Reviewed by Kristine Zimmerman for Readers' Favorite

Floyd loves to dance! Floyd just happens to be a flamingo. In Floyd the Flamingo Likes to Flamenco by Rachelle Jones Smith, he dances by himself and is quite content. His parents encourage him to join the other flamingos and he willingly complies. The other flamingos invite him to participate in their games, but he just watches. He goes back to his parents and asks to venture a little farther away to an inviting open space. They allow him to go and he proceeds to do what he loves - dance. The other flamingos notice what he is doing and come to watch. They then ask to join in, and Floyd welcomes them to the dance.

Fantastic, fashionable, and fleet-footed are all words that describe Floyd the flamingo. Rachelle Jones Smith has created a self-confident and stylish character in Floyd, the flamingo who likes to flamenco. I love that he has a passion for dance and pursues it wholeheartedly. What a worthwhile message about pursuing your interests and sharing your love for them with others. Kids will be excited to dance along as Floyd twirls and taps his feet to the music of the flamenco. It will also provide them with the encouragement to enjoy their passions, whatever they may be. Not only is this a great story to read aloud but because of the controlled vocabulary, it will be an enticing early reader especially for kids who love to move. Jesse Keen's bright and colorful illustrations bring Floyd and his dancing to life. Bravo, Floyd, keep on dancing!