Common Sense Media Review
Waiting kids see circus acts with imaginations.
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Why Age 5+?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
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?
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
- Author :
- Illustrator : Kevin Hawkes
- Genre : Picture Book
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Candlewick Press
- Publication date : March 8, 2007
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 5 - 7
- Number of pages : 32
- Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated : June 19, 2019
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