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Clara: The (Mostly) True Story of the Rhinoceros who Dazzled Kings, Inspired Artists, and Won the Hearts of Everyone...While She Ate Her Way Up and Down a Continent
Based on the true story of an eighteenth-century rhino who toured Europe and started a sensation! In detailed illustrations, McCully shows Clara being introduced to Louis XV of France, Frederick the Great of Germany, and others willing to pay for a chance to stroke her soft lip. Her owner, a Dutch sea captain, keeps Clara fed (she eats 100 pounds of hay and 30 loaves of bread a day!) and watered (she drinks 14 buckets of water and beer) and takes loving care of her until her death 17 years later.
48 pages, Library Binding
First published June 7, 2016
About the author
Emily Arnold McCully
193 books77 followersEmily Arnold McCully received the Caldecott Medal for Mirette on the High Wire. The illustrator of more than 40 books for young readers, she divides her time between Chatham, New York, and New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
September 4, 2016
Very cool story but it's pretty dense for a nonfiction picture book for kids. Halfway through I was feeling a bit restless... Again, cute story of an amazing friendship with an animal but I don't know if the density and illustrations will draw kids in.
January 5, 2020
Caldecott medalist Emily Arnold McCully sets out the story of Clara, an orphaned Indian rhinoceros who, in the 18th century, was purchased by a Dutch sea captain, and then toured with him for seventeen years throughout Europe. The first of her kind to be seen by most Europeans, Clara was a sensation - praised and studied by everyone from royalty to peasant. Portraits were painted, and people of all walks of life lined up for a chance to gaze into her eyes. Finally, after many years as the beloved companion of Captain Van der Meer, Clara closed her eyes, having introduced the wonder of her species to an entire continent...
Both engaging and informative, Clara: The (Mostly) True Story of the Rhinoceros Who Dazzled Kings, Inspired Artists, and Won the Hearts of Everyone... While She Ate Her Way Up and Down a Continent! is an excellent work of imaginative non-fiction for younger children. It's sometimes easy to forget in our contemporary world, a world in which information about far-flung parts of the globe and the animals that live in them is readily available, that once upon a time knowledge of distant lands and species was quite limited, and very difficult to obtain. McCully's book highlights just how wondrous and magical it must have seemed to the peoples of Europe, glimpsing their first rhinoceros. Many of them would have considered such an animal mythological, before their first glimpse of a real live specimen. McCully also manages to capture the real bond that (possibly) existed between Captain Van der Meer and Clara, so much so that I found myself tearing up a bit at the conclusion of the tale, as the rhino lay on her deathbed. Pairing an illuminating, poignant, thought-provoking text with immensely appealing, expressive illustrations, this is a picture-book I would recommend to young animal lovers, and to anyone looking for children's stories about the expansion of human knowledge about our animal kin, in previous centuries.
Both engaging and informative, Clara: The (Mostly) True Story of the Rhinoceros Who Dazzled Kings, Inspired Artists, and Won the Hearts of Everyone... While She Ate Her Way Up and Down a Continent! is an excellent work of imaginative non-fiction for younger children. It's sometimes easy to forget in our contemporary world, a world in which information about far-flung parts of the globe and the animals that live in them is readily available, that once upon a time knowledge of distant lands and species was quite limited, and very difficult to obtain. McCully's book highlights just how wondrous and magical it must have seemed to the peoples of Europe, glimpsing their first rhinoceros. Many of them would have considered such an animal mythological, before their first glimpse of a real live specimen. McCully also manages to capture the real bond that (possibly) existed between Captain Van der Meer and Clara, so much so that I found myself tearing up a bit at the conclusion of the tale, as the rhino lay on her deathbed. Pairing an illuminating, poignant, thought-provoking text with immensely appealing, expressive illustrations, this is a picture-book I would recommend to young animal lovers, and to anyone looking for children's stories about the expansion of human knowledge about our animal kin, in previous centuries.
