Dinari's Dance

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Description

Dinari loved dancing and always wanted to attend Auntie's class whenever music played. His mom allowed it only after he finished his homework and chores. Dinari often procrastinated, rushing through tasks and missing lessons. Frustrated, his mom eventually barred dancing until his work was complete.

When the Festival arrived, Dinari asked to go, and his mom agreed after chores and schoolwork. This time, Dinari didn't delay; he completed all his tasks before the festival opened.

At the festival, they enjoyed jambalaya, admired crafts, and tried oils. Dinari played instruments and, hearing African drums, joined the African Dance Troupe onstage. He danced until he heard his mom calling. After the performance, he ran to her, and they agreed: chores and homework first, then he could dance freely.

Author Bio

Vikki R. Franklin began her child development career directly out of high school where at her first job, a childcare center, she was recognized as having exceptional skills in caring for children and was encouraged by a leader in the school district to continue on this path. As a result, she has garnered a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor's Degree in Business.

Ms. Franklin has dedicated over 40 years of her life to working with young children from a classroom assistant to preschool teacher to Director of a child development program for a renowned Southern California hospital where she is currently a consultant for that hospital as well as other entities.

Ms. Franklins' storytelling captures the hilarity (and wisdom) of childhood through her writing and draws on her many years of real-life experiences both with the children under her care and her parent collaboration that encourages exploration, creativity, problem-solving, and kindness.

Vikki is happy to add her voice to the emergence of African American women storytellers who have been marginalized.

Vikki is a native of Southern California. She has two sons and a grandson.