When we think of clowns, our minds often jump to clowns like Pennywise from Stephen King’s It. In recent years, clowns have gotten a bad rap, the stuff of nightmares rather than giggles. But remember the fun-loving clowns, like Ronald McDonald or Bozo? Clowns have a long history of bringing good old-fashioned entertainment to the circus arena, the rodeo ring, and even our tv screens. Here are 5 books for young clown enthusiast of all ages that focus on the silly and the heartwarming.
The Farmer and the Clown, by Marla Frazee
In this book of contrasts and surprises, a young clown bounces off a circus train, leaving him in the middle of a lonely field as his family continues on into the distance. As it turns out, the field belongs to a farmer who appears as sad and empty as his field. Not sure what else to do, the farmer takes the little clown back to his house, where each makes some surprising discoveries about the other. While the book is completely wordless, the illustrations are full of details that reveal a full range of emotions in the short time the farmer and the clown spend together. (Ages 4-8)
The Clown of God, by Tomie dePaola
A retelling of a French legend, The Clown of God features a young boy named Giovanni who shows a magnificent skill for juggling at a young age. As an adult, Giovanni travels the country, sharing his talent and joy with crowds all over Italy. But in time, Giovanni grows to be not quite so young, his juggling not quite so spectacular, and the crowds not quite so large. Feeling he has nothing left to offer, the great Giovanni finds himself reduced to a lowly beggar until one special night when Giovanni discovers he does, in fact, have a little bit more left to give. (Ages 4-8)
Ollie Jolly, Rodeo Clown, by Jo Harper and Amy Meissner
Not every clown lives with the circus! With his red hair, happy grin, and silly antics, Ollie Jolly is the kind of kid that brings out the laughter in everyone. Well, almost everyone. Just like other kids, Ollie faces schoolyard bullies and a tough teacher, Miss Tut Tuttle. When Miss Tuttle asks the class to write a paper describing what they want to be when they grow up, Ollie is stumped. Then the rodeo comes to town, and when an accident leaves the rodeo clown hurt, Ollie comes face-to-face with his destiny. (Ages 4-8)
Cam Jansen: The Mystery of the Circus Clown, by David A. Adler
Everybody’s favorite grade schooler with the photographic memory is headed to the big top! Cam’s Aunt Molly is always losing things, so when her wallet goes missing while at the circus, Cam and her friend Andy assume it’s just a mistake. But when they discover that Aunt Molly is not the only one missing a wallet, the super-sleuth friends realize there’s a pickpocket running loose. Cam is sure the culprit is a clown, but which one? As always, it’s Cam’s attention to detail and her superb memory that will crack the case. (Ages 7-10)
Rodeo Clown, by Nick Gordon
Speaking of rodeo clowns, here’s a real live look at one for older readers. Part of the Dangerous Jobs series, this non-fiction text is written in a tone that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, accompanied by up-close photography and flashy graphics. Nevertheless, the text contains nuggets of information that include history, training, risks, and accomplishments in this slightly grittier form of clowning. (Ages 8-12)
What other non-scary clowns do you remember?
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