Circus Family Dog - Softcover

Clements, Andrew

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0547016395 ISBN 13: 9780547016399

Publisher: Clarion Books, 2008

Synopsis

Grumps is a circus dog who loves to make people laugh--all he has to do is lie down on the ground with his feet in the air and the crowds cheer and roar. But one day a new dog named Sparks joins the circus. Sparks can jump through hoops, balance a ball on his nose, and even ride on the back of a running zebra. How can an old dog with one simple trick compete with the likes of Sparks? Sue Truesdell's exuberant illustrations capture all the excitement of circus life in this heartwarming story about friendship, family, and the universal need for acceptance.

About this title

About the Author:

Andrew Clements is the author of picture books and novels for young readers, including Because Your Daddy Loves You and the perennial bestseller Frindle. He lives in Baldwin, Maine, and can also be found at www.andrewclements.com.

From School Library Journal:

PreSchool-Grade 3-Grumps is a gray and scraggly but well-loved circus dog. He moves slowly, if at all. The children roar with laughter when, instead of jumping through the flaming hoop, the old pooch just yawns, closes his eyes, and lies down until the clowns roll him offstage in a wagon. Then a new pup, Sparks, arrives and dazzles the audience with his tricks. Not to worry though-the aging canine proves he can still steal the show one last time. The combination of Clements's impeccable storyteller pacing and Truesdell's creative and whimsical cartoons create a reading and visual experience second only to actually being at the circus. The illustrator uses a mixture of watercolors with pen and ink to bring the action to life in vibrant colors. The use of muted tones for the animated and gleeful children surrounding the center ring helps to create a realistic mood for this funny and warm story about extended family life behind the scenes of the Big Top. For librarians looking for a great circus book or an example of the importance of a loving family-this is it. Children are sure to demand a repeat performance.
Wanda Meyers-Hines, Huntsville/Madison County Public Library, Huntsville, AL
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0547016395
• ISBN 13: 9780547016399
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Truesdell Sue