This is really a 3.5 for me. The beginning is actually kind of scary. Page 3 has this big mustached circus conductor yelling ferociously at the boat's captain, and then the boat freaking sinks leaving a bunch of animal swimming in the ocean. Kind of dark for kiddy books. Also, I read the last page tonight, and it turns out it was loosely based off of a similar true story about a circus boat that caught fire and most of the people and animals died. Cool Van Dusen. Great idea for a kids story.BUT, Amaya loves this book. The post-sinking horror show includes an island that welcomes the animals and hides them when that jerk face circus guy comes looking for them. A little much at times, but the kids seem to really like it. The illustrations are cartoonish in a very successful way. Some dark themes afloat but I think most kiddos are busy hunting for the hidden animals.I'm not trying to insult kids with that last bit. Instead, while adults will hone in on the animals being left to drown, the child stuck in a burning shed, etc (I did) the kids are focusing on the fun that is an escaped zoo.
What do You think about The Circus Ship Big Book (2011)?
Beautifully detailed pictures and a rhyming text make this a fun and fabulous read-aloud.
—Doug
Enjoyable book, with my favorite page being the find the animals scene.
—Kaitlynn
Excellent characters, plot and pictures that bring this story to life.
—linda1212
I loved this book. Great rhythm and fun to read.
—Pocket
