The Circus Surprise - Hardcover

Fletcher, Ralph

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0395980291 ISBN 13: 9780395980293

Publisher: Clarion Books, 2001

Synopsis

Nick’s parents always have a special surprise for him on his birthday, but this year he knows he’ll have the best birthday ever. Mom and Dad are taking him to the circus! The crowds and attractions are exciting, but Nick is accidentally separated from his parents. Even though he knows what to do if he gets lost, he’s scared—until a green-faced clown on towering stilts comes to his rescue. The bright colors and bustling energy of the circus shine from each of Vladimir Vagin’s lively illustrations in this touching story of a day filled with surprises.

About this title

About the Author

Ralph Fletcher is the author of many well-received books for children, including the novels Fig Pudding and Flying Solo, and the picture books Twilight Comes Twice, Grandpa Never Lies, and Circus Surprise. He lives with his family in New Hampshire. Visit him online at ralphfletcher.com.

Reviews

PreS-Gr 2-Nick's parents take him to the circus as a birthday surprise. Before entering the Big Top, they mill around the grounds, surrounded by animals in cages, clowns, and a large crowd. The boy follows his nose to the cotton-candy vendor, and when he turns back, his mom and dad are nowhere to be found. After rattling off his list of instructions for what to do if he ever gets lost (including "Don't panic!"), Nick panics anyway. A kindly (and well-prepared) clown on stilts comes to the rescue and invites him for a ride to look for his parents. Finally, they come into view and a happy reunion ensues. Fletcher details an occurrence that is bound to happen to just about every kid at one time or another-getting lost in a public place. Vagin's gouache pictures vividly portray the details of a circus that is big enough to be interesting but not so big as to be scary.

Bina Williams, Bridgeport Public Library, CT

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Circus trappings couch a bland if informative tale that teaches children what to do if they become separated from their parents. For his birthday, Nick's parents surprise him with an outing to the circus. There, enticed by the sugary aroma of a cotton candy machine, he follows his nose to the sweet treat and soon realizes his parents are nowhere around. In a panic, Nick searches for Mom and Dad but finds a friendly clown on stilts instead. The clown guides Nick up a nearby ladder, then carries the boy on his back until Nick spots his worried--soon-to-be-relieved--parents. Fletcher's (Twilight Comes Twice) text is by turns reassuring and practical in tone, providing tips that readers will find useful if facing a predicament like Nick's. Vagin's (The Wide-Awake Princess) tightly composed gouaches show crowds, but the bustle doesn't come through. While his work is highly detailed (e.g., he finely delineates the lions' fur and manes, and shows the trim on an acrobat's costume), the scenes themselves look stiff and static. Ages 4-7.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0395980291
• ISBN 13: 9780395980293
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Vagin Vladimir
• Number of pages: 32