A simple book that tells the story of a boy who wants to learn how to dance. A great example of how children of color can be the main characters without the storyline being centered on their culture, they are simply just the main character. ( )

Simonie loved reading and he loved dancing. When he saw an announcement for the annual Christmas Jigging Dance Contest, the young Inuit boy was excited to participate, practicing with his friends Dana and David. But then he began to worry that he wouldn't do a good job on the night of the contest itself. Fortunately, his anaana and ataata (mother and father) were there to reassure him, and to guide him in the right way: to feel the music, and dance accordingly...

As someone who looks for new Christmas stories every holiday season, and who also greatly admires the entire children's catalogue of Inhabit Media, an Inuit-owned publisher based in Nunavut, whose titles feature Inuit lore and culture, I was quite excited to find Simonie and the Dance Contest at my public library this past weekend. The story is sweet and heartwarming, featuring one of the ways that one Inuit community celebrates Christmas, and highlighting the idea that enjoyment and feeling are the important parts of dance, especially community dance. The artwork is cute, although a little too cartoon-like for my taste. Recommended to anyone seeking Christmas stories with an Inuit background, or children's tales about dancing and performance. ( )