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The Clown Said No
The lights come up, the circus band begins to play, the ringmaster introduces the first ""Presenting the clown Petronius and Theodore the stubborn donkey!"" But nothing happens. And then, the clown says ""No."" He's tired of playing the fool. What he wants to do is tell stories. The clown and the donkey are just the first of the circus performers to rebel. A dancing pony, a lion, a giraffe, and a little white dog, all tired of doing their tricks, join them as they escape from the circus and set off to find true happiness.
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1986
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July 27, 2019
Mischa Damjan's brilliant and evocative The Clown Said No (Der Clown sagte Nein in its original 1962 German title) presents a fantastical (but still reality imbued) account of a group of circus animals and artists (from the clown Petronius and his sidekick the donkey Theodore to a giraffe and a lion) one day declaring a categorical NO to the demands of the ringmaster, a NO to performing at his back and call over and over again.
Now please note that The Clown Said No does not indicate that the rebellious circus animals and artists desire to no longer perform, period, but rather that they themselves want to have absolute control over their performances, that they themselves want to perform for an appreciative audience, doing what they WANT TO DO and not what they have been TOLD TO DO (for example, Petronius has never liked being a clown and actually wants to play the trumpet and tell stories, the donkey who is in fact by nature not stubborn does not want to pretend anymore that he is stubborn simply because that is what a circus audience supposedly desires, Otto the dog does not want to have to wear a silly ribbon around his neck anymore and Ferdinand the dancing horse no longer wants to dance on demand as he feels this is silly and that the audience is simply laughing at him, at all of the performers, but not ever really appreciating them for themselves, for their artistic talents and for their beings, their natures).
And truly, for me personally, The Clown Said No actually reminds me bit of the Grimms' fairy tale of the Bremen Town Musicians, as Petronius, Theodore and the other performers all basically collectively quit and leave together to set up their own circus, their own artistic performance show, still a circus perhaps, but one where THEY themselves are in charge, where they make the rules and where ALL the performers act and behave according to not only their individual talents but also and more importantly according to their own personal desires, their wants. But of course, in order to be able to set up a circus, one requires a circus tent, and since said tent needs to be procured with money, Petronius and his friends must first earn enough cash to purchase said tent (and according to the narrative, also of course a trumpet for Petronius). And although only Louise the giraffe and Ferdinand the horse actually end up finding jobs (Louise as a lamplighter and Ferdinand as a cart horse), and while Ferdinand soon loses his employment (since as soon as he hears music, he starts to dance, and upsets the milk bottles he is carrying, so entrenched is his circus training as a dancing horse), the money made by both him and Louise is thankfully just enough to purchase a circus tent and a trumpet, and the six companions immediately travel to a town in Switzerland and there set up their own, their personal circus tent on a large meadow.
And on this meadow Petronius and his companions now perform according to their own wants and to their own rules, such as having the circus open to only children and poets (nur Kinder und Poeten), and where Petronius is no longer a clown but a teller of tales, where Louise the giraffe shows naturally and without constraint how limber her neck is, where Otto the dog jumps and performs like before but is no longer being forced to don a silly bow tie and where Ferdinand the erstwhile dancing horse no longer dances when music is played but pretends to go to sleep, and where the circus performance is enchanting and magnificent (because Petronius and company are performing and playing as is their nature and as they have longed to for years and years but were always prevented and repressed from doing). A lovely and magical text with an important message about the importance of doing what one likes and that if one likes what one is doing, one will be both happy and successful in life and in one's career, one's job (a bit long and thus probably not really suitable for the very young, but as a read-aloud, The Clown Said No should be suitable for children above the age of four or five, as long as one realises that there might be questions posed and answers required).
