Circus Parade

by Harriet Ziefert, Tanya Roitman (Illustrator)

Rhyming text and exuberant illustrations perfectly capture the energy, beat, and magic of a circus parade full of clowns, jugglers, acrobats, musicians, elephants, and prancing ponies.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2005

About the author

Harriet Ziefert grew up in North Bergen, New Jersey, where she attended the local schools. She graduated from Smith College, then received a Masters degree in Education from New York University.

For many years, Ziefert was an elementary school teacher. She taught most grades from kindergarten to fifth grade. "I liked it," she said, but she stopped teaching when she had her own sons. When her children were older, Ziefert wanted "a bigger arena" for her work. She went to work at a publishing company, Scholastic in New York City, developing materials for teacher's guides for kindergarten language arts and social studies programs.

"About twelve years ago," says Ziefert in a 1995 interview, "I tried to get a job as an editor, but no one would hire me as a trade editor. So I decided to write my own books." Since then, she has written several hundred books, mostly picture books and easy-to-read books. "I write books very quickly," she says, "in about twelve hours. I rewrite them three times over three days, and then they're done." She writes about twenty books a year.

Reviews

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seems like I get "circus books" requested every time one is in town.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not all that wild about the pictures, but a nice short rhyming story good for story times.

[Sheyla]

Got my baby's attention for only a couple of seconds...

[Tracy Schillemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhyming, short text. Good for younger children.

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

During storytime, families can join in repeating the drum sound “a rum a tee tum” throughout the parade of popular circus acts.