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Crazy Circus World
Crazy Circus World is a portal into a different and unique world. It is a place where imagination is encouraged and vocabularies are expanded. The pictures are vibrant and imaginative and the simple message hits home for parents and kids alike.
40 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2009
61 people want to read
About the author
Jayce O'Neal
4 books59 followersDr. Jayce O’Neal is the pastor of RED Church in Virginia Beach. RED Church is a growing church community focused on HELPING PEOPLE FULLY REALIZE REDemption through Jesus.
Dr. Jayce is also the BEST-SELLING author of One-Minute Devotions for Boys, which has sold over 250,000 copies worldwide. He has also authored No Girls Allowed: Devotions for Boys, Crazy Circus World and 100 Answers to 100 Questions Every Graduate Should Know. He is an Instructor at Regent University and is an avid sports fan who enjoys cheering for his favorite sports teams while eating pizza with a fork. Dr. Jayce has a Doctorate, two Masters Degrees, a Bachelor of Science, and a small trophy for perfect attendance in Sunday school from when he was nine. He currently resides with his fantabulous wife and four children in the Virginia Beach area. For more information on Dr. O'Neal's ministry see DrJayce.com.
In addition, Dr. Jayce has authored four books, appeared on networks such as CW, National Geographic, CBN, and Discovery Channel.
Join His Group:
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/1...
For more information visit: http://www.Jayceoneal.com
Dr. Jayce is also the BEST-SELLING author of One-Minute Devotions for Boys, which has sold over 250,000 copies worldwide. He has also authored No Girls Allowed: Devotions for Boys, Crazy Circus World and 100 Answers to 100 Questions Every Graduate Should Know. He is an Instructor at Regent University and is an avid sports fan who enjoys cheering for his favorite sports teams while eating pizza with a fork. Dr. Jayce has a Doctorate, two Masters Degrees, a Bachelor of Science, and a small trophy for perfect attendance in Sunday school from when he was nine. He currently resides with his fantabulous wife and four children in the Virginia Beach area. For more information on Dr. O'Neal's ministry see DrJayce.com.
In addition, Dr. Jayce has authored four books, appeared on networks such as CW, National Geographic, CBN, and Discovery Channel.
Join His Group:
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/1...
For more information visit: http://www.Jayceoneal.com
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
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January 17, 2010I enjoyed sharing this book with my class of 7-9 year olds. It introduced them to a lot of new vocabulary and they enjoyed the bizarre elements and humour as well as the rhyme, although some of it went a bit over their heads! They also really enjoyed the change between the dull home and the exciting circus. I would say that it was also suitable for older children - I would have no problem sharing this with children up to 11 or so, and I think they would enjoy it. It's fun for the adults too, and the illustrations are very rich with lots to spot. I'd recommend this to upper elementary children and their parents, but it could also be a very motivating read for younger secondary/middle school pupils, especially boys more reluctant to read.
And now, the verdicts of some of the audience!
M – I liked the bit where he turned all the greyness into colours when he came back from the crazy circus world. I liked the part when the knife thrower was missing when he threw the knives.
S – I quite liked it because I liked it where he made all the different weird things in the crazy circus. I would like to make a funny, weird book like that.
T – It was good because I liked the bit when he changed all the dull things into colours.
L – I didn’t like it at the beginning because it was boring, but when he went to the crazy circus world it was good because of all the weird things.
D – The whole book was good because I liked all the colours and the bright pictures. I liked the bit where there was a knifethrower who was missing!
S – I liked it because it was imaginative.
A – I liked all the silly animals because they were funny.
C – I liked the bit where he did the magic trick on his dad and made the rabbits come out of the hat. I thought it was really good when the little boy was running down the street in his pyjamas. I’ve never seen a book like that and it made me laugh.
M – I liked it because it was funny when the monster ate all the shoes, and I liked it when he thought that he was dreaming and he wasn’t, because he saw the hat and the magic wand and started playing tricks on everyone.
C – I liked the bit when all the magic colours appeared, because he went to the circus before and got the things to do the magic with.
Y – I liked it because not a lot of books are weird.
I – I liked it because of the bit when the monster was juggling the pianos and I also liked the part with the tiger tails growing on the tree.