Now with regard to Gian Casty's accompanying illustrations, they are truly more than just illustrations, but in my opinion, they present impressive artistic masterpieces, bright, descriptive, imaginative, and delightfully surrealistically expressionistic in look and feel (showing not only a more than fitting mirror of Mischa Damian's narrative, to the printed words, but really being works of art for their own sake, in and of themselves, glowing, full of life, movement and emotion, and with a colour scheme that is concurrently both soothing and lively). And yes indeed, when I say that Gian Casty's pictures make me think of the art of German Expressionism, that is probably amongst the highest praise I personally can give, as the latter, as Expressionism is one of my absolute favourite eras of European art. Thus for me The Clown Said No truly and utterly presents a sweetly charming, a wondrous marriage of text and image, entertaining, thought-provoking and with messages that are both important and very much necessary (for both children and adults), and the only minor little issue I have with this here English language edition is that the translator is not listed, that he or she remains anonymous (but The Clown Said No is still and nevertheless a five star read for me, and my only real sadness is that I have not as yet been able to locate a copy of the original German, of Der Clown sage Nein, online at a reasonable price).
And finally a question! Does anyone know if the German title, if Der Clown sagte Nein is actually the original version of this story? I am asking because online, some of the book editions of Der Clown sagte Nein seem to in fact indicate that this itself might be a translation. And although in this here version, in the copy of The Clown Said No I have read and reviewed, the publication data clearly indicates that the original was penned and released in German in 1962 as Der Clown sagte Nein, the fact remains that online, Christa Unzer is often listed as translator (and that the name of the author, that Mischa Damjan, does tend to sound more Slavic than German in origin, and this indeed makes me a bit suspicious). Well, I guess I really cannot figure out this dilemma unless (and until) I manage to obtain a copy of the German original and as the last time I checked online, the prices were absolutely ridiculously expensive, it might be a long time before I am even able to consider purchasing a copy for myself.
Now please note that The Clown Said No does not indicate that the rebellious circus animals and artists desire to no longer perform, period, but rather that they themselves want to have absolute control over their performances, that they themselves want to perform for an appreciative audience, doing what they WANT TO DO and not what they have been TOLD TO DO (for example, Petronius has never liked being a clown and actually wants to play the trumpet and tell stories, the donkey who is in fact by nature not stubborn does not want to pretend anymore that he is stubborn simply because that is what a circus audience supposedly desires, Otto the dog does not want to have to wear a silly ribbon around his neck anymore and Ferdinand the dancing horse no longer wants to dance on demand as he feels this is silly and that the audience is simply laughing at him, at all of the performers, but not ever really appreciating them for themselves, for their artistic talents and for their beings, their natures).
And truly, for me personally, The Clown Said No actually reminds me bit of the Grimms' fairy tale of the Bremen Town Musicians, as Petronius, Theodore and the other performers all basically collectively quit and leave together to set up their own circus, their own artistic performance show, still a circus perhaps, but one where THEY themselves are in charge, where they make the rules and where ALL the performers act and behave according to not only their individual talents but also and more importantly according to their own personal desires, their wants. But of course, in order to be able to set up a circus, one requires a circus tent, and since said tent needs to be procured with money, Petronius and his friends must first earn enough cash to purchase said tent (and according to the narrative, also of course a trumpet for Petronius). And although only Louise the giraffe and Ferdinand the horse actually end up finding jobs (Louise as a lamplighter and Ferdinand as a cart horse), and while Ferdinand soon loses his employment (since as soon as he hears music, he starts to dance, and upsets the milk bottles he is carrying, so entrenched is his circus training as a dancing horse), the money made by both him and Louise is thankfully just enough to purchase a circus tent and a trumpet, and the six companions immediately travel to a town in Switzerland and there set up their own, their personal circus tent on a large meadow.
And on this meadow Petronius and his companions now perform according to their own wants and to their own rules, such as having the circus open to only children and poets (nur Kinder und Poeten), and where Petronius is no longer a clown but a teller of tales, where Louise the giraffe shows naturally and without constraint how limber her neck is, where Otto the dog jumps and performs like before but is no longer being forced to don a silly bow tie and where Ferdinand the erstwhile dancing horse no longer dances when music is played but pretends to go to sleep, and where the circus performance is enchanting and magnificent (because Petronius and company are performing and playing as is their nature and as they have longed to for years and years but were always prevented and repressed from doing). A lovely and magical text with an important message about the importance of doing what one likes and that if one likes what one is doing, one will be both happy and successful in life and in one's career, one's job (a bit long and thus probably not really suitable for the very young, but as a read-aloud, The Clown Said No should be suitable for children above the age of four or five, as long as one realises that there might be questions posed and answers required).
