Fritz Danced The Fandango

by Alicia Potter, Ethan Long (Illustrator)

A fresh, funny ode to friendship and individuality, written by exciting new author Alicia Potter and illustrated by bestselling author-illustrator of TICKLE THE DUCK Ethan Long.

Fritz is just like every other mountain goat, except for one small He likes to dance the fandango.
Unfortunately, Fritz finds himself the object of ridicule among the other goats, so he sets out to find a herd that will accept him. Along the way, he meets a yodeling sheep named Liesl and a glockenspiel-playing dog named Gerhard, both of whom are also looking for their places in the world. While Fritz never finds any other dancing mountain goats, he does find true friends (and willing dance partners) in Liesl and Gerhard.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Music, Storytime

40 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2009

About the author

Alicia Potter is the author of Fritz Danced the Fandango, illustrated by Ethan Long, and Mrs. Harkness and the Panda, illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Alicia Potter lives in Boston.

Reviews

[Audrey Laurey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fritz sighed. "Will I ever find my herd? Am I destined to dance alone?" His hooves felt heavy. Like they'd lost their clip. And their clop.

An inspirational kids book about fitting in and finding your tribe. A-dorable.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable story about a goat and his unique talent. I saw it as a cross between Ice Age and Happy Feet but with a refreshing take. I read it to my kids and they really enjoyed it. It's for the smaller bunch but it does deal with a little goat who is a social misfit AND is proud of his gift. The unique setting in Germany introduces kids to new words and concepts (alps, glockenspiel, ewe, heather).

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about how to find your herd. Or at least find friends with affinities. I was sure there was a missing bit in the middle, though, as it seemed Fritz & sidekicks gave up pretty early.

Beware stories like this, though. This particular one doesn't relegate the sidekicks to only that status the whole book. But too many are only about the protagonist, and every supporting character is just and only that: supporting. Remind your kids that everyone has their own story....

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about finding your place int he world. If only it were always this easy! lol The story was cute enough, but I didn't care for the illustrations. At all. Just not my style preference, I guess.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A got that loves to dance, a ewe that like to yodel, and a dog that plays a glockenspiel find out that a heard is what you make it, not always what you are born to think. This story was fun, and with new fun to say words for little readers like glockenspiel.

[Misbah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fritz loves to dance the fandango and he leaves his herd when they make fun of him for it. He goes out and soon makes his own herd of fandango dancing goats.

Sweet message in this one.

[Alicia Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fritz is bullied for his passion of dance so he goes off to find other like-minded goats, meeting friends along the way. While the book is one about finding your true family and I enjoyed it, I'm not sure how often I would reread it personally. It does have a hopeful message that many kids will appreciate. It would especially be good for kids who are getting bullied themselves or kids who are in a family that isn't their biological family.

For: readers wanting a book about fitting in or choosing your own families.

Possible red flags: bullying; loneliness.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dig this dancing goat! Alicia Potter hits just the right picture book notes with this story of a talented and unappreciated goat who goes off to find a dancing herd. I like the language: "The trio made quite a ruckus on the buttercuppy hills." Yay for those who dance to the beat of their own glockenspiel!

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny book would make an awesome read aloud. Especially if you are looking for a fun way to add new vocabulary. This could really meet an Early Literacy vocabulary skill. Funny and fun. Great for kids with musical intelligence. Ages 3+

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. PreK-Grade 1. Fun, fun book about Fritz the dancing misfit mountain goat. After leaving his herd, Fritz befriends Leila the sheep, and Gerhard the dog, who each have their own particular talents. Will they ever find a herd that can fandango?
Great read-aloud.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can see this as a short puppet show...

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very cute story about finding your place in life, and how to be a good friend.

[Ashlyn Barker-Salyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a dancing goat trying to find a pack where he fits in. I'm sure students would relate to this story and enjoy the humor of it too. Good book, but not exceptional.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set in Germany using animals as the characters. This would be. Good
Book to help children learn new vocabulary because it uses high frequency words. It also des with friendship.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

The dancing goat had to leave it's heard to find others for acceptance and likemidedness.

[Jennifer Heise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and funny, based on the perennial advice that it's ok to be yourself with other people who enjoy being themselves with you.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read by Alex Kingston (aka River Song)

[Bookjeannnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I laugh out loud upon first seeing a book, I know I'm probably going to love it!! And this one didn't disappoint!!

[IfCatsCouldRead · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice story telling the tale of a lonely goat that just wants to belong as himself. After searching and searching for a herd that fits him, he finds it in an unlikely place.
This book gives children the idea that being different is a good thing. Teasing hurts. And you can find a family with good friends.