The Circus Ship

The Circus Ship by Chris Van Dusen


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is one of my absolute favorite from this year’s 2x2 List. I read it to every Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade class and never grew tired of it. The students loved the bouncy rhyming text and the pictures are the best part.


Chris Van Drussen took the true story of a ship that sunk in 1836, and wove this rhythmic tale of circus animals that survived the wreck and came ashore in this little town in Main. The circus boss Mr. Paine is horribly mean and was willing to let the animals drown when their ship wrecks. The animals make their way to the sleepy little town and bring with them chaos. The residents are not happy to have their newest visitors but that all changes the night the Abbots shed catches fire. By the time Mr. Paine comes looking for his circus animals the town people are willing to help the animals evade their horrible boss. The double page spread when Mr. Paine is unable to find his animals is the best page of the book. Children will love searching for the animals hidden around the intricately illustrated town. Highly recommended and enjoyable!!

Here is what the author has to say about his book:


http://www.chrisvandusen.com/books/the-circus-ship



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