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Het circusschip
Vijftien dieren en een gemene circusdirecteur varen met het circusschip op een rots. Het schip zinkt, maar de directeur maakt zich alleen druk om zichzelf. De dieren komen na lang zwemmen aan bij een eiland. Ze maken het zich gemakkelijk in het dorp, maar daar zijn de bewoners niet blij mee. Maar dan vindt er een ommekeer plaats en vanaf die dag leven mens en dier vreedzaam naast elkaar. Tot de gemene circusdirecteur op een dag terugkomt...
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 22, 2009
63 people are currently reading
1466 people want to read
About the author
Chris Van Dusen
52 books321 followersChris Van Dusen writes: “I was born in Portland, Maine, on St. Patrick’s Day, 1960. As a child, my brothers and I would spend hours drawing pictures. We didn’t have video games or computers to entertain us, so we drew instead. One of my brothers would sketch intricate war scenes. Another would draw animals so realistic you’d swear they were breathing. My specialty was aliens, robots, and monsters.
“Dr. Seuss and Robert McCloskey were my heroes. I loved the rhythm of Dr. Seuss’ words and I was fascinated by the meticulous detail of Robert McCloskey’s illustrations. I had no idea back then that I’d end up writing and illustrating children’s books when I grew up.
“After high school, I studied fine art at The University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth and graduated with a BFA in 1982. It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do. First I was a waiter, and then I was offered a part-time job at a magazine for teenagers. Eventually I started drawing cartoons and illustrations for the magazine and my career as an illustrator was born.
“For more than ten years I worked as a freelance illustrator specializing in art for kids. I was doing mostly editorial work and my illustrations appeared in magazines like Nickelodeon, Family Fun, and Disney Adventures. One day I started thinking about drawing a picture of a boat stuck high up in a tree. I thought that would be a really funny and intriguing illustration. At the same time, a refrain kept running through my head—“Mr. Magee and his little dog, Dee / Hopped in the car and drove down to the sea.” The combination of these two things eventually became my first book, Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee (Chronicle), which was published in 2000. Since then I’ve written and illustrated A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee (Chronicle) (2003), If I Built a Car (Puffin) (2005) and I’ve had a ball illustrating Kate DiCamillo’s Mercy Watson series (Candlewick).
“Dr. Seuss and Robert McCloskey were my heroes. I loved the rhythm of Dr. Seuss’ words and I was fascinated by the meticulous detail of Robert McCloskey’s illustrations. I had no idea back then that I’d end up writing and illustrating children’s books when I grew up.
“After high school, I studied fine art at The University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth and graduated with a BFA in 1982. It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do. First I was a waiter, and then I was offered a part-time job at a magazine for teenagers. Eventually I started drawing cartoons and illustrations for the magazine and my career as an illustrator was born.
“For more than ten years I worked as a freelance illustrator specializing in art for kids. I was doing mostly editorial work and my illustrations appeared in magazines like Nickelodeon, Family Fun, and Disney Adventures. One day I started thinking about drawing a picture of a boat stuck high up in a tree. I thought that would be a really funny and intriguing illustration. At the same time, a refrain kept running through my head—“Mr. Magee and his little dog, Dee / Hopped in the car and drove down to the sea.” The combination of these two things eventually became my first book, Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee (Chronicle), which was published in 2000. Since then I’ve written and illustrated A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee (Chronicle) (2003), If I Built a Car (Puffin) (2005) and I’ve had a ball illustrating Kate DiCamillo’s Mercy Watson series (Candlewick).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 517 reviews
February 9, 2021
The Circus Ship is inspired by a real event that happened in 1836. The author changed the details to make it a fun read for the young kids. With rhyming text and stunning illustrations, the book tells of a story how fifteen circus animals were saved from a ship wreckage and their cruel circus owner. A fun read.
4 stars
4 stars
May 16, 2016
When I pulled this book out for mystery reader at least ten kids said "I love this book!" Loosely based on a real shipwreck involving a circus off the coast of Maine, this book is tons of rhyming fun. Van Dusen has a distinct illustration style that brings a lot of giggles in the classroom. Colorful with its own little seek and find page and great ending, this is a winner with the kids. 4.5 stars.
