A Clown (I Want to Be Series) - Hardcover

Grade 2-4-These bright and entertaining titles give youngsters plenty of information without overwhelming them. Each book has 14 double-page chapters that include brief text, numerous full-color photos and illustrations, steps for mastering each activity, and tips that appear in dialogue balloons or boxes. However, the placement of paragraphs is potentially confusing. The last two chapters describe preparations for a show and give suggestions/reminders regarding performance. All of the books describe or depict inexpensive outfits and props. Acrobat states that the partnerwork shown throughout the book should only be done with adult supervision, yet no adults are shown and few safety concerns appear in the text. Also, more assistance may be required to achieve the professional look that is portrayed. Half of Clown is devoted to costume and make-up; the rest of the presentation consists of jokes and props. In Juggling, the paragraphs are numbered and are easier to follow. Magic includes instructions for the tricks and props used to perform them. The marvelous photographs of colorfully dressed, multiethnic children make these titles lively and inviting. Terms such as Pierrot and limbo are explained, but patter and ruff are not. Practice and patience is stressed in all of these how-to guides but given the audience and the complexity of the subjects, they may work best in a group setting with plenty of adult help.?Marsha McGrath, Clearwater Public Library, FL
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