Reviews (15)

Unique Illustrations; Interesting Story
This 2004 Caldecott winner is based on the true story of Philippe Petit. During the contruction of the World Trade Center, he devised a plan to walk a tightrope between the twin towers. The illustrations are the main feature of this book. There are some wonderful overhead perspectives that allow the reader to get a sense of how it would actually feel to walk hundreds of feet in the air. This book does not dwell on the loss of the towers (although it is mentioned), but rather celebrates the courageous spirit of Philippe Petit. Both children and adults will find this story interesting.

A tribute to the WTC towers and one dream they inspired
On an otherwise normal day in August 1974, a young Frenchman pulled off what may be the most impressive (not to mention foolhardy) wire-walking exhibition in history. New York City's early commuters looked up to the almost-completed World Trade Center towers to see a man, experienced aerialist Phillippe Petit, walking back and forth across them on a wire. This amazing (albeit highly illegal) achievement has now been immortalized in impressive ink and oil paintings in Mordicai Gerstein in The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. Among the artwork you will find the ingenious use of two foldout illustrations, each one establishing an amazing change in perspective of Petit's wire-walking feat and making the drama of the event all that more palpable. Published in 2003 and the recipient of The Caldecott Medal, this book is sure to captivate many young minds with its story and artistry (with a sense of vertigo thrown in absolutely free of charge), and it does stand as something of a touching reminder of the two towers that fell on September 11, 2001 and the spell they cast in their own silent yet mighty fortitude.

Alongside the artwork is the story, economically told, of Petit's dream and the manner in which he made it come true. It describes how he and some friends dressed up as construction workers, hid out on both towers until nightfall, and got the wire-walking cable (which was a mere seven-eighths of an inch wide) in place, after which Petit walked, ran, danced, and even lay down on the outstretched wire over the course of nearly an hour. He was then, of course, arrested but, to my surprise, ordered only to perform his feats for the children of New York City. This is a fabulous story that will literally take your breath away, especially if you are as afraid of heights as I am, but I can't get over just how dangerous and illegal this was (to his friends as well as himself) and can only wonder how Petit got off so easily.

Using lyrical words and ink/oil paintings
In 1974 as the World Trade Center was being built, young French aerialist Philippe Petit spent almost an hour on a tightrope walking, dancing and doing tricks between the two towers. Man Who Walked Between The Towers tells his story using lyrical words and ink/oil paintings which are endearing and revealing.

"This is a TRUE story, Miss Cameron?"
I have heard that very refrain from children time and time again while reading this book. In my Gypsy-like lifestyle of a substitute teacher, I took this book with me, knowing that it would enchant the students I had, no matter where I was. Every class I read this to was spellbound. They would gasp and stare and just could not believe that a REAL person ever did what Phillipe was doing! I had a first grader reach out to touch the sky under Phillipe on one spread, he was so enthralled. In a class of 29 very-hard-to-impress third graders that I was in for 6 weeks, we made a project out of it when they designed their own drawings on what they would walk between, because they were so inspired. During the reading, near the end, on the page that stated quietly "Now the towers are gone," I had very quiet acceptance of the missing towers. The author tells the story with such reverent delight (if it was ever possible to combine the two, Gerstein has) that children naturally fall in and accept the story as is. "The Man Who Walked Between The Towers" has become one of my favorite children's books and has earned a spot in my teaching "bag of tricks." It is very moving and inspiring, and highly deserving of the Caldecott Medal for 2004.

Dreamy & Wondrous
Children will fall in love with this book & Phillipe will surely become their idol. The text is gentle & romantic, and the illustrations evoke the magic of the Towers. The ending is both triumphant & heartbreaking. The hard part for parents is answering their kids' inevitable question: "What happened to the Towers?" ... Read more

Book Description

The creators of the popular Say Hola books now take their Spanish-language adventure to the circus. Readers will get to see the greatest show on earth as performed by trapecistas (trapeze artists), payasos (clowns), leones (lions), and elefantes (elephants). Through whimsical art and rhyming text, Say Hola to Spanish at the Circus is a great way to learn the second most spoken language in the U.S. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Perfect for parent/child read-aloud!
The creators of different introductory Spanish language books return with a third volume where action takes place at the circus. English/Spanish words accompany observations of circus life and scenes in Say Hola to Spanish, a gentle learning tool which is perfect for parent/child read-aloud.

Another Say Hola
Who says learning a new language can't be fun? Susan Middleton Elya and Loretta Lopez prove once again how fun it can be in the latest installment of the SAY HOLA series, this one set in a circus. Told in springy verses and highlighted with delightfully silly costumed creatures, the wordplay between english and spanish is as easy as it is playful.

