Parents' Guide to

Sidewalk Circus

By Dawn Friedman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 5+

Waiting kids see circus acts with imaginations.

Book Paul Fleischman Picture Book 2007
Sidewalk Circus Poster Image

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What's the Story?

Children bored waiting at the bus stop discover a circus is playing out right in front of them in their everyday world.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Veteran author Paul Fleischman joins veteran illustrator Kevin Hawkes to create a magical book rooted in realism. A hint of what the book holds is on the cover: A yawning sign-hanger looks ordinary, but his shadow on the wall turns him into a shouting ringleader. That's the message here: excitement is where you find it!

Not quite a wordless picture book, the story wanders across the page in the form of the lit-up theater marquee and the signs hoisted by the sign-hanger. As the words appear, the action follows, and suddenly an everyday delivery man becomes a strongman and jugglers appear in a pizza shop window. Pre-readers will enjoy poring over the detailed pictures since the words aren't necessary to catch the action.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about new ways of seeing the world. Kids can try finding their own "sidewalk circus" next time they're stuck waiting for a bus, standing in line at the bank, or helping parents grocery shop. Parents can talk about how imagination can make for great entertainment no matter how ordinary the day.

Book Details

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