Ackerman , K. (2003). Song and dance man . New York : Dragonfly Books.
 

This colorful, exciting book written by Ackerman was illustrated by Stephen Gammell. Song and dance man is a fun book about a grandfather who shares his memories of his days performing on the vaudeville stage with his grandchildren. The illustrations are life like and show the inside of a house that has details that help show the time period in which the book was set. The floor model television and dated furniture tell the reader that the house probably belongs to the grandfather. The illustrator shades the pictures with what looks like colored pencils. This creates a child like atmosphere that helps sell the mood that the author creates by having the grand father take the children upstairs in to the attic to reminisce about the good old days. The grandfather's trunk is filled with hats and clothing. They all play dress up together and the grandfather seems to have a flashback in time. He sets the scene by shading the lamps and puts on his tap shoes to perform the best show of his career. The author's description allows the reader to almost hear the song and dance man as he performs. Although the characters are just in the attic, the illustrations and splatter of colors that surround the grandfather as he performs make it seem like he is at a celebration. If the reader isn't already smiling from ear to ear the grandfather begins to perform magic tricks for his grandchildren. I love the part where the kids laugh so hard that they start to have hiccups. The song and dance man isn't finished though. He moves, glides, shuffles, and spins. When he finishes the grandchildren clap and run to embrace him. This book makes you want to go to your own grandfather's house and spend some time talking about the past. 
The illustrator does an excellent job of making the attic and performance turn into something bigger and brighter than just a drab attic. The use of double spread also assist with making the performance bigger than life. The kids dance and move along to the song and dance man's rhythm. This Caldecott honor book would be a great read for any young reader. I think it will have the same affect as a movie about dancing. It will make everyone want to stand up and tap their shoes against the hard floor. When the grandfather glances back up the stairs to the attic, the reader feels the nostalgia that the grandfather embodies. 

Big Idea Question: Why do you think the song and dance man looks back up the stairs to the attic? 
How do you think the song and dance man feels when he is dancing?