Now with regard to Gian Casty's accompanying illustrations, they are truly more than just illustrations, but in my opinion, they present impressive artistic masterpieces, bright, descriptive, imaginative, and delightfully surrealistically expressionistic in look and feel (showing not only a more than fitting mirror of Mischa Damian's narrative, to the printed words, but really being works of art for their own sake, in and of themselves, glowing, full of life, movement and emotion, and with a colour scheme that is concurrently both soothing and lively). And yes indeed, when I say that Gian Casty's pictures make me think of the art of German Expressionism, that is probably amongst the highest praise I personally can give, as the latter, as Expressionism is one of my absolute favourite eras of European art. Thus for me The Clown Said No truly and utterly presents a sweetly charming, a wondrous marriage of text and image, entertaining, thought-provoking and with messages that are both important and very much necessary (for both children and adults), and the only minor little issue I have with this here English language edition is that the translator is not listed, that he or she remains anonymous (but The Clown Said No is still and nevertheless a five star read for me, and my only real sadness is that I have not as yet been able to locate a copy of the original German, of Der Clown sage Nein, online at a reasonable price).
And finally a question! Does anyone know if the German title, if Der Clown sagte Nein is actually the original version of this story? I am asking because online, some of the book editions of Der Clown sagte Nein seem to in fact indicate that this itself might be a translation. And although in this here version, in the copy of The Clown Said No I have read and reviewed, the publication data clearly indicates that the original was penned and released in German in 1962 as Der Clown sagte Nein, the fact remains that online, Christa Unzer is often listed as translator (and that the name of the author, that Mischa Damjan, does tend to sound more Slavic than German in origin, and this indeed makes me a bit suspicious). Well, I guess I really cannot figure out this dilemma unless (and until) I manage to obtain a copy of the German original and as the last time I checked online, the prices were absolutely ridiculously expensive, it might be a long time before I am even able to consider purchasing a copy for myself.
April 28, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and North South Books Inc for the ARC.
This short story follow a clown and donkey who goes into the ring and expected to perform their silly act. But the clown says no and the donkey agrees. All the other acting animals soon follows what the clown has done and stand up for themselves as well.
As the animals save up money, they discover that they each still wanted to perform but only in the way they love to do it. Their circus act was the best in town, all the children and adults loved it.
I think this is a really good children's book to teach them they have the power to say no to things they do not enjoy doing and that if you follow you heart you can achieve happiness.
The illustrations were really good and it helped to see what the author has created.
This short story follow a clown and donkey who goes into the ring and expected to perform their silly act. But the clown says no and the donkey agrees. All the other acting animals soon follows what the clown has done and stand up for themselves as well.
As the animals save up money, they discover that they each still wanted to perform but only in the way they love to do it. Their circus act was the best in town, all the children and adults loved it.
I think this is a really good children's book to teach them they have the power to say no to things they do not enjoy doing and that if you follow you heart you can achieve happiness.
The illustrations were really good and it helped to see what the author has created.
June 12, 2022
One day, a clown doesn't want to perform in the circus anymore. He's standing in front of an audience, and simply says "no". He's tired of playing the fool, he is tired of the ringmaster telling him what to do. He wants to tell stories.
And it turns out that a lot of the animals of the circus feel the same way. So they leave, to set up their own theatre.
It's a nice children's book, albeit one where I'm not entirely sure what we're supposed to take away from it.
(Picked up a review copy through NetGalley)
May 20, 2022
The story behind this children's picture book is absolutely fascinating!
It all starts in Skopje, Macedonia (formerly Yugoslavia), where Dimitrije Sidjanski is born in 1914. After studying in Belgrade and later in Paris, he becomes a lawyer.
Born on the verge of the first World War, he also witnesses the second World War and is even captured in Germany. In 1945 he manages to escape and flees to Switzerland, where he starts to write short stories and novels.
Four years later he meets his future wife Brigitte and together they found the publishing house NordSüd Verlag in 1961.