July 11, 2021
Miserly circus owner Mr. Paine and fifteen of his most exotic animals are caught up in a shipwreck in this rhyming tale from author/illustrator Chris Van Dusen. Abandoned by their cruel owner, who decides to save himself, the animals make their way ashore on a small Maine island, where their kindness to the human locals soon wins them friends. When the islanders get word that Mr. Paine is headed their way, determined to reclaim his animal performers, they spring in to gear to protect and hide these unexpected new residents...
Apparently inspired by a real incident from history, in which a ship carrying a circus sank off the Maine coast in 1836, The Circus Ship pairs an entertaining read-aloud tale in rhyme with brightly-colored, immensely expressive illustrations. I enjoyed pretty much everything about this one, from the story itself to the rhyming text, the eye-catching artwork to the seek-and-find element in the scene in which the villagers hide the animals in plain sight. I know Van Dusen largely through his work on Kate DiCamillo's Mercy Watson books, although I have read one of his own picture-books - Hattie & Hudson - as well. I'm glad to have now read another, and I thank my boss Tim for giving me a copy. I can certainly understand why it is a family favorite! Recommended to picture-book readers who enjoy animal stories, as well as to fans of Chris Van Dusen's vibrantly colorful artwork.
Apparently inspired by a real incident from history, in which a ship carrying a circus sank off the Maine coast in 1836, The Circus Ship pairs an entertaining read-aloud tale in rhyme with brightly-colored, immensely expressive illustrations. I enjoyed pretty much everything about this one, from the story itself to the rhyming text, the eye-catching artwork to the seek-and-find element in the scene in which the villagers hide the animals in plain sight. I know Van Dusen largely through his work on Kate DiCamillo's Mercy Watson books, although I have read one of his own picture-books - Hattie & Hudson - as well. I'm glad to have now read another, and I thank my boss Tim for giving me a copy. I can certainly understand why it is a family favorite! Recommended to picture-book readers who enjoy animal stories, as well as to fans of Chris Van Dusen's vibrantly colorful artwork.
September 7, 2018
A fun story about circus animals that get shipwrecked. Though all the pages are really delightful, one in particular has a full page spread of hiding animals. Your children will enjoy seeing if they can find them.
If you're still not sure, watch Jack, age 6, tell you why it's so great!
Ages 4+
Cleanliness: someone infers another man is "daft." There is a picture of a lady's bloomers and corset hanging on the line.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!
Visit my website!
If you're still not sure, watch Jack, age 6, tell you why it's so great!
Ages 4+
Cleanliness: someone infers another man is "daft." There is a picture of a lady's bloomers and corset hanging on the line.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!
Visit my website!
June 4, 2022
When a ship carrying circus performers crashes, the animals swim to the safety of a nearby island. The residents there are first astounded, then fearful, then accepting. Van Dusen's artwork is spectacular, particularly one laugh-out-loud illustration of what happens when the nasty circus owner comes looking for his missing menagerie.
It would be best NOT to read aloud the author's note at the end which explains that the book is based on a real incident that occurred in 1836. It DID NOT have a happy ending.
This is why fiction is SO MUCH BETTER than reality . . .
It would be best NOT to read aloud the author's note at the end which explains that the book is based on a real incident that occurred in 1836. It DID NOT have a happy ending.
This is why fiction is SO MUCH BETTER than reality . . .
April 14, 2019
I thought there'd be more about them being on the ship. That early part is very brief. There is a cool look and find section.
December 7, 2016
This was the third children's book I read today to be sure I'd chosen good books for gifts for children. While not quite as good as the other two (I rounded up from 4.5stars), it is still a beautiful book. It seems there really was a circus ship in the late 1800's that broke up during a storm off the coast of Maine and at least one animal made it to a nearby island. This story expands on that story, having many animals make it to an island, where, after a bit of a rough start, bond with the residents who hide the animals when the circus owner comes to find them. The illustrations are nice and very colorful, and the story is heart touching. I think I need to read more children's books or at least those that show people being kind!
March 30, 2015
One of my favorite read alouds for school visits. Kids love this book.
January 4, 2018
Fun art, good story. My kids loved looking for the animals and picking out the rhymes! They have even gone back to it several times to count the animals!
