Pamela Camel

by Bill Peet

A tired and dejected circus camel finds long-sought-after recognition along a railroad track.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Animals, Trains

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Bill Peet was an American children's book illustrator and a story writer for Disney Studios. He joined Disney in 1937 and worked on The Jungle Book, Song of the South, Cinderella, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, The Sword in the Stone, Goliath II, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Dumbo, Pinocchio, Fantasia, The Three Caballeros, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and other stories.

After successes developing short stories for Disney, Peet had his first book published, Hubert's Hair Raising Adventure.

Reviews

[Ronyell · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Now, it has been awhile since I have read a book by Bill Peet since at one time, I was reading various books by him all at once. I had taken a break from reading Bill Peet’s books due to checking out other picture books at the time and now, I have come back to reading another Bill Peet book, which is called “Pamela Camel” and it was quite an interesting read!

Pamela Camel was a camel who belonged to the Brinkerhoff Brothers Big Top Circus and unfortunately, she could not do any tricks like the other circus animals and she was not considered beautiful. So, the only thing that Pamela could do is stand in the menagerie tent and be stared at and ridiculed by the bystanders and the worst part is that the bystanders keep calling her “dumb,” “stupid” and “bad-tempered.” One day, Pamela decided that she had enough of her miserable life at the circus and she decides to run away and live in a barn located in the alfalfa field. But just as Pamela was about to get settled into her new life, she realizes that there is a break in the train tracks and that if she does not warn anyone of the break in the tracks, then the train will meet with a tragic accident!

Can Pamela save the train from crashing?

Read this book to find out!

What I always loved about Bill Peet’s works is that most of his books deal with the importance of being yourself no matter how different you are from other people. What was so inspiring about this particular book was that it focused on the importance of bravery and it was great seeing that despite the fact that Pamela was not able to perform impressive circus tricks like the other circus animals; she still finds another talent that makes her special and that is her bravery! Bill Peet’s artwork is truly beautiful as I loved the fact that he uses mostly crayons to color in the characters and the settings. It is rare to see artwork being done entirely in crayon and colored pencils since most artwork in children’s books are done in watercolor paints and Bill Peet has definitely made his artwork stand out by using this traditional style.

The reason why I took off half a point from the rating was because I felt like the pacing for this book was a bit slow in some parts and I almost felt the need to rush through this book just to get to the more interesting bits of the story.

Overall, “Pamela Camel” is a truly inspiring tale about the importance of bravery and the fact that you can find your own special talent if you believe in yourself, which sends a touching message to many children. I would recommend this book to children ages five and up since there is nothing inappropriate in this book, unless you do not want small children repeating the phrases “dumb” and “stupid.”

I like to thank Wickedshizuku for recommending me this book!

Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Week 3:
Pamela is a scraggly, scrawny, clumsy circus camel. She is so clumsy, the Brinkerhoff Brothers Big Top Circus used Pamela as a display for people to look at and make fun of as they made their way into the big top. One day, Pamela had had enough and she ran away. Pamela was just admiring the country scenery when she noticed a break in the train track. Pamela knew if she didn't try and stop the circus train there would be a horrible disaster. Using all her might and all her courage, Pamela faces the oncoming train. Pamela is rewarded for her heroic attempt. She is now the star of the circus.

"Pamela Camel" is appropriate for ages 5+ (Grades K+).

Although I found this book to be predictable, Pamela is a lovable character. The story is enhanced with Pamela's facial expressions. I think young readers will find appeal in he circus setting that appears in this book. This is perhaps why most of Peet's books appealed to me as a child. Pamela helps young readers understand that just because someone thinks you are "as dumb as can be" you can still accomplish amazing tasks. I could see using this book in the classroom for character building activities. Pamela's mistreatment reminds me of "Water For Elephants." Although Pamela has a rough beginning, her future looks bright and happy.