The very first book that was published in 1961 by NordSüd Verlag was 'The Clown Said No', written by Dimitrije Sidjanski himself but published under the pseudonym Mischa Damjan.
The illustrations were made by Gian Casty, an avant-garde glass artist from Graubünden (Switzerland).
Did you know that this same book was republished several times to mark different anniversaries of the company and that each time another illustrator was invited to make new drawings?
In 1986 Sidjanski retold his story to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the company. The drawings were then made by Józef Wilkon, a Polish master of the modern picture book.
In 2001 the company existed 40 years and a third edition of the book appeared. This time with illustrations by Christa Unzner.
To celebrate the 60th year of existence, the book is now published for the fourth time. And the drawings are made by one of my favourite illustrators: Torben Kuhlmann.
***
In 'The clown said no' we read about Petronius the clown and a whole bunch of circus animals who one day all say "No!" to performing their usual circus act.
Although this is a children's story, it includes many interesting inherent messages: how everyone can make their own choices and has to assume the consequences, that it's okay to dream (both big and small dreams), …
These themes have certainly stood the test of time.
Maybe the setting is less timeless, as the use of animals in circuses is (luckily) part of a vivid debate (for more information about the situation in Europe you can take a look here). Nevertheless the messages make it a nice story.
The only thing that wasn't entirely right was the naming of the lion. On some of the pages he's called Augustus, and on others Gustav. Probably these are respectively the English and German names of the character and this incongruency will probably be corrected in the definitive version (I read an ARC) of this new edition.
Dimitrije Sidjanski wanted to tell the kind of stories that were suitable for children.
Hence his guideline "Stories for children and poets" which is also the motto of the circus in this book.
But I'm sure it will appeal to readers both young and old, even 60 years after its first publishing.
Torben Kuhlmann is a German award-winning author/illustrator.
He studied 'Illustration and communications design' at the Hamburg University of Applied Science. As 'book illustration' was his main subject, he had to create a book as his final work. Thus in June 2012 he graduated by writing and illustrating his first children's book 'Lindbergh - The Tale of a Flying Mouse'.
It quickly became a bestseller and other mouse adventures followed: Armstrong (2016), Edison (2018) and Einstein (2021).
To get an idea of his magnificent drawing style you can take a look at his website.
*Thanks to NetGalley and North South Books for providing a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It all starts in Skopje, Macedonia (formerly Yugoslavia), where Dimitrije Sidjanski is born in 1914. After studying in Belgrade and later in Paris, he becomes a lawyer.
Born on the verge of the first World War, he also witnesses the second World War and is even captured in Germany. In 1945 he manages to escape and flees to Switzerland, where he starts to write short stories and novels.
Four years later he meets his future wife Brigitte and together they found the publishing house NordSüd Verlag in 1961.
The very first book that was published in 1961 by NordSüd Verlag was 'The Clown Said No', written by Dimitrije Sidjanski himself but published under the pseudonym Mischa Damjan.
The illustrations were made by Gian Casty, an avant-garde glass artist from Graubünden (Switzerland).
Did you know that this same book was republished several times to mark different anniversaries of the company and that each time another illustrator was invited to make new drawings?
In 1986 Sidjanski retold his story to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the company. The drawings were then made by Józef Wilkon, a Polish master of the modern picture book.
In 2001 the company existed 40 years and a third edition of the book appeared. This time with illustrations by Christa Unzner.
To celebrate the 60th year of existence, the book is now published for the fourth time. And the drawings are made by one of my favourite illustrators: Torben Kuhlmann.
***
In 'The clown said no' we read about Petronius the clown and a whole bunch of circus animals who one day all say "No!" to performing their usual circus act.
Although this is a children's story, it includes many interesting inherent messages: how everyone can make their own choices and has to assume the consequences, that it's okay to dream (both big and small dreams), …
These themes have certainly stood the test of time.
Maybe the setting is less timeless, as the use of animals in circuses is (luckily) part of a vivid debate (for more information about the situation in Europe you can take a look here). Nevertheless the messages make it a nice story.