October 27, 2016
This was a cute story with nice illustrations, but it seemed incredibly far-fetched that 18th-century exotic animal trade involved gazing into the eyes of the creatures, glimpsing their souls, and considering their emotional relationship with their human caretakers. Aside from that, the writing was pretty advanced for a kids' picture book.
June 15, 2016
Interesting Historical fiction story that demonstrates the love and connection between animals and owners - even rhinos!
February 7, 2017
This is the story of Clara, a rhino who was orphaned, taken in by colonials in India, and then bought by a sea captain who knew that Europe would pay to see such a creature. She traveled the continent and inspired Europeans.
This is technically fiction as McCully filled in some of the gaps left by history. But in the back of the book she does tell which parts are historical fact (and most of the book sticks true to that...it just imagines various conversations and such). A curious tale of how Europeans welcomed exotic and previously thought mythical creatures the first time. McCully does a good job of balancing current knowledge about animal treatment with understanding people in the past didn't have the same information. I also found it interesting that Clara was an Indian rhinoceros, not African as most will assume. Kids should love this story.
This is technically fiction as McCully filled in some of the gaps left by history. But in the back of the book she does tell which parts are historical fact (and most of the book sticks true to that...it just imagines various conversations and such). A curious tale of how Europeans welcomed exotic and previously thought mythical creatures the first time. McCully does a good job of balancing current knowledge about animal treatment with understanding people in the past didn't have the same information. I also found it interesting that Clara was an Indian rhinoceros, not African as most will assume. Kids should love this story.
May 14, 2017
Text: 4 stars
Illustrations: 4 stars
Historical fiction picture book. The story of a man who traveled the world with a rhinoceros, because no one at the time had ever seen one. The caring relationship between the man and the rhino is captured adeptly in both text and illustrations. Can be used to debate the pros and cons of animals living in captivity.
Illustrations: 4 stars
Historical fiction picture book. The story of a man who traveled the world with a rhinoceros, because no one at the time had ever seen one. The caring relationship between the man and the rhino is captured adeptly in both text and illustrations. Can be used to debate the pros and cons of animals living in captivity.
July 28, 2016
Bookaday # 87. Adore the close bond that Captain Van de Meer had for Clara, really comes through in the text and illustrations. Just imagine the logistics their travels entailed, shown on maps on the endpages! Author note explains actual events and sources.
August 27, 2016
4.2 stars
Got this title from a list of best picture books of 2016.
It’s the nicely illustrated true story of a rhinoceros named Clara who traveled throughout Europe with a Dutch sea captain who had purchased her in India.
February 29, 2016
Historical story of Clara, a rhino taken in by a ship captain and paraded around Europe for queens and kings and more. For those who enjoyed ELIZABETH, QUEEN OF THE SEAS
July 13, 2016
I love picture books that dig out these unusual stories from history. It's important for kids to learn about these things and to compare how things used to be to how they are now.
November 24, 2019
This is a great history book for children, and for adults who are young-at-heart. It tells a true story of a rhino who was taken all around Europe to show to people. Very loving treatment of the rhino by the people involved.
February 2, 2022
Touching story of a British man who adopted a tame Indian Rhinoceros. From the story in the picture book it seems that Clara had a good life. I’m wondering if it was really so perfect. Still this is a great story.
November 13, 2024
I knew nothing of Clara the rhinoceros but now I do and I enjoyed this! ✨
June 11, 2016
Beautifully detailed pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations and a well-told story enable readers to learn about Clara, a three-ton rhinoceros who traveled across Europe three centuries ago. When Captain Van der Meer encounters the young animal in a friend's home, he is immediately smitten and decides that she might be his ticket out of his current life at sea. And so their journey begins, on board a ship and across the European continent where Clara catches everyone's eyes, including those of royalty. Interestingly, while many of the nobles that Clara and the Captain encounter provide him with monetary gifts, King Louis V expects her as a gift. Even while Clara became quite the rage across Europe with songs in her honor being composed and fashion paying tribute to her, the Captain struggled to feed her. In order to do so, they continued to crisscross the continent for 17 years during which he came up with all sorts of moneymaking schemes. After all, a large and growing rhinoceros needs a lot of food, and he had promised "to take care of her, no matter what" (unpaged). The text and illustrations show the mutual affection the two had for one another, and the ending is rather poignant. Although the author has taken some small liberties with the story, the Author's Note provides historical context for Clara's travels and the reactions to those around her upon first encountering this unusual animal. As always with this author/illustrator's books, I came away having learned something and having had my heart touched. This would be a terrific book for sharing with students in order to teach compassion as well as to raise awareness about the changes in how society treats endangered animals today.
