Lulu the Unstoppable Dancing Dog

by Marie Dimitrova

Overview

They say dogs can't dance . . . but nothing will stop Lulu!

Lulu is a happy little pug who lives in New York City with her family, Belle and Doug. They spend their time exploring the bustling city and going on adventures together. When Belle and Doug attend dance classes, Lulu sees them waltzing and tries to join in on the fun, but she trips over her own feet and falls. Lulu is embarrassed but determined. 

Lulu wants to waltz more than anything. Will she be able to concentrate on practicing or will she get distracted and not learn the proper techniques? Can dogs learn to dance? 

Lulu the Unstoppable Dancing Dog is a fun and lighthearted children's book with a subtle but powerful underlying message that practice makes perfect and that with hard work and determination you can do anything you set your mind to.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781626347717
Publisher:	Greenleaf Book Group Press
Publication date:	11/30/2021
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	11.00(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)
Age Range:	3 - 6 Years

About the Author

Marie Dimitrova has always felt a strong connection with animals, and they have served as the inspiration for her whimsical children's books. She loves all animals but especially Lulu, who is a devoted writing companion. Marie and her husband were surprised when, one day, Lulu ran across the dance floor during one of their dance lessons, jumping on their legs, trying to dance with them. They picked her up and waltzed with her across the room. Now, Lulu considers herself an active member of the dance community in New York City, where they live. Lulu the Unstoppable Dancing Dog is based on this funny, affectionate pug whom Marie cares for so much. See more photos of the real Lulu on Marie's website www.mariedimitrova.com.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Marie Dimitrova is the very model of a brilliant children’s author, taking an important lesson about life and wrapping it in a very funny and absurd story that makes it easy for young readers to access without ever detracting from the moral at the center. Lulu the Unstoppable Dancing Dog is a must-have for you and the young reader in your life to enjoy together, to talk about afterward, and, most importantly, to remind them of when life’s challenges get them down."
— Readers' Favorite

Editorial Reviews

11/01/2021

PreS-Gr 2—Lulu the pug dog lives in New York City with her owners, Belle and Doug. They enjoy walks, going to museums, and especially eating at Joey's Pizza. Lulu accompanies Belle and Doug to their dance lessons, and decides that she, too, wants to learn to waltz. Though the stern dance instructor says, "Dogs can't dance!" Lulu's chance encounter with Stu, another pug dog, leads her to the Underground Dog Dance Academy. There she learns to waltz as gracefully as her human companions, leading to the first doggy win of a dance competition. The majority of the characters, including Lulu, are depicted as white. What promises to be a fun activity—finding hidden dog bones scattered throughout the illustrations—turns into a mostly futile hunt. Despite wooden-looking humans, the illustrations of dancing dogs are fun. Back matter includes a "How to draw Lulu" spread. VERDICT This is only for the most rabid of pug fans; others will do better with Aaron Blabey's "Pig the Pug" series.—Sue Morgan, Hillsborough City S. D., CA

School Library Journal

2021-08-18
How do you win a dance competition? The same way you get to Carnegie Hall.

Seeing her beloved human companions, “beautiful Belle” and “dashing Doug” (both are White), learning to waltz, Lulu the pug awkwardly tries to join in—only to be told by the mean teacher that dogs can’t dance. But then Stu, another pug, invites her to take lessons at the Underground Dog Dance Academy. Unfortunately, rather than going home to perfect her sashay and other moves, every day Lulu stops at a favorite restaurant for pizza…and so fails to impress at the next recital. No matter; there’s a Grand Ballroom Showcase coming up, and Lulu gets a second chance. This time willpower beats cheesy-greasy goodness (even when in mid-dance she spots a child chowing down on a slice at a nearby table), and she and Stu go on to terpsichorean triumph. Evidently not trusting her story to convey the message to young readers, Dimitrova has the apologetic dance teacher make it explicit: “I suppose I was wrong to judge so quickly. With practice and determination, anything is possible.” Caron’s illustrations, less wooden than the dialogue, pair off gracefully posed human figures (most White) and less-graceful, though elegantly clad, small dogs. Lulu is white and Stu is black…make of that what you will. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Too sketchy to really cut the rug but potentially appealing to pug (and pizza) people. (Picture book. 6-8)

Kirkus Reviews