The only thing that wasn't entirely right was the naming of the lion. On some of the pages he's called Augustus, and on others Gustav. Probably these are respectively the English and German names of the character and this incongruency will probably be corrected in the definitive version (I read an ARC) of this new edition.
Dimitrije Sidjanski wanted to tell the kind of stories that were suitable for children.
Hence his guideline "Stories for children and poets" which is also the motto of the circus in this book.
But I'm sure it will appeal to readers both young and old, even 60 years after its first publishing.
Torben Kuhlmann is a German award-winning author/illustrator.
He studied 'Illustration and communications design' at the Hamburg University of Applied Science. As 'book illustration' was his main subject, he had to create a book as his final work. Thus in June 2012 he graduated by writing and illustrating his first children's book 'Lindbergh - The Tale of a Flying Mouse'.
It quickly became a bestseller and other mouse adventures followed: Armstrong (2016), Edison (2018) and Einstein (2021).
To get an idea of his magnificent drawing style you can take a look at his website.
*Thanks to NetGalley and North South Books for providing a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2022
Thank you, North South Books Inc, for the advance reading copy.
Though I am not familiar with the classic edition of the book (as mentioned towards the end), I enjoyed this new edition with a whole new set of illustrations.
I never support using animals or any other form of being solely for entertainment purposes for us human, I am quite happy when the clown said no but I really hope he finds another profession and set the animals free. Sorry, this is so not a review.
The story is fun to read. The illustrations are amazing. I can understand this book has a very old edition but I am less likely to read to kids about animals being used for circus and shows.
Though I am not familiar with the classic edition of the book (as mentioned towards the end), I enjoyed this new edition with a whole new set of illustrations.
I never support using animals or any other form of being solely for entertainment purposes for us human, I am quite happy when the clown said no but I really hope he finds another profession and set the animals free. Sorry, this is so not a review.
The story is fun to read. The illustrations are amazing. I can understand this book has a very old edition but I am less likely to read to kids about animals being used for circus and shows.
June 5, 2022
What perfect timing NorthSouth Books has had in re-releasing this 1962 classic for a new generation to enjoy! The book’s plot is simple enough to relate: Petronius the clown, Theodore the donkey and their circus pals go on strike — as have so many employees in this post-pandemic America — demanding respect and dignity. They begin their own circus, but I will think of this book every time I have a coffee at a unionized coffee shop.
With new illustrations by the German artist Torben Kuhlmann, this picture book was written by the late Yugoslavian-born Dimitije Sidjanski, published in German under his pseudonym of Mischa Damjan. It’s been rereleased several times. And Sidjanski, like Petronius and company, followed his dream and founded NorthSouth Books. Two happy endings for the price of one!
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and NorthSouth Books in exchange for an honest review.
With new illustrations by the German artist Torben Kuhlmann, this picture book was written by the late Yugoslavian-born Dimitije Sidjanski, published in German under his pseudonym of Mischa Damjan. It’s been rereleased several times. And Sidjanski, like Petronius and company, followed his dream and founded NorthSouth Books. Two happy endings for the price of one!
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and NorthSouth Books in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
The Clown said No is a revamped edition of an original version with new illustrations. The story is about a clown called Petronius who doesn't want to perform for an audience at the circus anymore. He wants to tell stories and his donkey companion also wants a change - he wants to listen to the stories Petronius tells. The ringmaster is very frustrated and confused by this and calls out the other animals to perform. But all the others feel the same way. They decide to leave the circus and follow their dreams supporting each other to do so.
This is a great book for teaching children that we don't always have to continue with something that no longer serves us or meets our needs and that a change can be for the better. It also teaches that just one voice speaking up can inspire others to do the same.
The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful and I loved every page!
The Clown said No is a revamped edition of an original version with new illustrations. The story is about a clown called Petronius who doesn't want to perform for an audience at the circus anymore. He wants to tell stories and his donkey companion also wants a change - he wants to listen to the stories Petronius tells. The ringmaster is very frustrated and confused by this and calls out the other animals to perform. But all the others feel the same way. They decide to leave the circus and follow their dreams supporting each other to do so.