January 3, 2017
McCully, Emily Arnold Clara: The (Mostly) True Story of the Rhinoceros Who Dazzled Kings, Inspired Artists, and Won the Hearts of Everyone...While She Ate Her Way Up and Down a Continent. PICTURE BOOK. Schwartz and Wade Books, 2016 $17.99.
Clara was an orphaned rhinoceros that captivated the hearts of people all across Europe. Born around 1740, Clara's mother had been killed and she was adopted and treated as a loving pet. When Captain Van der Meer visited the family caring for Clara, he was instantly captivated with her and wanted to share his fascination with the world. Thus began Clara's global adventure. Many people in Europe believed rhinos to be mythical creatures, to see one in the flesh was life changing.
Clara's journey is remarkable considering the time period. The author takes a lot of liberties to the true events, but it is a delightful story. The author's note at the back of the book was also a great read, giving insights into the time period and explaining why Clara was allowed to be kept in captivity and put on exhibition for most of her life.
EL--ADVISABLE Gina, Media Specialist
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
Clara was an orphaned rhinoceros that captivated the hearts of people all across Europe. Born around 1740, Clara's mother had been killed and she was adopted and treated as a loving pet. When Captain Van der Meer visited the family caring for Clara, he was instantly captivated with her and wanted to share his fascination with the world. Thus began Clara's global adventure. Many people in Europe believed rhinos to be mythical creatures, to see one in the flesh was life changing.
Clara's journey is remarkable considering the time period. The author takes a lot of liberties to the true events, but it is a delightful story. The author's note at the back of the book was also a great read, giving insights into the time period and explaining why Clara was allowed to be kept in captivity and put on exhibition for most of her life.
EL--ADVISABLE Gina, Media Specialist
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
August 4, 2016
The main book is fine (if we first accept that this is 99% fiction - certainly not "mostly true" since the author says, "We know what Clara looked like [...] and the routes she traveled. I imagined the rest."), but the author's note goes a bit overboard. "By so patiently and agreeably posing for the public, year after year, Clara seemed to ask that humans strive to understand the creatures who share our world." Oh, really? How convenient that Clara's 18th century rhinoceros thoughts are so perfectly aligned with Emily's 21st century author thoughts. "Today we know that confining and exhibiting a wild animal is inhumane." We know this? I think rather that we believe this. Some people have been bullied into this view, I suspect. And others, I suspect don't hold it at all. And who is this "we," anyhow? Every single solitary human? I don't like how these complex and debatable issues are oversimplified and put forth for unsuspecting child readers in such unambiguous terms.
May 11, 2018
Captain Van der Meer, a Dutch sea captain, adopted a young, orphaned rhinoceros named Clara from a friend in India. He took Clara with him on a grand tour of Europe, introducing her to all sorts of people - even royalty. Everyone was charmed by and fascinated with her. Clara seems to have been very docile and affable, despite her busy travel schedule, and she remained healthy and hale for seventeen years, before passing away. She ate the captain out of house and home and he sometimes went hungry himself in order to pay for her food. Like Clara, this story is sweet and charming. An afterword includes some additional rhinoceros facts and details that are known to be true. For animal lovers and those who care to wonder at the world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2017
The sub-title pretty much outlines the life of an orphaned rhino. The remarkable aspect is that she lived and traveled 300 years ago! Young readers will be amazed as they learn about life at that time and the changes in attitude about animals in captivity.
Foreign words are followed by the English translation give youngsters fun words to say out loud.
