Caldecott Medal Winner

Song and Dance Man

by Stephen Gammell

Summary

Three grandchildren climb to the attic where their grandfather pulls out his old hat, cane, and tap shoes to recreate his glory days on the vaudeville stage. His shuffling routine, jokes, and soft shoe steps bring the lost world of variety theater alive for a new generation. Gammell's loose, energetic colored pencil drawings burst with motion and sparkle, and the warm story celebrates memory, family, and the joy of performance.

Historical Context & Significance

The text was written by Karen Ackerman, and the book honors the vanished tradition of American vaudeville.