December 23, 2012
It is official. I LOVE this book. I have memorized the whole thing. Mama will read the first line of a page and I tell her the rest of the page. Mama thinks this is so cool. I am getting tired of her carrying the book around to show everyone that I have memorized the book. I am not a trick pony.
What a great thing to have little buddies who like to read stories with their family too. Right now, this is one of my buddy's favorite books. He gave me a copy for the holidays. It is filled with fun illustrations that are colorful and capture my attention. I like to pull the book up close on my lap and look at the pictures and ask mama and papa questions about them. I also ask what part of the story my friend likes. It makes for a lot of fun conversation and allows me to broaden my perspective as I think about what someone might have experienced with a story.
What a great thing to have little buddies who like to read stories with their family too. Right now, this is one of my buddy's favorite books. He gave me a copy for the holidays. It is filled with fun illustrations that are colorful and capture my attention. I like to pull the book up close on my lap and look at the pictures and ask mama and papa questions about them. I also ask what part of the story my friend likes. It makes for a lot of fun conversation and allows me to broaden my perspective as I think about what someone might have experienced with a story.
May 29, 2015
I read this one to my superb little friends, Brielle and Zach. This book is so fun! I loved the illustrations and the rhyme scheme is perfect.
January 5, 2018
This was a winner with my kiddos!
December 12, 2022
This was a fun book! The kids loved finding the animals on the page that they are all hiding.
May 28, 2017
When a circus ship crashes the selfish circus owner saves himself instead of his animals. A nearby 1800s seaside town in Maine is quite surprised when the exotic animals start showing up. At first many of the residents are very concerned for their safety but when one of the circus animals makes a brave rescue the entire town has a change of heart and starts plotting how to save the animals from the mean circus master when he comes looking for them.
Such a fun historical fiction story. Of course, many of these animals would eat the town in real life, but their actions are clearly not true to life. Kids can definitely cheer for circus animals getting freedom and should enjoy the rhyming text. Oh, and the arrival of the circus master is quite funny (and provides a nice hidden picture hunt...see if you can find all of the animals on that spread...oh, and Mr. Magee and Dee too while you're at it..they must have traveled back in time to visit). I'm quite convinced that some of the Deckawoo Drive characters are direct descendants of this town. If you're looking for a whimsical story for animal lovers, this may be their next favorite book.
Such a fun historical fiction story. Of course, many of these animals would eat the town in real life, but their actions are clearly not true to life. Kids can definitely cheer for circus animals getting freedom and should enjoy the rhyming text. Oh, and the arrival of the circus master is quite funny (and provides a nice hidden picture hunt...see if you can find all of the animals on that spread...oh, and Mr. Magee and Dee too while you're at it..they must have traveled back in time to visit). I'm quite convinced that some of the Deckawoo Drive characters are direct descendants of this town. If you're looking for a whimsical story for animal lovers, this may be their next favorite book.
August 10, 2025
The Circus Ship by Chris Van Dusen was an absolute delight to read aloud to my littles. Inspired by a true event that took place off of the coast of Maine, the story follows a group of circus animals who wash ashore and find unexpected refuge in a small island town. The rhyming text bounces along, making it a joy to read aloud and capturing the attention of my 3 sweet kids, aged 5-9. The illustrations are rich and vibrant, and they invite my children to point out what they notice on each page.
The heart of the story lies in themes of kindness and community. Each animal observed in the story has personality and charm, and the townspeople's transformation from wary observers to devoted and protective friends is heartwarming without feeling too unrealistic. The "search and find" scene is what sealed the deal, making this a book my children asked me to read again and again.
In a classroom, this could be used to discuss and learn the vocabulary word "camouflage," and students can even practice camouflaging themselves in the room or finding animals camouflaged in a busy scene! It is a great introduction for little learners to identify what it means to be hiding in plain sight.
I enjoyed this book in my 30s, and my kids of various ages and reading levels enjoyed it as well. I think it's a book that is enjoyable to read at any age, and it reinforces observation skills, imagination, visual literacy, and creativity.