Large wide pages hold the illustrations done in pen-and-ink and watercolor. Some show background to give a broad perspective, other pictures have large white background to pull the reader's eye to the action. Maps on the endpapers show her journeys.
Foreign words are followed by the English translation give youngsters fun words to say out loud.
Large wide pages hold the illustrations done in pen-and-ink and watercolor. Some show background to give a broad perspective, other pictures have large white background to pull the reader's eye to the action. Maps on the endpapers show her journeys.
February 26, 2016
Appealing story based on a historical fact. Clara completely won my heart just as she won the hearts of all the astonished people who met her. McCully's lovely watercolor illustrations are
enchanting and filled with touches of humor on every page.
Interesting author's note discusses the real Clara and how much more we now know about how wild animals should be treated. The end paper maps are a treat too! This will make a wonderful classroom read aloud.
enchanting and filled with touches of humor on every page.
Interesting author's note discusses the real Clara and how much more we now know about how wild animals should be treated. The end paper maps are a treat too! This will make a wonderful classroom read aloud.
August 7, 2016
Remarkable story about a ship captain who toured Europe and beyond with a wagon and a three ton rhinoceros. Much of the tale is embellished, but the main story is true- Clara was a real rhinoceros who was admired throughout the world during her grueling travel schedule.
Emily McCully's strengths as a storyteller are apparent, and while the written portion provides the information, the illustrations lend an eye to visual details about which all readers will be curious.
Emily McCully's strengths as a storyteller are apparent, and while the written portion provides the information, the illustrations lend an eye to visual details about which all readers will be curious.
November 21, 2017
This fascinating historical fiction book follows the journey of Clara, a rhinoceros, as she travels all the way from India to Europe, and then all across the entire continent as a traveling side-show. The Clara was born around 1740, and was one of the greatest European attractions for nearly 20 years. This book would be great to teach about this time in history, natural habitats, and European geography.
Genre: Historical fiction
Grades: 1-3
Genre: Historical fiction
Grades: 1-3
August 27, 2018
Didn’t care for this one. Seemed as though they were just trying to convince the readers the whole time that no really, Clara WANTED this. She wanted to be moved around on ships, rafts and toured around various towns. It is a rhino.
As others mentioned, seems like too many creative liberties were taken in this story for a nonfiction, though I also likely wouldn’t be a fan of the actual story either.
As others mentioned, seems like too many creative liberties were taken in this story for a nonfiction, though I also likely wouldn’t be a fan of the actual story either.
October 10, 2016
Why is McCully obsessed with everyone gazing into Clara's soul? And this: "The captain was about to cancel Clara's appearances, but when he looked into her eyes, he was reassured. It was clear that she loved this life." Really? Too many liberties taken, in my opinion. To the point that I didn't even check off the "nonfiction" shelf.
September 11, 2017
I was told at the library that this was a wonderful book, and I wasn't disappointed after reading it. I couldn't believe that this was based on a true story but it definitely intrigued me. It shows a beautiful relationship between Clara the rhinoceros and the captain, her caretaker. I really did enjoy this unique tale, and I would definitely read it to students.
November 13, 2017
It took awhile to actually start reading because this is "dense" as another reviewer said. But the story was fascinating. And Rhinos are among my favorite animals, so I could understand the awe of all those people viewing Clara. Overall, I found the story charming and lovely.
January 10, 2018
This was a random library pick that I was worried would be too long (and too "non-fictiony") for my 3-year-old, but the story was interesting enough to draw her in, especially with the fun illustrations. I was pleasantly surprised.
September 3, 2019
I read this out loud to my students last year, along with a discussion about how lucky we are to have pictures of and access to knowledge of the wonders of nature which are in other parts of the world.
May 16, 2018
The fictionalized account of the real rhinoceros who traveled Europe as proof that rhinos really exist.
August 24, 2018
Based on the true story of a man and his pet Rhinoceros, who traveled Europe.
October 10, 2018
Cute
10/9/18 Read with Julia
10/9/18 Read with Julia
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews