Backyard Circus
“Imagine the fun of creating your very own backyard circus! Let’s bring on the clowns with silly hats and big shoes and the skillful jugglers who toss beanbags high in the air.”
illustrated by Stephen MacEachern
Annick Press, © 2006
This activity book is based on my own childhood experiences of creating and performing backyard circuses with all the kids on my street. It outlines the stages from planning and collecting materials, to main acts, acrobatics, and magic tricks. Tips on advertising, fixing mistakes, and writing thank-you notes are also included. Fun and informative sidebars add to the playful tone of this high-energy book.
It’s loads of full to present to kids in schools. I love to see the neat circus stunts kids can do on the fly. It’s a great confidence booster!
Book Reviews
The November 2006 issue of Quill & Quire: Canada’s Magazine of Book News and Reviews featured a favourable review: a “dynamic guide” that is “bursting with good ideas.” The reviewer points out that “even very small children can get involved,” because the suggested activities put safety first. Read the full review posted here.
The book received a rockin’ 4 stars out of 4 in this highly favourable November 24, 2006 review in CM: Canadian Review of Materials published by The Manitoba Library Association: “Readable, enjoyable, practical and informative, Backyard Circus is an excellent classroom resource and reading book. There are certainly enough roles included to involve all members of a class or even a whole school.” (Review from Vol. 13, No. 7 no longer available online.)
