Close Modal

This Is Jazz

And Other Modern Dances

Illustrated by Chris Park
Board Book
$8.99 US
6-3/4"W x 6-3/4"H | 5 oz | 36 per carton
On sale Jun 09, 2026 | 24 Pages | 9780593754207
Age 1-3 years | Up to Preschool

A joyful and inclusive introduction to jazz dance and other modern dances by world-renowned early childhood educator and performer Dr. Rekha S. Rajan.

Can anyone be a modern dancer? Yes! From tap dance to swing, this board book celebrates the expressive, energetic world of jazz and modern dance. Young readers are introduced to a variety of styles from around the world and encouraged to dance freely, however and wherever they choose. Whether twirling alone or grooving with friends, kids will be inspired to move their bodies with joy, confidence, and creativity.
Dr. Rekha S. Rajan (she/her) is a musical theater and operatic performer, early childhood educator, professor, and author of a number of publications on the arts in education. She is the recipient of several grants, including a two-year research grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, has performed in a variety of venues, including Carnegie Hall and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and sits on various statewide curriculum boards. Rekha specializes in introducing children to the arts. Her debut children’s book, AMAZING LANDMARKS (Scholastic, 2022), is a STEAM compendium of the stories behind how and why 10 iconic landmarks were built. Her parenting book THE READ ALOUD FACTOR (Chicago Review Press, 2022) will provide a modern, inclusive approach to establishing read-aloud routines for busy families, featuring diverse reading lists, using music, working around technology, and addressing multilingual dynamics. Rekha’s work consistently draws from her professional expertise as an educator and performer, her South Asian heritage, and her abiding love of music. Rekha sings everyday with her husband and three children and when she’s not writing, she is playing the djembe, mridangam, trumpet, ukulele, and piano.  View titles by Rekha S. Rajan
Chris Park has been a professional illustrator for over twelve years. Some of his previous clients include TBS, Team Coco, Rolling Stone, American Greetings Co., Cloudco Entertainment, Pro Publica, Sleeping Bear Press, Usborne Publishing, and Lightspeed Magazine. He coauthored and illustrated his debut picture book, Little Sock, with his wife Kia. Chris lives in Minnesota with his wife and two sons. View titles by Chris Park

About

A joyful and inclusive introduction to jazz dance and other modern dances by world-renowned early childhood educator and performer Dr. Rekha S. Rajan.

Can anyone be a modern dancer? Yes! From tap dance to swing, this board book celebrates the expressive, energetic world of jazz and modern dance. Young readers are introduced to a variety of styles from around the world and encouraged to dance freely, however and wherever they choose. Whether twirling alone or grooving with friends, kids will be inspired to move their bodies with joy, confidence, and creativity.

Author

Dr. Rekha S. Rajan (she/her) is a musical theater and operatic performer, early childhood educator, professor, and author of a number of publications on the arts in education. She is the recipient of several grants, including a two-year research grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, has performed in a variety of venues, including Carnegie Hall and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and sits on various statewide curriculum boards. Rekha specializes in introducing children to the arts. Her debut children’s book, AMAZING LANDMARKS (Scholastic, 2022), is a STEAM compendium of the stories behind how and why 10 iconic landmarks were built. Her parenting book THE READ ALOUD FACTOR (Chicago Review Press, 2022) will provide a modern, inclusive approach to establishing read-aloud routines for busy families, featuring diverse reading lists, using music, working around technology, and addressing multilingual dynamics. Rekha’s work consistently draws from her professional expertise as an educator and performer, her South Asian heritage, and her abiding love of music. Rekha sings everyday with her husband and three children and when she’s not writing, she is playing the djembe, mridangam, trumpet, ukulele, and piano.  View titles by Rekha S. Rajan
Chris Park has been a professional illustrator for over twelve years. Some of his previous clients include TBS, Team Coco, Rolling Stone, American Greetings Co., Cloudco Entertainment, Pro Publica, Sleeping Bear Press, Usborne Publishing, and Lightspeed Magazine. He coauthored and illustrated his debut picture book, Little Sock, with his wife Kia. Chris lives in Minnesota with his wife and two sons. View titles by Chris Park