Categories: Books

Best 5 Children’s Books About the Circus

Are the children in your life fascinated with the circus? Do you want to add a few books on the subject to your story time routine? Well then, perhaps you may want to check out a handful of my favorites. Each one addresses the topic in an entertaining way. Here they are:

“If I Ran the Circus”

One of the first books that I’d suggest is Dr. Seuss’ “If I Ran the Circus.” Its storyline focuses on a boy’s thoughts of the circus. I love the book for two simple reasons. First, it was read to me repeatedly as a child. Second, it is written in classic Dr. Seuss form. In my experience, that translates to wonderful rhyming text and fantastic illustrations. There is also a word scramble designed to accompany the book posted on the Seussville website that would be appropriate for older children.

“Circus!”

I found favor with Peter Spier’s book “Circus!” as well. Its storyline centers on a fictional circus that arrives, entertains and then leaves a town. I enjoyed the illustrations and the way that the author included so much detail about the event. Given that, it would be a great book to use when teaching the children about various occupations.

Speaking of which, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey website has contains wonderful, free lesson plans and handouts that you may want to consider utilizing in such endeavors. There are additional lesson plans that involve physical activity posted on their companion site, Circus Fit.

If you do decide to grab a copy, you may want to consider pairing it with Mike Down’s book “You See a Circus, I See…”, Luciana Navarro Powell’s “My Mom Is the Best Circus” and Paul Fleischman’s book “Sidewalk Circus.” All three portray circus performers as ordinary people, albeit in different ways.

“Olivia Saves the Circus”

Ian Falconer’s book “Olivia Saves the Circus” made my list too. Its storyline focuses on a little pig that insists she spent part of the summer working as a multitalented, circus employee. During her alleged circus employment, she tamed ferocious lions and completed other amazing feats. Most children that I know found the story and illustrations charming.

“Last Night I Dreamed a Circus”

Maya Gottfried’s “Last Night I Dreamed a Circus” is another book that I’d suggest checking out of the library. Its storyline focuses on a child that has a dream about the circus. Like Olivia, she injects herself into all of the action. I like the storyline because it encourages the children to use their imaginations. I also found the illustrations to be well done and giggle worthy.

“The Secret Circus”

Finally, I’d suggest giving Johanna Wright’s book “The Secret Circus” a try. Its storyline is unlike others in this category because it focuses on Parisian mice that have their own circus to attend. Personally, I like the concept of it and the illustrations.

Source: Personal Experience