Tents, Tigers and the Ringling Brothers (Badger Biographies Series) - Softcover

Jerry Apps

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0870203746 ISBN 13: 9780870203749

Publisher: Wisconsin Historical Society Press, 2006

Synopsis

This addition to the Badger Biographies series for young readers features the story of the young Ringling brothers of circus fame. The book tells the inspiring story of the seven sons of German and French immigrants who were guided by their dreams to escape poverty through hard work and ambition. These entrepreneurial brothers moved with their parents to Baraboo, Wisconsin where their fantastic circus adventure began. With no prior circus experience, the brothers tackled one of the riskiest businesses of the time. Each brother contributed his unique talents to make their enterprise successful. The Ringling brothers were admired for their technological innovations, strategy, and devotion to education. They were also esteemed for their genuine appreciation of their audience.

About this title

About the Author:

Jerry Apps is Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the author of more than 15 books, many of them on rural history and country life. His nonfiction books include Ringlingville USA, Barns of Wisconsin, Horse-Drawn Days, Old Farm, Every Farm Tells a Story, Country Wisdom, When Chores Were Done, Humor from the Country, Country Ways and Country Days, One-Room County Schools, Cheese, and Breweries of Wisconsin. His children's picture books include Stormy and Eat Rutabagas. Jerry has won numerous awards for his writing from the Wisconsin Library Association, The Council for Wisconsin Writers, Robert E. Gard Foundation, Upper Midwest Booksellers Association, Barnes and Noble Bookstores, and the Wisconsin Historical Society, among others.

From Booklist:

The Ringling brothers grew up in a Mississippi river town where every summer they saw circuses, which were brought to the town on riverboats. Several of the seven brothers became performers themselves, and they dreamed of owning a circus. Eventually, all of the brothers became involved in the circus enterprise, each taking a different business role. Much of this book, which is part of the Badger Biography series, focuses on the Ringlings' day-to-day struggles to keep the circus going as they traveled from town to town in wagons and, later, in railcars. Additional chapters describe the care of the animals and the circus' winter quarters in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Black-and-white period photographs appear on nearly every page and illuminate almost every activity, from the raising of the big top to the training of the elephants. Back pages include suggested classroom activities, further readings, and a concise, descriptive paragraph about each brother. An illuminating account of nineteenth-century circus life for reports or browsing. Todd Morning
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About this edition

• Publisher: Wisconsin Historical Society Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0870203746
• ISBN 13: 9780870203749
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 128