This is a great book for teaching children that we don't always have to continue with something that no longer serves us or meets our needs and that a change can be for the better. It also teaches that just one voice speaking up can inspire others to do the same.
The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful and I loved every page!
May 10, 2022
Wunderschön 🥰 „Der Clown sagte Nein“ erschien erstmalig 1961 als erstes Buch im NordSüd Verlag und wurde vom Verleger geschrieben. Jetzt ist es 2021 zum 60. Jubiläum neu aufgelegt wurden mit den unglaublich stimmungsvollen Illustrationen von Torben Kuhlmann. Ich habe das Buch auf der Frankfurter Buchmesse entdeckt und schon Weiten erkannt, wer diese tollen Illustrationen gemacht hat 😍 Und nicht nur das, auch die Geschichte macht Mut einfach mal „Nein“ zu sagen, sowohl als Mensch als auch als Tier. Hab die Geschichte sehr genossen!
July 10, 2025
10/10 heb weer gehuild
January 3, 2025
A heartfelt book with gorgeous illustrations that tells the wonderful moral that you should always strive for your own dreams and goal and that you’re always happiest when dancing to your own tune… a beautiful story about staying true to who you are and standing up for your self.
October 1, 2022
Read Around the World: Macedonia
This was a lovely book. Gorgeously illustrated, it tells a story of circus performers that decide that they no longer want to do what they have been told to do for years and they break out on their own, find their way and are able to then do what they have always dreamed and are happy and content. It seems like a simple tale, but it is much deeper than that and I can see both parents and children delving into just what it means to stand up for what you believe and how you can accomplish it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Mischa Damjan, Torben Kuhlmann - Illustrator, Anthea Bell - Translator, and NorthSouth Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a lovely book. Gorgeously illustrated, it tells a story of circus performers that decide that they no longer want to do what they have been told to do for years and they break out on their own, find their way and are able to then do what they have always dreamed and are happy and content. It seems like a simple tale, but it is much deeper than that and I can see both parents and children delving into just what it means to stand up for what you believe and how you can accomplish it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Mischa Damjan, Torben Kuhlmann - Illustrator, Anthea Bell - Translator, and NorthSouth Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2022
This book was originally written in 1961. This new edition with new artwork is celebrating 60 years of the book and the press from which it came. This book is a bit sad, but that sad with a happy ending type of sad (like Dumbo). A group of circus animals and one clown said “no” one day at work and left out on their own. They started a new circus and did things they wanted to do, rather than things they had to do. This story in a way bring to light somethings in a workforce that usually user in unions. This is a story of its times, but it still has connections to today.
May 27, 2022
A wonderful book about breaking barriers. Indeed a 5 star book, and amazing for teaching kids to break shackles of slavery. A perfect book for moral education.
April 27, 2022
Something I didn't know was that the first NordSudVerlag book gets a revival for every generation – now sixty, it's seen the light back then, and on the 25th and fortieth step along its timeline since. It concerns a clown, who would appear to take liberties in the big top's circus ring, but that's what he wants – liberty, and by the end of the evening him, his performing partner the donkey and a handful of other animals have struck off on their own. It might seem funny that all they want is still to be part of a circus, but from now on they insist everything will be on their own terms. It's a story that certainly has a lesson ripe for re-use, although it didn't strike me exactly as a lost classic. Classical, though, is certainly what the new illustrations are – they look as if they could have been created in any one of those sixty years. All told this is a reasonable book, with little wrong about it yet nothing for me to rave over. It certainly made me wonder what previous volumes had looked like, which I don't exactly think was the intention. Three and a half stars.
May 1, 2022
This book tells the story of a group of animals and people in a circus who have had enough and decide to rebel against the ring leader. They go on to create their own circus where they can do what they want and be happy.
This picture book is generally made up of one page of full colour picture and the opposite page is white or beige with text. There are approximately 10-20 lines per page, the font is fairly small and the text is fairly challenging. I would probably suggest this book to students reading at a grade 4+ reading level, however the content is probably best suited for children in the age 5-10 range. I could see this book being a read aloud or shared reading experience for younger children.
