CLOWN

by Quentin Blake

A charming book that might be characterized as "a silent film between book covers". Follow the fortunes of Clown -- who starts in a garbage can and ends up in a happy family. Master illustrator Quentin Blake has created an irrepressible character, and action-filled plot, and an eloquent story that can be read on several levels -- all without the use of a single word.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Adventure, Fiction, Friendship, Art, Fantasy

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Sir Quentin Saxby Blake is an English cartoonist, caricaturist, illustrator and children's writer. He has illustrated over 300 books, including 18 written by Roald Dahl, which are among his most popular works. For his lasting contribution as a children's illustrator he won the biennial international Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2002, the highest recognition available to creators of children's books. From 1999 to 2001, he was the inaugural British Children's Laureate. He is a patron of the Association of Illustrators.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seem to be on a classic picture book tour. Library stacks are full of authors and gems I’ve missed! I never guessed I’d fall in love with this one though.

It’s a clown!!! “Eek!” is what I want to say, but Quentin Blake’s Clown charmed me with a big, persistent heart. And NO WORDS. This tale is all told in pictures. A feat that always leaves me in awe. Every wide-eyed look, point, and tumble on the page won me over. Plus, this little guy was thrown out again and again, but always managed to get up and keep going. And searching! Clown is searching for help and a home. Will he find it? Come see.

A sweet, clown classic not to be missed. Check it out at your local Library.

[Ronyell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have actually heard of Quentin Blake’s works from the many Roald Dahl books I have read as a child and I was actually surprised to read a book written by Quentin Blake himself. “Clown” is a children’s book by Quentin Blake and it is about how a small toy clown comes to life and tries to help the other toys that were thrown in the trash can find a new home. “Clown” is a cute story that children who love reading about toys will enjoy, but the illustrations might take some time getting used to.

Since this is a wordless picture book, I loved the way that Quentin Blake tells the story through his illustrations. Quentin Blake’s illustrations effectively told the story about a small toy clown trying to find a new home for the other toys and I loved how the illustrations told the story such as having an illustration of the clown running around the city or an illustration of the clown being chased by a large yellow dog. I especially loved the way that Quentin Blake illustrated the clown as having a white clown suit with a purple necktie, blond hair, a small blue hat and a smile on its face as it sort of represents the hope that it brings to the story. I also loved how Quentin Blake made this story extremely cute and heartwarming, especially of the scenes of the clown trying to find a new home for the other toys. I loved the theme about how being kind-hearted towards others has its own rewards and even though the clown had gone through so many obstacles in his quest to help the other toys, his deed is rewarded towards the end and it was the ending of this book that really made me feel so warm inside.

The reason why I gave this book a four star rating is because of the illustrations. While I liked the fact that the story was really cute and heartwarming, the illustrations sort of contrasted that by being a bit dark and dreary. The illustrations are not so dark and dreary that it would scare smaller children, but it would make children who read this book think about what kind of story this is. Also, there are a lot of grey coloring around the backgrounds that sort of gave this book a dreary feel. Even though I have always enjoyed Quentin Blake’s illustrations, especially with his work in Roald Dahl’s books, I felt that they sort of clashed too much with the story of this book and probably the only illustration that I felt fit the sweet nature of the story was of the clown itself as it has a white outfit and has a smile on its face on every page.

Overall, “Clown” is a really cute book about the importance of performing kind deeds for people and how having a kind heart can produce its own rewards. I would recommend this book to children ages five and up since the illustrations might be too dreary for some small children to handle.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this wordless picture-book from English artist Quentin Blake - probably best known for the work he had done on Roald Dahl's children's novels - a little clown is dumped, together with a number of other old toys, in a garbage can behind his old home. Immediately setting out to find a new home, for himself and for his companions, the clown encounters a number of possibilities, in the form of children who are intrigued by him, but circumstances - the child in question being jerked away on a lead, a snobby mother insisting that dirty toys don't belong in her luxuriously appointed home - always intervene. Finally, the clown ends up in a rather dingy, ill-kempt apartment, where his antics not only get him what he wants, but improve the situation for the family there...

