Dance with Oti: The Bird Jive

Slide to the right! Kick to the left! Join the class and learn the steps to the Bird Jive in this buoyant book by a winner of the top British TV dance show.

It’s time for Mrs. Oti’s class, where everyone’s about to learn a dance in ten easy steps! There are lots of children, and lots of feelings, too. Meet Fikile in her sparkly new shoes, and Naira, who is super excited to get started. Gan is a little worried about joining in, while Martin can’t wait to show his parents what he can do. Everyone’s getting into the groove (with just a few missteps) when suddenly an unexpected visitor disrupts the class—one whose fluttery movements give Mrs. Oti an idea. With a warm, upbeat text from a two-time winner of the hit British TV show Strictly Come Dancing and bright, child-friendly illustrations, this picture book debut will dance into the hands of families everywhere who love to move. As an extra treat, there’s a QR code at the end enabling readers to watch a step-by-step tutorial and listen to the “Bird Jive” song. Here we go!

Oti Mabuse is a professional dancer, choreographer, presenter, and actress known for her star quality on BBC’s hit shows Strictly Come Dancing, whose top award she won in 2019 and 2020, and Oti’s Boogie Beebies. Born in South Africa, she has been dancing since the age of four. Dance with Oti: The Bird Jive is her debut picture book. She lives in London.

Samara Hardy is a designer and the award-winning illustrator of numerous picture books. She lives in Brighton, England.