5 Books About (Nice!) Clowns

mariaburel

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.

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The Farmer and the Clown

Marla Frazee

Hardcover

$19.99

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Notes From Your Bookseller

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)

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The Clown of God

Tomie dePaola

Paperback

$9.99

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Notes From Your Bookseller

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)

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Chipper the Clown

Don M. Winn

eBook

$2.99

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Notes From Your Bookseller

All Chipper ever dreamed of doing was making people laugh. Joining the circus, he thought his dream had come true, but no one thought he was funny. Even his clown suit was all wrong. Luckily, there were many experienced clowns at the circus that were able to show him the ropes. This heartwarming clown story shows kids that it’s okay to ask for help. (Ages 13)

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The Mystery of the Circus Clown (Cam Jansen Series #7)

David A. Adler

Paperback

$5.99

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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)

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Circus

Lois Ehlert

Hardcover

$18.99

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Notes From Your Bookseller

This classic picture book introduces kids to all the different characters featured in the circus, including friendly clowns. The colorful illustrations feature not only clowns but other entertainers like leaping lizards, whistling parrots and marching snakes among others. This easy-to-read book is a celebration of circus life and clowns of course! (Ages 4-8)

What other non-scary clowns do you remember?

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