Navya Raju Books

The Twirly Wiggly Dance invites the reader to share in the traditions associated with a Muslim wedding through the eyes of a small child called Intisar. She has been asked to be a part of a big group dance at the Walima, the final part of the wedding ceremony, a celebration party!

Intisar worries about getting the dance right, and this thread runs through the story as Intisar learns about each aspect of the celebration until the evening of the Walima, where Intisar has to decide whether to perform or watch the dance.

The story beautifully describes Muslim wedding traditions, and there is a short chapter at the end of the story which explains a little more about each tradition, relating it to the story itself.

The book would be perfect as part of a PSHE or RE topic around special times. It would also be a great resource to open up conversations around feeling worried or nervous about doing something new; Intisar overcomes her worries and inspires others to dance as a result!