The Circus Ship

The verse is sprightly, but the pictures are the true stunners. Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

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

About the Author

Chris Van Dusen is a professional illustrator whose work features regularly in magazines and advertisements. He has also written and illustrated a number of children's picture books. His illustrations for the Mercy Watson series, written by Kate Di Camillo, have a nostalgic comic flair. Chris lives in Maine, USA.