Cesaria Feels the Beat

Cesaria Feels the Beat is an inspiring picture book about a deaf girl named Cesaria who prepares to perform at her seaside Carnival. She experiences music through vibrations in her bare feet, a method challenged when her dance director insists on shoes. Cesaria bravely advocates for her unique way of dancing, ultimately inspiring her fellow dancers and the community to embrace a new, more inclusive understanding of music and performance. This lyrical story beautifully explores themes of self-advocacy, empathy, and the joy of shared experience, making it perfect for children aged 4-8.

In this powerful and inspiring picture book, a deaf girl stands up for herself and takes off her shoes while dancing at her Carnival performance so she can feel the music through her bare feet. Cesaria is going to perform for the seaside Carnival. She skips past the beach barefoot, dressed in her favorite peacock leotard. But when her dance director tells her she must put on her shoes to go on stage, Cesaria signs, “Peacocks don’t wear shoes!” You see, Cesaria hears the music through the soles of her feet, but no one seems to understand... ...That is, until all the dancers take off their shoes, and learn to feel the music, just like Cesaria. Cesaria Feels the Beat is a lyrical and heartfelt story about deafness, community, and Carnival.