In a tribute to the expressive power of his artwork, Blake's Clown succeeds as a storytelling venture, despite the absence of any words. I found it easy to follow the storyline, and enjoyed the process! I cannot say that Blake's aesthetic sensibility really suits me - he is not one of my particular favorites, when it comes to children's illustrators - but I do appreciate his sense of humor, and the feeling of motion that his work always gives me. I also liked the message, implicit in the story, that by helping others, we often help ourselves as well. Recommended to fan of wordless picture-books, and to admirers of Quentin Blake.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. This actually got a sniffle out of me. So heartwarming, magical. I do believe that even people who are 'scared' of clowns will love this little clown doll and his story.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this story with our girls was somewhat of an act of bravery for me because I HATE CLOWNS (shiver). Ever since I read It by Stephen King (and even worse, saw Tim Curry portraying Pennywise the clown on the made-for-tv miniseries), I have been petrified of clowns. And seeing the movie Poltergeist when I was a child didn't help. I don't even want to take our girls to the circus, although I mainly will hide behind the veil of an animal rights protest in that case and not just my fear of the painted ones.

And I recently read Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Circus Clown, too, so perhaps I am becoming braver in my old age. Two clown-themed stories in less than a month - I never would have imagined it.

Now that my confession is behind me, I must admit that the story was entertaining and very touching. The fact that the little clown toy comes to life didn't even creep me out like I thought it might. The wordless tale is at times humorous, sad, frustrating, scary and happy. I love that the pictures alone evoke an emotional response and that we shared the telling of the tale in our own words as we followed the illustrations. The book has a bit of a graphic novel feel to it, with a mixture of framed and frameless ink and watercolor images on each page, depicting action and a change of plot.

This book was featured as one of the selections for the December 2011 Toy-themed reads for the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads. I know for sure that I would never have discovered this book on my own, especially given its title, so I'm very glad that it was chosen through this book club. It is a sweet story and we really enjoyed reading it together!

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. I definitely tried to. However, I honestly got a little bit lost reading this book. I think that I would have liked it more if there was a story to go along with it. I didn't care for the art style. The style of this book was very sketchy, and used what looked like watercolor and pen. It seemed a bit busy, and I couldn't focus on what was going on. Particularly with the amount of detail that was in the background that was in some of the pictures. When I was able to focus on the story of the book, I became a bit more open to the plot, and indeed it was very cute. However, I don't think I can get passed the illustrations of this book. Like I said before, it was just too busy. :[

[Marc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clown is quite impressive for its ability to tell a touching story without a single letter of text. Blake's illustration alone narrates the tale of a discarded clown toy who seeks to find a new home and save his fellow unwanted toys. Not my favorite illustration style, but endearing and concise/brief.
-------------------------------
Songs This Book Reminded Me Of
- We're A Couple of Misfits
- Broken Toy by Jason Ricci & New Blood
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Advice to Other Discarded Clowns
- Pick better shoes out of the trash or just go without
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Animated Version Narrated by Helena Bonham Carter
https://www.channel4.com/programmes/quentin-blakes-clown
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Part Where I'm Wondering Why You're Still Reading This Review...
?
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A Clown Joke for Your Persistence

What do you get when you boil a clown?
Laughing stock
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[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clown by Quentin Blake is a wordless book about a stuffed clown who comes alive after being thrown into the trash with his stuffed animal friends, and has an adventure trying to find a home for himself and his discarded friends.

After Clown and his stuffed animal friends are tossed into the trash, Clown finds shoes and runs around the city trying to get help for his discarded friends. He approaches a couple children, is put into a costume contest, brought home by a child, but tossed away out the window by the mother. Clown is chased by a dog, whom he scares, then tossed into a window by its bully owner. Clown finds a child and her little brother, who helps him rescue his friends after he helps clean their apartment. Her mother allows all the toys to stay.

The detailed ink and water color illustrations portray a clear story despite the wordless format. Many pages feature several images per page, some with borders and others without. The action filled plot could be interpreted at different levels, according to the maturity of the reader. It's a dark, funny imaginative story that will please many.

For ages 4 and up, wordless, clowns, fantasy, family, rescue, trash, home, toys, and fans of Quentin Blake.

