Circus 123

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

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Description

A playful counting book for young children, Circus 123 features circus performers giving an amazing show in the ring, on the high wire, on bikes, and on the flying trapeze. Children will be dazzled by the performance as they learn to count to 10.

Reviews

Flea circuses are so 19th century--Dutch author/illustrator van Genechten has something flashier in mind in this counting book set at a ladybug circus (the performers bear a strong resemblance to the star of his recent Super Ladybug to the Rescue!). As the book works its way up to 10, the wide-eyed, black-and-red beetles pop against pale taupe backgrounds and lightly sketched props. One of two bicycle-riding ladybugs does a handstand on the handlebars of its bike, while four aerialists soar from the trapeze and astonish everyone. Each number appears as both a word and a numeral, and while the text is fairly straightforward, it still creates a light sense of excitement around the ladybugs' performances. The book ends on an off note--somewhat literally--as ladybug #10 leaps into a circle of nine beetles and begins playing a tune by a famous French wind artist (music notes emanate from the beetle's backside). A quirky counting book that's mostly distinguished by van Genechten's entertaining crew of strong men, acrobats, and jugglers. Ages 3-5. -- Publishers Weekly

Straightforward action and pace give the counting some momentum. Clever illustrations, featuring solid, chunky ladybugs amid delicate sketches of circus ... bicycles and a trapeze, create a visual counterpoint that will keep young eyes interested, as do the red and black hues that dominate the thick, sturdy pages. -- Jesse Karp, booklistonline.com

Author Bio

Guido van Genechten is an illustrator and the author of several bestselling children's books, including" The Big Baby Book," " The Big Eating Book," " The Big Sleep Book," " Little Snowman Stan," " Mommies and Their Babies," " No Ghost Under My Bed," "Super Ladybug to the Rescue," and the Ricky series. He is the winner of the Reader's Digest Award for Best Children's Books Illustrator and the Picture Book of the Year in Holland.