Early readers · ages 4–7

Our Dance

For the child who now has two homes.

Our Dance — written and illustrated by Circle Yuen (Graffeg). Ages 4–8.

A girl who loves to dance with both parents. They separate; she sees her dad at weekends at a contact centre. The book doesn't pretend that's fine, and it doesn't resolve it — she arrives at the idea that she now has two dances.

Circle Yuen's artwork has a rawness a tidier style would have ruined.

The catch — it's a specific book for a specific moment. A family it doesn't apply to may find it flat. A family it does may find it necessary.

Shortlisted for the Klaus Flugge Prize. Winner announced 9 September.

Get the full guide: The Picture Book Years →

Cover: Our Dance · written and illustrated by Circle Yuen · Graffeg