[Ben Hagan]

The story follows a little clown is thrown out together with other old toys. Immediately setting out to find a new home, for himself and for his companions, the clown encounters a number of possibilities, in the form of children who are intrigued by him, but circumstances - the child in question being pulled away, a snobby mum insisting that dirty toys don't belong in her luxuriously home - always intervene. Finally, the clown ends up in a ill-kept flat where his antics not only get him what he wants, but improve the situation for the family there.
Another enjoyable book which focusses on loneliness and the lust for companionship; these are great themes which can be spoken about in the classroom during PSHE. Chn could also use this wordless picture book to add text focussing on the emotional state of the clown within the book to add depth and interpretation to the book. Some could then be read aloud to the class, sharing their ideas and interpretations, but ultimately celebrating and sharing their work,

[Randie D. Camp, M.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A toy clown and some other toys are thrown away. The clown comes to life and ventures out into the city to find someone to save the other toys-- but no one seems to want old, worn out toys. Clown is not discouraged. His determination and devotion to his friends is inspiring.

Blake's squiggly ink lines and water-colored illustrations are not only brilliant but are fascinating enough to capture the action, emotions, and message of Clown’s story without words.

**A side note: I was eight-years-old when Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story came out. I loved it. I grew up with this beautiful notion that toys are real, they have feelings, they go on adventures, and they love unconditionally. My son is also growing up with the movies (fyi- a 4th movie is in the works) and as an only child, his toys are even more loved than mine were. Blake’s Clown captures this idea without all the hoopla of a fancy animated movie. It is an instant favorite!

[Yasmin Marsden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this wordless picture book as it explores friendship and fitting in, regardless of social class.
Having no words makes it accessible to children who struggle to contextualise what they are reading, and they can interpret the powerful images of the story themselves.

[Jami · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story without words by the guy who illustrated all the Roald Dahl books. My four year old 'read' me this story, wonderful.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cool, dark and funny story lacks words but not heart.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, a toy clown gets thrown away. He gets out of the trash and thrown around by people. In the end, the message is about recycling toys rather than throwing them away.

[Jessica Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake is famous for his illustrations, so it unsurprising that this book is full of wonderful artwork, though there are no words!

As this picture book is purely illustration, the reader has to make up the narrative based on the pictures. This is inclusive of children who are struggling readers and/or perhaps EAL and therefore perhaps have not fully learned English yet. Additionally, ‘Clown’ helps the children develop their story telling and characterisation as there are no words to rely on, therefore helping the writing process and demonstrating to the children you do not need to be a good reader to be a good story teller. Also, the book could be a great stimulus for drama. Children could look at the feelings of the clown or use physical theatre to become different objects found in the city. This would also help with their writing, but also their empathy.

Furthermore, the colours in the city are generally dull and muted, possibly a reflection on what living in a city life is like. This city looks as though it is New York. However, the clown and the children are often in bright colours. Teachers ask children to discuss why they think this is? Has Blake chosen to do this or has it simply just gone down on the page like that? From this, other art could be introduced. For example, how has tones, lines and texture help tell the story and so on.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wordless story in panels and small, unbordered sections on each page.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the day I've had, this is just what I needed. A cartoon about a mistreated, nobody who finds their place in this world through helping someone else in trouble.

[Kristal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Was this the inspiration for Mr Mime from Pokémon? He was always so helpful to Ash’s mom.

This is another book without words, which is could be used as a learning opportunity to let children write or tell their own versions of the story.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very cute story told without words. A handful of toys are thrown out, including a toy clown. The toy clown falls out of the garbage and embarks on a quest to find someone who will take not only him but also his other toy friends. He encounters many obstacles, but finally lands in the home of a rather stressed out young girl with a baby and a messy house. The clown helps her put the house to rights and take care of the baby, and in return she journeys with him to collect all the toys. When the girl's mom comes home, she is amazed and grateful at the state of the house, allowing her time to play with the children. The story ends with the young girl and the clown sharing a knowing look. It was very heart-warming, the illustrations whimsical and fun, and I appreciated that the clown always tried to get his friends saved even when he could've been made quite comfortable without them. He was a true friend.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! A visual narrative with no words used except for the title. The author creates effect by the choice of colour used in each illustration- when uncertainty/fear/sadness wanted to be portrayed the colours on the page were mostly greys. When happiness wanted to be expressed the colours on the page were bright and vibrant. The author allows the reader to follow the story easily by the spacing of the pictures- when the reader's attention needs to be drawn to a specific picture it is surrounded by a white background. The plot to the story I find it easy to follow but you can explore the choice of pictures and colours used in greater depth too.

