Circus Baby

Rating:
Summary: A Maud and Miska Petersham classic
Review: Any child who has ever felt that he or she doesn't fit in somehow will get a secret charge out of reading Maud and Miska Petersham's wonderful and empathetic "The Circus Baby."

Mama Elephant so admires her friends the clown family that she decides that Baby Elephant should emulate them--to the point of sitting in a chair and using a spoon while eating. Of course Baby Elephant has a terribly difficult time with this, to the point that he inadvertently topples over the clown family's tent! All is forgiven, and Mama Elephant lets Baby be himself.

The Petershams' illustrations are even better than the sweet text. Giving off a wonderful 1930s visual flavor, they employ sure lines and bright colors to heighten the circus atmosphere. All in all, a delight!