The Day Dancer Flew: Inspired by a True Story

Tiffany Stone’s picture book, The Day Dancer Flew, is the story of a young girl whose family is forced to leave their home due to severe flooding. When they are evacuated, the girl has to leave her horse, Dancer, but she never gives up trying to find a way to save him. With the help of some wonderful people, Dancer is airlifted to safety and reunited with his family.

Stone’s bio identifies her as a poet first, and that fact is immediately evident in the way this book is written. There is a beautiful flow and rhythm to her words, making The Day Dancer Flew ideal for reading aloud. If pressed, I would say the target audience for this book would be primary (K-3, perhaps); however, when I first received it, my grade 8 Language Arts class was working on adding imagery and other literary devices to their writing, and this title proved to be a perfect read aloud for them as well!

While the story, itself, is based on events that took place in the Pacific Northwest, I appreciate that the main character and locations are left nameless. Being able to place the story anywhere makes it easier for readers to connect to the idea that there are always helpers, and that some people will do selfless things to help others. The story also illustrates the importance of not giving up in the face of adversity as the narrator and her family persist in finding a solution and saving Dancer.

The illustrations by Brittany Lane are stunning, soft, and ethereal. I love the choice of watercolours and chalk, especially given the events of the story. The picture of Dancer being left behind was heartbreaking, and the reunion between the narrator and Dancer made me tear up. That said, it was actually the landscape images that were used in the front and back covers that I loved the most. These wouldn’t be out of place framed on my walls!