Freya, Fynn, and the Fantastic Flute is a children’s picture book by Once Upon a Dance and part of the Dance-It-Out Creative Movement Story for Young Movers series. Like the others, this tells a story that is used as a vehicle to prompt children to recreate dance moves depicted in the book. Freya and Fynn are visiting an aunt at her cottage. Aunt Gail is somewhat elderly but her life as a creative is reinvented in the evenings, where the children have been told of the comings and goings of fantastical things of the night. When Aunt Gail slips off to sleep, a dream sequence comes into play and a magical flute brings forth a whole host of zombies, bats, and otherworldly creatures. Except it is not a dream. Fynn awakens to find them in the attic where he remains until morning. When the smell of breakfast makes Fynn eager to leave the attic, the others are reluctant to let him leave and it is up to Freya to help him out.

What makes Once Upon a Dance’s books so unique is that each page is accompanied by a photo of a woman guiding readers in the motions of dance that reflect the details of the story itself. For example, when Aunt Gail puts out a fire that they’re enjoying, we are provided with instructions on how to dance like the flame. Between the photography and the instructions, the dance moves in Freya, Fynn, and the Fantastic Flute become pretty easy to follow. For us, this is a book better suited to the day for a couple of reasons. The first reason is that the dancing will inevitably lead to heaps of giggles and an adrenaline rush that may prove too much to get the kids into bed easily. The second is that the story and its original artwork, which is absolutely gorgeous and has a jewel-toned palette, are so well depicted that for young readers it can be slightly scary. The giggles definitely help diminish this and, overall, this is a book my littlest littles really enjoyed.

What can go wrong when a nephew and niece go on vacation to their aunt's creepy cottage? Rumor has it that scary creatures live in the attic, and music is often heard from up there. Fynn, in particular, wants to know the truth, and one night he ventures into the attic to shed light on the mystery. What will he find? By reading Freya, Fynn, and the Fantastic Flute by Once Upon a Dance, you will find the answer to the question and solve the mystery with Freya and Fynn. In addition, you will learn to dance with Ballerina Konora, who will teach you the movements that express the story. Are you ready to read and have fun?

There are many illustrated books for children, but I have not come across a book that tells a story, has beautiful pictures, and even adds dance moves for young readers to try. This is the first feature of Freya, Fynn, and the Fantastic Flute that catches the eye (each page has these three elements), and it is something that I find inspiring, educational, and innovative. Once Upon a Dance's book is perfect for introducing kids to both reading and dancing. The movements are great exercises, especially considering the sedentary lifestyle of many children. Furthermore, the story of Freya and Fynn has a magical charm that invites you to fantasize. It is fun to follow the two children on their adventure in the attic. I never imagined finding a book like Freya, Fynn, and the Fantastic Flute. I highly recommend it for its unique features.