I like that the story tells of animals (and humans) who do not want to be forced into a circus. In my previous work as a Humane Educator, part of my responsibility was to teach children about times and spaces where animals are typically treated inhumanely and circuses are a prime example of this. I love that the story demonstrates the wants of the animals and imagines a world where they have the power to change their fates. I don't love that they then go create their own circus because this might send the message to children that animals want to be in circus settings, they just don't want to be told what to do. I would much prefer if the animals had gone on to live happy lives in proper settings ie. the lion in a savanna hunting gazelles and the dog and pony living in a happy family as beloved pets. That being said, this is a classic book remastered, so at the time it was written our understanding and perception of animal cruelty was less advanced than it is today.
As a teacher and educator I would recommend this book to families, teachers and humane organizations who work with children in the 5-12 age range. It would be a nice jumping off point for lessons or inquiry about animal rights. I could see this book in my Grade 3 classroom library or as part of my teaching resources.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this great book!
This picture book is generally made up of one page of full colour picture and the opposite page is white or beige with text. There are approximately 10-20 lines per page, the font is fairly small and the text is fairly challenging. I would probably suggest this book to students reading at a grade 4+ reading level, however the content is probably best suited for children in the age 5-10 range. I could see this book being a read aloud or shared reading experience for younger children.
I like that the story tells of animals (and humans) who do not want to be forced into a circus. In my previous work as a Humane Educator, part of my responsibility was to teach children about times and spaces where animals are typically treated inhumanely and circuses are a prime example of this. I love that the story demonstrates the wants of the animals and imagines a world where they have the power to change their fates. I don't love that they then go create their own circus because this might send the message to children that animals want to be in circus settings, they just don't want to be told what to do. I would much prefer if the animals had gone on to live happy lives in proper settings ie. the lion in a savanna hunting gazelles and the dog and pony living in a happy family as beloved pets. That being said, this is a classic book remastered, so at the time it was written our understanding and perception of animal cruelty was less advanced than it is today.
As a teacher and educator I would recommend this book to families, teachers and humane organizations who work with children in the 5-12 age range. It would be a nice jumping off point for lessons or inquiry about animal rights. I could see this book in my Grade 3 classroom library or as part of my teaching resources.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this great book!
July 15, 2022
The Clown Said No was originally published in 1961, and I was surprised I had never read this one before. Petronius the Clown does an act with Theodore, a stubborn donkey in the circus. One night, they come out to the ring, but refuse to move. He is tired of being told what to do and when to do it. He wants to tell stories, so he quits and they leave the big top. This is quickly followed by Ferdinand the horse, Gustav the lion, Luise the giraffe, and Otto the dog. The friends have to be creative to come up with an act that they will all enjoy but will also entertain others. The illustrations have been updated by Torben Kuhlmann and they are wonderful. I love the muted tones, the expression and detail of each image. The message from this book is perfect for children who seem to be overscheduled these days. If you don't like doing something, it is okay to stop and try something that makes you happy. It also shows us that it is okay to speak up, because there may be others who feel the same way and they are waiting for someone else to be the first to say something. What a great book for children ages 6 and up. It is never too early or too late to hear that message. I recommend this book to families, schools and classrooms.
May 18, 2022
I'm always intrigued when a classic has been re-done and modernized- the original was from 1961. Beautifully re-crafted with gorgeous illustrations, reading this made my heart all warm and fuzzy. The color palette was rich with reds, browns, yellows that flowed gently across the page and hypnotized me! From the moment we meet Luise, Otto, Ferdinand, Petronius, Gustav and Theodore- they came to life.
The storyline is charming, magical and filled with themes of friendship, patience, and happiness. None of our circus characters want to be TOLD how to perform, they don't love what they're being forced to do.
Otto LOATHES wearing a bow-tie, Ferdinand just wants to snooze, and Petronius wants to enchant his audience by telling stories- is that too much to ask for?
Follow these six lively friends as they learn what it takes to achieve their dreams- from spilled milk to waltzes, you won't want to miss this entourage!
The storyline is charming, magical and filled with themes of friendship, patience, and happiness. None of our circus characters want to be TOLD how to perform, they don't love what they're being forced to do.
