy and Sandy" series prior to this happenstance discovery.
It is definitely a book intended for very early readers. There aren't many words in it, and the illustrations tell a lot of the story. The basic plot line is that Sandy wants for her and Andy to enter the school talent show. Andy is hesitant, because he doesn't know what he is talented at. They finally decide that dancing will be their talent. However, when showtime hits, Sandy surprisingly experiences stage fright. It is up to Andy to keep the act going.
Although it is a simple story, I think students who are just entering the world of independent reading (pre-K, Kindergarten, and early first grade) would enjoy it. I, myself, love Mr. dePaola's artistic talent, which did not disappoint in this book. In fact, half of the story is wordless.
It is definitely a book intended for very early readers. There aren't many words in it, and the illustrations tell a lot of the story. The basic plot line is that Sandy wants for her and Andy to enter the school talent show. Andy is hesitant, because he doesn't know what he is talented at. They finally decide that dancing will be their talent. However, when showtime hits, Sandy surprisingly experiences stage fright. It is up to Andy to keep the act going.
Although it is a simple story, I think students who are just entering the world of independent reading (pre-K, Kindergarten, and early first grade) would enjoy it. I, myself, love Mr. dePaola's artistic talent, which did not disappoint in this book. In fact, half of the story is wordless.
January 24, 2024
In my view, Tomie dePaola is a master of the picturebook art form. I'm delighted to see his work now available as an easy reader challenge.
I'm so delighted with the simplicity of the words here especially when coupled with Tomie's gracefully expressive drawings.
The Big Performance of Andy and Sandy is so kid-like, one might forget what it takes for an adult to create that illusion.
FIVE STARS of admiration, as usual, for any book by the great Tomie dePaola.
I'm so delighted with the simplicity of the words here especially when coupled with Tomie's gracefully expressive drawings.
The Big Performance of Andy and Sandy is so kid-like, one might forget what it takes for an adult to create that illusion.
FIVE STARS of admiration, as usual, for any book by the great Tomie dePaola.
August 8, 2017
I was not impressed - hopefully the rest of the series is more engaging? If I had been presented with this "plot" when I was at the reading level/vocabulary the book uses, I would have been a little upset and felt like I'd worked hard for nothing. If feels like a read-aloud to a toddler. Just my two-cents.
Reading Level: 1st - 3rd grades
Cleanliness: children dance
Reading Level: 1st - 3rd grades
Cleanliness: children dance
May 29, 2022
A slight improvement over the first book. Sandy tries to help Andy, but Andy ends up being the one to help Sandy once they are onstage and Sandy gets stage fright. Andy’s skin tone is inconsistent throughout which is confusing.
December 31, 2024
Sandy encourages Andy to join her in an act for a talent show, but then she gets stage fright and Andy helps her work through it. A lovely easy reader with great illustrations in dePaola's signature style.
August 1, 2017
Andy & Sandy fans, and beginning readers will enjoy this simple story in simple text. Great for reading just before a talent show!
December 31, 2017
12/24/2017 ~~ We each have our strengths; sometimes we discover our good ideas are harder to execute than we thought. Friends are important and can help us grow.
June 6, 2018
Simple and fun text and pictures perfect for an early reader!
December 2, 2018
Dry good for first books with early readers. Simple sentences!
April 1, 2020
Quick Read
Started with this to introduce my daughter to dePaola...it was a little too slow for her...I'm not giving up though!
Started with this to introduce my daughter to dePaola...it was a little too slow for her...I'm not giving up though!
June 25, 2022
I’m sorry, but there is no way they would’ve won if sandy was just standing there… even my 5 year old pointed this out. That’s just setting your kids up for failure.
April 26, 2017
Slight story - wordless pages.
From advanced reader copy.
From advanced reader copy.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews