Star of the Circus - Hardcover

Sampson, Michael; Sampson, Mary Beth; Dewey, Ariane; Samspon, Michael

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0805042849 ISBN 13: 9780805042849

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 1997

Synopsis

Join Marvelous Mouse, Cannonball Cat, and a whole cast of circus animals as each proclaims himself or herself the star of the circus. The satisfying conclusion to the story shows all of the animals banding together to realize they are all stars of the circus.

About this title

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1. A delightful story with a recurring pattern, told in only 28 words. Eight animals with alliterative names (Zany Zebra, Marvelous Mouse, Crazy Kangaroo, etc.) vie for circus stardom. In fact, each creature announces himself as the "star of the circus" only to be driven off the stage by a bigger and fiercer animal who claims the spot. In a clever and surprising conclusion, the smaller characters band together into a fearsome shadow creature and frighten Elegant Elephant off his pedestal. Readers will join in the exuberant laughter that follows his plea for help, and even Elegant Elephant sports a small smile when he realizes the trick. "We're all stars of the circus!" shout the animals in a very satisfying ending. Aruego and Dewey's characteristic vibrant pen-and-ink and gouache illustrations capture the spirit of the story and add to the pleasure. Each animal wiggles with personality in these pictures. The book will be fun to share with groups and will make a nice addition to the pattern books that are so important to beginning readers.?Suzanne Hawley, Laurel Oak Elementary School, Naples, FL
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 3^-5. Marvelous Mouse says, "I'm the star of the circus!" but Cannonball Cat disagrees and asserts, "I'm the star of the circus!" This chant is repeated by Dazzling Dog, Crazy Kangaroo, Zany Zebra, Jazzy Giraffe, Big Bear, and Elegant Elephant, each one claiming superiority until, at last, they realize that there's strength in numbers and declare, "We are all stars of the circus." Just as dazzling, zany, and jazzy as the characters' names is the artwork, which features simple line drawings electrified with vibrant color combinations. The climax of the story happens in the illustrations, not in the text, a rare occurrence even in such a visual medium. Children will recognize the repeated sentiment from their own experiences with establishing pecking order. Although teachers and parents may see this as an antidote for one-up-manship among the younger crowd, preschoolers will appreciate it most as an appealing collaboration of words and text. Carolyn Phelan

About this edition

• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0805042849
• ISBN 13: 9780805042849
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Aruego Jose