[Andy Verschoyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic. You only have to look at the number of times the book has been checked out of the library. Must have been an inspiration for toy story. Clown's search for a home for himself and his friends touches all the buttons. Reading it ( reading ??!! ) you get the confidence a good picture book inspires in the reader / parent / teacher / performer to tell / share / explore. It's all there in the pictures.

[Cristina Di Matteo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clown è un albo illustrato meraviglioso, un nuovo capolavoro del grande artista, unico picture book senza parole.
Una commovente odissea che il maestro Quentin Blake raccontata senza usare nemmeno una parola. Una storia unica, geniale e dolce che narra degli ultimi, come il piccolo clown gettato tra i rifiuti, mostrando le disparità sociali e le ingiustizie ma che grazie ad un gesto gentile fiorisce, nuovamente, la speranza per una vita migliore.

https://ilmondodichri.com/clown/

[Reyhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished it for the same week and i really enjoyed it. I loved how at first the story lines didn't seem to have anything to do with each other but slowly details were revealed to show how they are all connected.

[Sandra Vicars · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute wordless picture book that follows the adventures of a clown that is tossed in the trash with a few of his toy friends.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through a series of only illustrations tells the story of a thrown-away clown and his adventures.

[Rachel Hinds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic picture book. Would be great for LKS2 for story writing. Fantastic story and, of course, the animations are fabulous.

[Gooshe · Rating 3 out of 5]

«دلقک» کتاب تصویری بدون متن کودکانه‌ای است درباره سرنوشت اسباب‌بازی که دور انداخته می‌شود. دلقک مجبور است برای بقای خودش از زباله بیرون برود و با کودکی رفیق باشد. او بارها دور انداخته می‌شود تا روزی که در حال پرت‌شدن، از پنجره خانه آشفته‌ای وارد زندگی جدیدی می‌شود.
عروسک دورریختنی خانواده‌های دیگر، ناگهان به یکی از مفیدترین و ضروری‌ترین اسباب خانه خانواده‌ای تبدیل می‌شود که حضورش کافی است تا روز و شب آنها را متحول کند؛ دورریختنی که چندین زاویه ندیده و نشناخته داشته، درک نمی‌شده و زاید و غیرمفید محسوب می‌شده. اما همان دورریختنی، در جای درست و در خانه‌ای درست، می‌درخشد.
کوئنتین بلیک، تصویرگر و داستان‌‌نویس کودکان، بدون هیچ کلمه‌ای داستان عروسکی را روایت کرده که خوش‌بختی‌اش درگرو بیرون‌آمدن از سطل زباله‌ است و سرنوشتش با پی‌گیری خستگی‌ناپذیری برای قانع‌کردن آدم‌هایی که باورش ندارند، گره خورده.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an utterly charming offering from Quentin Blake and I was surprised to find that it was a purely illustrated story; a pleasant surprise.

When clown and his fellow toys are discarded into the trash, clown takes it upon himself to find them a new home. However his journey and adventure is not easy and clown must face much rejection.

It really gets you in the feels! 4 stars!

[Faye Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel as though this book is interesting and a good tool for discussion within the classroom as there are no words, so it is open for children to decide what they think is happening within the book. Although overall it is a good book and I like the concept, I did find it difficult to follow, and children may potentially have the same difficulty as there is a lot happening on each page so it is sometimes difficult to focus on what the author is trying to portray.

[David Rogerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll start by pointing out that I AM NOT a fan of clowns (Thanks, Stephen King).
A Quentin Blake clown is the only exception. This is a wonderful picture book which shows the aftermath of a toy being discarded.
The illustrations are in keeping with his usual style and they have the added burden of having to convey all the emotion sans dialogue.
I'm pleased to say the book rises to the occasion. Hauntingly fun.