HAPPY FEET
Illustrated by E.B. Lewis
Available signed by author
Click here to purchase an autographed copy of this book.

National Council for the Social Studies and Children's Book Council Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People 2006

2006 Paterson Prize for Books for Young People Finalist

On March 12, 1926, the doors of the Savoy Ballroom swung open in Harlem. It was a night to remember, when blacks and whites, rich and poor, all came together to dance! This inspiring story of the world-famous dancing palace and home of the Lindy Hoppers is told from a father to his son, Happy Feet. It's Happy Feet's favorite story--after all, he was born on the very night the Savoy opened. And he hopes that one day he'll make his own dancing debut at the legendary ballroom… because with a lot of hard work and a little Savoy magic, anything is possible.

"The story captures the mood and language of Harlem in the '20s and '30s. This charming, brief tale makes a dramatic read-aloud introduction to swing and the Savoy."
-School Library Journal

"For more than three decades, 'all of Harlem togged out in their finest threads' to swing at the Savoy. Richard Michelson captures the Savoy's opening night, on March 12, 1926, through stories told by a father to his son. Young readers ...will delight in playful slang like 'hep cats' and 'jelly on the cuff' (meaning 'no charge')."
-New York Times Book Review (Sunday Feb 13, 2006).

"If you want your kids to care about dance, let them read this book.Michelson's story of a father and son who love swing, captures the language and excitement of Harlem during the glory days of the Savoy Ballroom."
-Frankie Musclehead Manning ("The King of Swing")

From Cold Feet to Happy Feet, an essay in Publisher's Weekly.

Click here to see photos from the reception on December 3rd, 2005 at R. Michelson Galleries in Northampton.

Click here to read Opening Party Press Release.

 

 

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