From School Library Journal
K-Gr 2—"At night when you are sleeping/there's a party in your house." And of course that party is an amazing fruit dance off! The lemon break-dances, the banana spins records, and the grapes start a conga line. But this title isn't meant to be read so much as it's supposed to be sung! The beginning of the book lists a website that offers an animated video of all of the characters and the actual melody to the song, which gives off a hilarious early 1980s hip-hop vibe. Much like the early "Pete the Cat" series or the new Eric Litwin books, this volume works even better when paired with the actual music, and readers can easily follow along to the beat. But the melody and lyrics of "Kitchen Disco" are slightly more complex; kids and adults will still be jumping and dancing around in excitement, but they will have difficulty singing along in a storytime setting. A creative storyteller will be able to come up with ways to incorporate the audience, but the author doesn't leave clear moments for participation, which feels like a missed opportunity. The illustrations are simplistic, and sharp, fat lining and blinding color add to the wild atmosphere and experience. VERDICT A fun and funky addition guaranteed to get storytime kids moving.—Peter Blenski, Greenfield Public Library, WI
Review
"Absurdly catchy account of what the fruit gets up to when the household sleeps, complete with blaring, psychedelic illustrations." - Metro
"A party season essential" - The Times, UK
"Foges' rhyming text includes several cute puns, and Murphy's heavily outlined, colorful illustrations are busy and bright. Sound effects and dialogue in speech bubbles ("Uh-oh…" / "Busted!") add to the fun.... Cute and catchy."
―Kirkus Reviews
"As soon as the lights go out and everything’s quiet, it’s party time in the fruit bowl (“It’s called the kitchen disco / and everyone’s invited / so move your hips / shake your pips / and let’s get all excited!”). Out spill the lemons and the mangoes, the tangerines, the grapes, and all the rest to―in Murphy’s big, bright cartoon pictures―shake their booties and show off their other moves. Foges’ block-lettered lyrics crank up the rhythm, and it’s all such a blast that there’s barely a stutter when the kitchen door swings open and in sashay two youngsters. With a page turn, foil stars and a disco ball appear, sending the glittering gala to new heights. Come sunrise, it’s back to the fruit bowl for a recuperative snooze. A juicy invitation to 'Shake it like a mango / party like a pear / wiggle like an apple, / HEY! / and dance like you don’t care.'” ― John Peters, Booklist
"This exquisite book is an instant classic. Filled to the brim with great characters, brought to life with just a few lines of text, and perfectly matched with hilarious, colourful illustrations that are bursting with life. Each page brings a smile to your face and the repetitive chorus will ensure even small children will be able to join in the sing-a-long fun. Highly recommended, this is one of the finest and funniest young children's books in years."
―Booktrust, the largest reading charity in the UK
About the Author
This is Clare Foges's first book. When she's not writing about dancing fruit, she works as Speechwriter to the Prime Minister. Al Murphy is a versatile illustrator whose work has appeared in newspapers, advertising and apps, and now children's books. He has lived in London, Berlin and New York.
