Two Family-Friendly Storytime Events Announced in Houston
This summer, families are invited to experience the joy of storytelling and dance with the launch of D is for Dance: Dancing Through the Diaspora, a vibrant new alphabet book by award-winning author and choreographer Stacey Allen, featuring illustrations by Houston artist Brynne Henry.
Through rhythmic storytelling and rich imagery, D is for Dance takes young readers on a journey across the African Diaspora—introducing them to legendary dancers, iconic styles, and cultural traditions through each letter of the alphabet.
To celebrate the book’s release, two interactive storytime events will take place in the Houston area.
These storytimes are made possible with support from The Idea Fund, Dance Source Houston, and Houston’s Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.
Local Author Storytime at Stimley-Blue Ridge Library Registration Link
Date: Monday, July 28, 2025
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Location: WIC Room, Stimley-Blue Ridge Neighborhood Library (7007 W. Fuqua St. Missouri City, TX 77459)
This event features a lively read-aloud with Stacey Allen and a fun dance activity for kids. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
IRL STORYTIME at Kindred Stories Registration Link
Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Kindred Stories (2310 Elgin St #2, Houston, TX 77004)
Join author Stacey Allen and illustrator Brynne Henry for a special reading, followed by a live dance demonstration by Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective. RSVP required to attend or to secure your copy of the book.
About the Book
D is for Dance: Dancing Through the Diaspora is a joyful celebration of African diasporic history and culture through the lens of movement. Perfect for young readers, families, educators, and dance lovers, the book uses an A-to-Z format to highlight influential dancers, cultural expressions, and timeless traditions that continue to shape the world.
About the Author
Stacey Allen is a dancemaker, curator, and founder of Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective. Her work centers Black women and girls in performance, education, and advocacy. She is the author of A Little Optimism Goes a Long Way, recipient of the 2024 Children’s Publication Award from the National Association of Multicultural Education. Stacey lives in the Houston area with her husband and three children.
More at www.niasdaughters.com | @theblackartsymom | @niasdaughters
About the Illustrator
Brynne Henry is a Houston-based mixed-media artist, researcher, and K–12 educator. A graduate of the University of North Texas, her work spans visual arts and African-American humanities. She hopes to inspire future generations to use art as a tool for storytelling and cultural preservation. Learn more at www.brynnehenry.com.
