Rap a Tap Tap: Here's Bojangles - Think of That!

by Leo Dillon, Diane Dillon

The rhythm of Bill Bojangles Robinson’s legendary career comes to life, tracing his path from minstrel shows to the bright lights of Broadway and Hollywood.

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About This Book

Reach for this book when you want to channel a child's high energy into a celebration of rhythm, history, and perseverance. It is the perfect choice for a morning when your little one can't stop moving or when you want to introduce an influential Black historical figure through joy rather than struggle. The book follows the legendary Bill Bojangles Robinson through the streets of Harlem, where his signature rap-a-tap-tap sound brings smiles to everyone he meets. Through simple, rhythmic verse and stunning illustrations, the story highlights how one person's creative gift can light up a community and leave a lasting legacy. It is an ideal entry point for children ages 3 to 7 to discuss how art and movement serve as powerful forms of self-expression and cultural pride.

Joy & Gratitude Celebrating Heritage Dance African American Heritage Creativity & Imagination Music Pride & Accomplishment Discovering a Talent

What Parents Should Know

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The book is a rhythmic, poetic biography of Bill Bojangles Robinson. It follows him as he dances through various urban scenes, interacting with people from all walks of life. Each page ends with the infectious refrain: Rap a tap tap, think of that! SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book is purely secular and celebratory. While it takes place in a historical period of segregation, the book focuses on Robinson's agency, talent, and the joy he broadcasted. Any discussion of the systemic challenges he faced is left to the parent to introduce, as the text remains focused on his art and positive impact. EMOTIONAL ARC: The emotional experience is consistently upbeat and rhythmic. It starts with an introduction to his movement and builds a sense of community belonging, ending on a note of legacy and remembrance. IDEAL READER: A high-energy preschooler who uses their body to communicate, or a first grader beginning to learn about the Harlem Renaissance and its historical figures. PARENT TRIGGER: This is a great choice for a parent who wants to share stories of historical figures and their contributions. PARENT PREP: The book can be read cold. Parents may want to look up a short video of Bill Robinson dancing to show the child after the reading to bridge the art with reality. AGE EXPERIENCE: Toddlers will respond to the onomatopoeia and the rhythm of the language. Older children will notice the details in the Dillon's sophisticated artwork, such as the historical fashion. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many biographies that focus on a chronological list of facts, this book uses the sensory experience of sound and motion to make a historical figure feel immediate and alive to a very young audience.