Otto LOATHES wearing a bow-tie, Ferdinand just wants to snooze, and Petronius wants to enchant his audience by telling stories- is that too much to ask for?
Follow these six lively friends as they learn what it takes to achieve their dreams- from spilled milk to waltzes, you won't want to miss this entourage!
Read
June 1, 2022This is a gorgeous picture book about the power of saying no and following your own ambitions.
When the Clown and a few of the circus animals refuse to perform, not wanting to do the roles they've always been forced to take on, they leave in search of their own happiness. What follows is a cute little tale of taking charge and becoming exactly what they want to be.
The pictures are lovely, and the message is fantastic.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC copy, these are my honest thoughts.
When the Clown and a few of the circus animals refuse to perform, not wanting to do the roles they've always been forced to take on, they leave in search of their own happiness. What follows is a cute little tale of taking charge and becoming exactly what they want to be.
The pictures are lovely, and the message is fantastic.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC copy, these are my honest thoughts.
July 1, 2022
I received an electronic ARC from NorthSouth Books.
60th anniversary edition of this story first published in 1961.
Petronius the clown is tired of doing his role in the circus and one night simply says no to performing. Along with five other circus members, he walks away to form their own circus where each can be what they choose. A bit disjointed in the translation but the message comes through.
The illustrations bring this tale back to life for another generation.
60th anniversary edition of this story first published in 1961.
Petronius the clown is tired of doing his role in the circus and one night simply says no to performing. Along with five other circus members, he walks away to form their own circus where each can be what they choose. A bit disjointed in the translation but the message comes through.
The illustrations bring this tale back to life for another generation.
May 14, 2022
The story of a clown and his circus mates who wanted to do things their way. This was a lovely story that touched on some complex ideas in a simple way. The vintage-esue illustrations made it feel inviting and familiar, A great way to teach children about autonomy, advocating for self and working with others to achieve a common goal.
August 15, 2022
Eine bezaubernde Geschichte darüber, dass man manchmal einfach "Nein" sagen muss, um das eigene, ganz persönliche Glück zu finden! Was anfangs schwer erscheint, wird dann oft ganz leicht - so leicht, wie das Abnehmen einer Schleife...
Von Torben Kuhlmann kongenial in warmen, gedämpften Farben illustriert.
Von Torben Kuhlmann kongenial in warmen, gedämpften Farben illustriert.
August 2, 2022
An old story but newly illustrated book about a group of circus performers who said no to do what they're required to do. But what you do by heart, would have more impact, It is a good reminder, beautifully illustrated book that makes me want to read more.
Want to Read
April 26, 2022Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.
April 27, 2022
I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
January 5, 2024
Why is the clown serving peak gender
March 16, 2026
Prachtige illustraties.
Verrhaal over gevangen zitten in een rol die je moet spelen en vervolgens je eigen pad vinden. Vriendschap, emoties, compassie.
Verrhaal over gevangen zitten in een rol die je moet spelen en vervolgens je eigen pad vinden. Vriendschap, emoties, compassie.
May 8, 2022
Such a classic beauty with simple sweet and heartwarming story about friendship and bravery. With main characters is famous animals and clown from circus, children will learn the importance of give their honest opinion and working hard for realize their dream.
The illustrations is totally gorgeous and make the scene alive.
Thank you Netgalley for my copy.
The illustrations is totally gorgeous and make the scene alive.
Thank you Netgalley for my copy.
June 4, 2022
Originally published in 1961, this is the 4th edition to be published with new illustrations by Torben Kuhlmann. Will I be tracking down the previous editions with their own special illustrations? Yes! First, the newest.
I'm not sure how I missed this story, but somehow I did. It is a lovely book focused on the power of "no". Self-advocacy and gentle defiance are important skills to learn, and this books shows how the bravery to speak up can spread to others as well.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not sure how I missed this story, but somehow I did. It is a lovely book focused on the power of "no". Self-advocacy and gentle defiance are important skills to learn, and this books shows how the bravery to speak up can spread to others as well.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2012
Cerita buat anak-anak dengan ilustrasi yang bagus.
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