The heart of the story lies in themes of kindness and community. Each animal observed in the story has personality and charm, and the townspeople's transformation from wary observers to devoted and protective friends is heartwarming without feeling too unrealistic. The "search and find" scene is what sealed the deal, making this a book my children asked me to read again and again.
In a classroom, this could be used to discuss and learn the vocabulary word "camouflage," and students can even practice camouflaging themselves in the room or finding animals camouflaged in a busy scene! It is a great introduction for little learners to identify what it means to be hiding in plain sight.
I enjoyed this book in my 30s, and my kids of various ages and reading levels enjoyed it as well. I think it's a book that is enjoyable to read at any age, and it reinforces observation skills, imagination, visual literacy, and creativity.
February 12, 2018
The beautiful artwork in this story introduces children to life in the 1800's. Based on an actual shipwreck, this story is a great way to engage in conversation about traveling circus animals, a ferry boat, and even an outhouse. This fun read-aloud has room for audience interaction as you search for the lost animals and a moral tale about kindness!
January 30, 2018
Fantastic book! Chris van Dusen has great illustrations (if you're not familiar with his work, get to it) but the story was also great too! I want to live in that town!! Lol
Great work Chris! Loved it!
Great work Chris! Loved it!
March 12, 2021
Beautiful vaguely cartoonish art. Clever rhyming text. And a just barely believable story. Clever and funny and it just works. Even the animals hiding in plain sight works. Almost certainly would hold up to repeated reading as well as studying the art.
February 21, 2022
WOW! Such a beautifully illustrated picture book with an amazing circus story. The story follows the circus animals riding on the circus ship as it crashes and everyone is thrown into the sea including the circus owner who decides to save only himself. The animals had to save themselves and found a wonderful town on a little island. No spoilers. I highly recommend this book to kids of all ages. We loved it!
May 1, 2020
Cute story with bright and lively pictures.
There is a page that may be scary for the smallest children- a fire breaks out. However, it ends well.
Enjoyable read
April 10, 2022
Cute little book. Granddaughter loved looking for and finding the animals. Illustrations are great
June 16, 2022
Trent, Natalie, and Jim read to Gunnar
November 3, 2025
SOLID. 🏆 (My baby nephew agrees.)
January 18, 2020
This is the perfect children’s book. It has wonderful illustrations and is a great read-aloud. There is also a page where kids get to find all of the hiding animals and my boys LOVE it. There’s a great villain and it’s just a fun story loosely based on a real event. I highly recommend this if you want a good book to read to your kids.
October 26, 2022
Both of my children (ages 3 and 5) ask for this book over and over and over again. It's especially delightful to see my 3-year-old, who struggles to sit through two pages of any other book, enraptured by the pictures and text of this story.
June 15, 2023
Gorgeous illustration! I loved that it rhymed!
November 3, 2017
This is a fun story that, according to the end notes, is loosely inspired by an actual ship that sunk off the coast of Maine nearly 200 years ago. My full review here:
https://www.theproblemsite.com/book-s...
https://www.theproblemsite.com/book-s...
April 27, 2024
Heerlijk prentenboek. Prachtig getekend. En het verhaalverloop is ook zeer goed opgebouwd en spannend. De tekst leest vlot, al heb ik stilaan wat een overload aan rijm gehad.
Bonuspunten (bovenop de 5* die ik al zou geven) voor de pagina waarop de dieren zich vermommen/verstoppen in volle zicht. Tof om hen zelf te zoeken en ontdekken.
Bonuspunten (bovenop de 5* die ik al zou geven) voor de pagina waarop de dieren zich vermommen/verstoppen in volle zicht. Tof om hen zelf te zoeken en ontdekken.
January 17, 2018
A bad storm has caused a ship to sink. Thank goodness the animals can rescue themselves. They try to hide out in town, but it's pretty hard to hide an elephant. A tiger relies on his training of jumping through fiery hoops, and saves a town child from a burning barn. The towns people rejoice, and help to hide the animals from the evil zoo owner who left them when the ship went down. I love that the beginning of this book is based on a historical event. Even if the real event was not as fun or as happy as this picture book.
August 29, 2019
Really lovely illustrations—found this at a thrift store and it’s one of the coolest purchases ever. Such a beautiful gem.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 517 reviews