Dancing Ever After
Bellyrina
A Tutu Tale from the Belly of the Beast
Bunny leaps from the wolf’s belly with only one memory: She loves to dance. But something, or someone, is still missing…
runaway Tutus, Happy reunions, and one very Brave bunny
Review Excerpts
...This story of friendship and quick thinking is engaging on its own, but the whimsical illustrations are what bring the book to life and increase its reread value. The drawings are expressive, fluidly capturing a range of emotions and movements. Better yet, each page features an inset of the author, acting out something from the story and encouraging readers to do the same, such as hopping like a bunny or tiptoeing toward a sleeping wolf. These are fun for larger read-along events as well as for children who need to expend energy before bedtime...
...With a captivating plot, delightful illustrations and a successful frame of storytelling through motion, Bellyrina will enchant readers young and old, particularly those who love to move.
—BlueInk Reviews (STARRED REVIEW)
...There’s so much fun to be had here. The book is filled with wonderful ‘wow’ words, the artwork is superb – bright, colorful, and not computer generated at all, and the layout in terms of font, colors, etc., is top-notch. And, of course, being a Once Upon a Dance book, there’s plenty of moving and stretching accompanying the text.
I have to say, I think the books from Once Upon a Dance keep getting better and better. Although the purpose of the book is to promote dance, they seem to understand how important it is to have humor, fun characters and an interesting story for the young reader to enjoy. All in all, a fab book – not only for dancers, but for kids who LOVE a good – and very unpredictable – story. Loved it!
—The Wishing Shelf (5-Star Emblem)
BEllyrina Extension Activities
Activity Ideas / Curriculum Extension
🥄 Snack-tastic
📚 Book Basket (Resilience, Community)
📚 Book Basket (Resilience, Community)
Bunny Nibbles
Baby carrots, celery sticks, or apple slices — served in muffin cups.
Daisy Cookies
Round sugar cookies decorated with icing petals.
📚 Book Basket (Resilience, Community)
📚 Book Basket (Resilience, Community)
📚 Book Basket (Resilience, Community)
📚The Day You Begin — Jacqueline Woodson
Finding courage to connect, even when you feel different.
📚Last Stop on Market Street — Matt de la Peña
A boy and his grandmother see beauty and kindness.
📚Come With Me — Holly M. McGhee
Small acts of bravery and connection add up to community change.
🩰 Boogie, Beats & Ballet
🩰 Boogie, Beats & Ballet
🩰 Boogie, Beats & Ballet
Friendship Duets
Partner dancing — mirror your friend’s movements.
🎨 Creative Corner
🩰 Boogie, Beats & Ballet
🩰 Boogie, Beats & Ballet
Craft a Tutu Bunny or Hedgehog
Paper animal cutouts, add cupcake-liner tutus.
Daisy Crowns
Make daisy (or paper flower) headbands to wear while dancing.
Sparkle Wands
Create fairy wands with pipe cleaners, ribbon, and glitter.
🔬 STEM Exploration
🔬 STEM Exploration
🔬 STEM Exploration
Animal Adaptations
Compare rabbits vs wolves — teeth, diet, hopping vs hunting.
Force & Motion
Explore spinning with tops, coins, or pinwheels.
What helps keep balance?
Sneeze Power
Blow feathers or cotton balls through a straw or with breath.
✍️ Language Lounge
🔬 STEM Exploration
🔬 STEM Exploration
Poetry Corner
Write a poem using each letter in BUNNY, WOLF, BELLYRINA, or DANCE.
Writing Prompts
If you needed a new name, what would you call yourself?
Write a story about an animal that forgets something important (like where it left its acorns or how to dance).