It is hard growing up with a sibling who seems to have it all. That is why Lola feels inadequate compared to her older sister Clementina who is pretty, popular, and a talented painter as well. Then one day Lola finds a pair of dancing shoes in her parent's bedroom. Her father tells her that her mother was once a very gifted flamenco dancer. Lola says that she wants to learn, and he volunteers to teach her.
Lola sticks with the discipline of practice and picks up the rhythm, the stomping of the feet on the floor, and the movement of the hands. When a neighbor complains about the noise, they go to the roof to dance there. Lola and her father decide to organize a surprise birthday party for her mother. Lola will dance. But when the time draws near for her to perform she breaks down and cries. Her father tells her to dig deep inside and find "the courage to dance away your fear."
Lola's Fandango by Anna Witte is an enchanting story about searching for something that enables you to express your own passion and creativity. It is a nice touch to have her father teach her flamenco and help her understand the Spanish ideal of duende (spirit/attitude).
The attractive illustrations by Micha Archer are perfectly attuned to the story which is for children ages 4 to 8 year olds. For further learning about Spanish culture check out the notes about flamenco, the simple glossary of Spanish terms, and a CD composed, arranged, and recorded by Brian Amador.