[Diana]

Best line ever: "Pamela had to admit that she was indeed bad-tempered. But then, after all, anyone insulted as often as she was would be bad tempered." Yes!!!! I wish folks in charge at my work could understand this one! lol

I enjoyed this story, one I somehow missed when I was reading all of Bill Peet's works as a child. It just goes to show how important it is not to judge one's insides based on one's outsides. Talk about a timeless message! Also a great book for folks who feel unappreciated at their work. Speaking form experience here...

[Seema Rao · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pamela camel runs away from the circus, saves a number of people, and then returns to the circus triumphant, in this tale that expresses many people's feelings about working in a place that doesn't value you.

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pamela is a camel in the circus who has no talent. All the people just look at her and call her dumb and stupid. She hates being called useless and dumb. She decided to run away from the circus. She hates being put down constantly.

She takes to the railroad tracks and after sneaking away, she is free. She can do what she wants. She isn't stupid, but she can't prove it like an elephant can.

She finds a railroad tie that's loose and realized the train could crash. She has to find a way to help. She finds a brave way to help and saves a train full of people.

I love the message of bravery and sticking your ground. It's hard to find our way in this world. No one likes being made to feel small.

Bill Peet artwork is like wearing a comfortable pair of PJs. They feel so good. I love his artstyle. It reminds me of my childhood.

I think kids will still love this story if they love animals. It has a great message in it.

Yeah. I'm going to finish off Bill Peet's work. I only have a few left.

[Debbie Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Bill Peet and all his creations so this may be a biased review. The artwork in this book is wonderful and the story is something you can relate to no matter what age. His books, even though they are usually about animals, hit deep. This one is about a camel in the circus, and life seems miserable. She feels worthless so she sneaks out and sets off to do something better with her life. While on her journey she comes across a worrisome sight and decides she has to do something about it. It shows that one simple act can change everything in life.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was kind of blah. Same old story and not that captivating. Camel doesn’t like her place, runs away to find something else, then saves the day becomes famous and ends up right where she started but treated a bit kinder.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone makes fun of Pamela camel and says she is a dumb brute, but Pamela is actually very smart. But can she figure out a way to stop a train headed for impending doom? I enjoy Bill Peet books. Good stories.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pamela was a no talent Camel in the Brinker Brothers Big Top Circus in the menagerie tent. Pamela decides to leave the circus and roam the countryside. But fate finds Pamela, and her entire world is changed for the better.

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good lesson but the hateful speech takes too long to get to the moral of the story. Less enthused readers/listeners would not get the meaning because of the time.

[Iru Sai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations by Bill Peet and his story telling too. Sweet!!

[Maki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pamela left the circus and ended up saving the day.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pamela lives with the circus but can’t do any tricks and so is on display with the rest of the animals. She knows there are bigger and better things out there in the world, and so escapes from the circus, following the railroad tracks. She comes upon a torn-up rail and remembers a train wreck she saw, long ago, when she was still in the circus. She knows she should tell someone about the track but is not sure how to until a train does come down the track. She does the only thing she can do, which is stand in front of the broken rail and pray the engineer will stop in time. He does, though he is very angry with her for blocking his path. Then he realizes how she has saved them and she becomes a hero. The circus claims her back and she becomes the star of the show. I wasn’t a great fan of this book, but my son liked it because there were animals and a train. Recommended for ages 4-7, 3 stars.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pamela Camel was a scrawny scraggly clumsy and awkward member of the Brinkerhoff Brothers Big Top Circus. She was a part of the menagerie tent where the crowds stared, and hurled insults at her on their way to the big top. But fate shined down on Pamela when she decided to run away from the circus, changing her life forever.

[Johannes Kristian · Rating 4 out of 5]

MCL.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute! Not as dated as I thought it would be, honestly.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another circus-based tale from Peet. Good story with an unusual lead character.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't rhyme. Reminded me of Another one, but not as good.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy book by Bill Peet. The illustrations are always first rate and the stories interesting to all ages.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor Pamela is a misfit circus camel till she proves her worth with a brave act.

[Jami · Rating 4 out of 5]

The moral here is everyone's important in some way eventually.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Bill Peet! Pamela learns that she has other gifts than the ones typical to camels.