Each Spanish word is accompanied by colorful pictures emphasing the text (trapecistas depict graceful trapeze artists, elefantes show whimsical elephants, etc.) Complete with a glossary and a pronunciation guide, your kids will be learning spanish quicker than you can say, payasos (clowns.) I even learned a few words myself!

vibrant !
I love this book "Say hola to spanish at the Circus"! I love Loretta Lopez' vibrant colors and the expressions on her characters faces- they feel so familiar to me. this is a book for adults as well as children.

Teaching Spanish to a 2 yr. old!
As father of two kids, I am always looking for tools to help teach them Spanish. Due to their age I am still keeping it very basic and what a more wonderful way to introduce them to not only a little Spanish but more importantly a little taste of Spanish culture. My children absolutely loved the illustrations which made the book that much more enjoyable. I would highly recommend this wonderful Spanish experience to any parent and their child.

Say Hola to Spanish at the Circus
Delightful book, playfully written with beautiful, fun illustrations. It's a very appealing way to introduce young children to the Spanish language. ... Read more

Book Description

The sometimes sad, always fascinating true story of Jumbo the Elephant, star of Barnum & Bailey's Greatest Show on Earth. Follows Jumbo's life, from his capture in Africa through his years in the Paris and London zoos to his days with
P. T. Barnum--where he drew the greatest crowds in circus history. Also touched on is the plight of the elephant as an endangered species, and those steps taken to help ensure elephants' survival in the wild and protection from mistreatment in captivity.
... Read more

Reviews (1)

How to become a juggling maniac
The way to become a juggling maniac is to buy this book. It's large format, (print, pictures) are ideal for the begginer and intermediate juggler. I recommend this book as a gift for any young sibling be it brother, sister, cousin or nephew, who is interested in juggling. The only drawback is the shortness of the book. This will be a factor that more experienced jugglers won't like. But the shortness of it just makes it more suitable for young people. ... Read more

Book Description

This is the true story of a boy and an elephant who were born at almost the same moment on a German farm in 1896. They were raised together like siblings.The boy, Bram, expects to be a trainer when he grows up. But when he is thirteen years old, the animals are sold to an American circus, and Bram stows away on the ship to America carrying Modoc. At sea, when the ship sinks, Modoc saves the lives of Bram and many others, keeping them afloat when they are too exhausted to swim.When help arrives and the ship can¹t hold Modoc, Bram refuses to abandon her, and the two survive nonetheless. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Inspiring!
I originally purchased this book as a potential reference book for an associate of mine but made the mistake of reading it. This book is great! It's written in a fun, thought-provoking way that can inspire anyone -- even me -- to clowning. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the art of clowning. It gives information on choosing a character, costume, the all important hat, makeup and even skits and physical gags you can do. If you're interested in clowning or are just curious about the art of it you have to buy this book! It's an exceptional resource and a must-have for the aspiring clown's library!

A great book for beginning clowns
This is a wonderful book that will introduce you to the basics and essentials of clowning.You'll find lots of photos and exercises that touch on many of the aspects of clowning including; warm-ups, skits, creating routines, clown\props relationship, costuming, physial comedy, make-up, clown psychology, clown\clown relationship, and so much more. Plus the most important and always emphasized aspect, your own clown character development. There is tons of practical info in this awesome book. I believe this to be the best beginning clown book one can buy! ... Read more

Book Description

A glorious celebration and comprehensive look at the history of life under the Big Top!

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of all ages...step right up and discover...Circus celebrates the evolution of this glorious spectacle, from its early days of Minoan horn-vaulting and medieval street performers through its heyday in Europe and North America with P.T. Barnum and the Ringling family, to the circus of today. This remarkable book captures the magic of performance as well as life behind the scenes. Readers will discover the music, training, costumes and daily routine of circus families, as well as circus legends. They'll meet performers who have thrilled crowds around the world, turning basic routines into art. Handsomely illustrated with paintings, photographs, postcards, and even ticket stubs, this informative book provides a fascinating inside look at one of the world's most daring and dazzling entertainments. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

100 years with the circus
I am a acomplished acrobat as well as juggler this book lets me learn about the circus and its past.

100 years with the circus
I am a acaplished acrobat as well as juggler,and i enjoyed this bookit took me through a trip in time.The book gave me a feal for the backround of the circus,and what it comes from. ... Read more

Book Description

Kids Perform Circus Arts shows exciting pictures of ordinary childrenperforming extraordinary circus acts at camp, school, and on vacation, while explainingthe work behind their feats. ... Read more

Book Description

The circus is coming to town and baby is part of the fun. When a photo is placed inside of the book, baby becomes the star of the circus as a lion, clown, monkey, and bear. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Picture Me In the Circus
The Picture Me books are great!! I am a daycare provider and I give these as gifts to the children I care for. Babies and toddlers love to see themselves in the book. I love to see their response when they "read" these books. ... Read more