With stunning artwork and a rhyming text, the illustrator of the Mercy Watson books tells a tale of human-animal connection full of humor and heart.

When a circus ship runs aground off the coast of Maine, the poor animals are left on their own to swim the chilly waters. Staggering onto a nearby island, they soon win over the wary townspeople with their kind, courageous ways. So well do the critters blend in that when the greedy circus owner returns to claim them, villagers of all species conspire to outsmart the bloated blowhard. With buoyant rhymes and brilliantly caricatured illustrations evoking the early nineteenth century, Chris Van Dusen presents a hugely entertaining tale about the bonds of community -- and a rare hidden-pictures spread for eagle-eyed readers of all ages.

Author: Chris Van Dusen
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
Published: 09/22/2009
Pages: 40
Weight: 1.1lbs
Size: 10.30h x 10.20w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780763630904

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.7
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 134375 / Circus Ship


Award: 2010 Texas 2x2 Reading List Recommended - Children's
Award: 2012 Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee - Picture Book
Award: 2011 Beehive Awards Nominee - Picture
Award: 2009 Lupine Award Winner - Picture Book
Award: 2011 North Carolina Children's Book Award Nominee - Picture Book
Award: 2012 Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award Nominee - Picture Book
Award: Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award Winner - Grades K-3
Award: 2010 Ladybug Picture Book Award Nominee - Children's Picture
Award: 2012 Golden Sower Award Nominee - Primary