This Is It [Hardcover]

Daria Peoples-Riley’s debut picture book is a celebration of individuality, self-expression, and dance. Fans of Misty Copeland’sFirebirdand Matt de la Peña’sLast Stop on Market Streetwill want to read it over and over again.

When a young dancer is nervous about her upcoming auditions, her shadow springs to life and leads her on a joyous exploration of their city. Soon enough, the young girl finds confidence in her skills, her body, and her ability to shine.

With an energetic, rhythmic text that begs to be read aloud and striking, exuberant artwork,This Is Itis a love story to originality and the simple joy of movement.

The future is in your footsteps.

Freedom is in your feet.

Put one foot in front of the other,

and greet your destiny.

Today is the day.

Stand up tall.

Point your toes.

Take a deep breath.

And . . . DANCE.

“A joyful celebration of dance that also reminds readers that doing something well requires hard work. ...The book opens and closes with the same advice, which is true for all endeavors: “Stand up tall, arch your back, hold your head high.” Pair with Misty Copeland’s Firebird.” -Booklist

“[A] delightful tale. ...this story showcases [dance’s] ability to instill grace and poise in the protagonist while also helping her to discover inner strength and resilience. A beautiful tribute to the power of dance that is a must-read for younger aspiring ballerinas.” -Kirkus Reviews

“Peoples-Riley’s free-verse narrative has the force and drive of spoken-word poetry and echoes the energy of her stylized and graceful mixed-media art, which casts the girl as a star, even if she doesn’t know it.” -Publishers Weekly

“A spunky, endearingly gawky girl leaps across tlM