Dance, Nana, Dance / Baila, Nana, baila

* "These 13 bilingual folktales introduce readers to Cuban classics, which are, in turn, heavily influenced by Spanish, African, and Caribbean cultures. The entertaining collection present readers with a variety of colorful characters. . . A great acquisition for upper elementary and middle school libraries, and an excellent resource for storytellers."

"Hayes has a well-deserved reputation for classy, catchy retellings of Latino stories, predominately those from the desert Southwest of the United States. This collection takes him farther afield but maintains the quality of narrative and the characteristic 'tellability' that readers and storytellers have come to expect of him. . . Throughout, the tellings are clear and amusing, equally well adapted for reading or for listening."

"Known for Mexican and Mexican-American stories, Hayes reaches beyond his usual borders and finds a strong new source of tales in Cuba. Thirteen stories are told on opposite pages in English and Spanish, ready to read aloud or to be tucked into storytellers' repertoires. They are lively, often funny and sometimes a bit scary. . . Eminently tellable, all the stories have refrains and songs sure to get audiences joining in."

"Folklore fans will find many of the stories' elements familiar: tricksters abound, characters both good and bad receive their just rewards, and families are happily reunited. Elements more specific to Cuban culture are also present, as in the stories that feature the Orishas, the holy ones of the Afro-Cuban religion Santería. The accessibility of Hayes' vivid but streamlined language coupled with rock-solid structure of the stories themselves (replete with the repetition and building of tension that tellers and listeners rely on) make this accessible both to young readers and to storytellers and other adult readers-aloud."

"Hayes has captured the essence and diversity of Cuba. Creation myths, legends and Pataki comprise this fascinating folktale anthology. Sayago's illustrations are a visual feast adding to the cultural details. . . . Perfect for teaching bilingual students or units on world myths in the classroom."