C – I liked the bit when I thought that it was a dream – but then it wasn’t!
S – I liked the bit where it went black and then it went coloured, because when it started getting colourful, he was getting to the circus.
And now, the verdicts of some of the audience!
M – I liked the bit where he turned all the greyness into colours when he came back from the crazy circus world. I liked the part when the knife thrower was missing when he threw the knives.
S – I quite liked it because I liked it where he made all the different weird things in the crazy circus. I would like to make a funny, weird book like that.
T – It was good because I liked the bit when he changed all the dull things into colours.
L – I didn’t like it at the beginning because it was boring, but when he went to the crazy circus world it was good because of all the weird things.
D – The whole book was good because I liked all the colours and the bright pictures. I liked the bit where there was a knifethrower who was missing!
S – I liked it because it was imaginative.
A – I liked all the silly animals because they were funny.
C – I liked the bit where he did the magic trick on his dad and made the rabbits come out of the hat. I thought it was really good when the little boy was running down the street in his pyjamas. I’ve never seen a book like that and it made me laugh.
M – I liked it because it was funny when the monster ate all the shoes, and I liked it when he thought that he was dreaming and he wasn’t, because he saw the hat and the magic wand and started playing tricks on everyone.
C – I liked the bit when all the magic colours appeared, because he went to the circus before and got the things to do the magic with.
Y – I liked it because not a lot of books are weird.
I – I liked it because of the bit when the monster was juggling the pianos and I also liked the part with the tiger tails growing on the tree.
C – I liked the bit when I thought that it was a dream – but then it wasn’t!
S – I liked the bit where it went black and then it went coloured, because when it started getting colourful, he was getting to the circus.
August 8, 2009
I was so excited when I received this book in the post, wrapped up with a personal gift tag and 'thank you' note from the author. I had eagerly anticipated it after reading how it expanded vocabularies and coloured the imagination... and it certainly didn't let me down! It actually ecxeeded my very high expectations! This book re-defines and goes beyond the normal reading experience, with its rhyming couplets describing a transformation, a transition from the dull grey world of adults to the colourful, hopeful crazy circusa world, where anything can happen! It definitely brought back my inner child, that feeling of joy in life which I lost for a long time. It has so many ideas on offer and an array of zany, weird and wonderful creatures which not only captured my imagination but got my little sister, who I tested this book with, creating her own new species.
The illustrations in this book are a key factor, the black and white adult world contrasting with the vivid circus one. It reminds me of the ideas behind the Narnia books, or Maurice Sendak's 'Where the Wild Things Are.' Truly it is a masterpiece, a chef d'oeuvre which has opened up new possibilities in reading formats, my favourite addition to this new style being the 'FUNtionary' at the back which meets its purpose of expanding vocabulary by explaining words such as 'spectacular' in the style related to the book. It's great fun for all ages, and conveys its important message brilliantly - it has inspired me to create a crazy circus world of my own, and to rebel against the stale greyness which too often surrounds life now. Well done Jayce O'Neal, for expanding the boundaries of the reading experience to improve our daily life!
The illustrations in this book are a key factor, the black and white adult world contrasting with the vivid circus one. It reminds me of the ideas behind the Narnia books, or Maurice Sendak's 'Where the Wild Things Are.' Truly it is a masterpiece, a chef d'oeuvre which has opened up new possibilities in reading formats, my favourite addition to this new style being the 'FUNtionary' at the back which meets its purpose of expanding vocabulary by explaining words such as 'spectacular' in the style related to the book. It's great fun for all ages, and conveys its important message brilliantly - it has inspired me to create a crazy circus world of my own, and to rebel against the stale greyness which too often surrounds life now. Well done Jayce O'Neal, for expanding the boundaries of the reading experience to improve our daily life!
August 11, 2009
Any book for kids that uses the word 'plethora' (and defines it as 'a lot, a bunch, a ton') gets full marks as far as I'm concerned. Great illustrations -- the rhyming and metre is a tiny bit strained at times, but that actually fits in with the whole 'be creative even if it means you have to kick over a few traces' theme. This book embodies what I want to teach my kids -- that they should treat other people, including adults, with respect, but their own opinions and thoughts and instincts are just as valuable as any teacher's, or doctor's, or tv personality's. I work in a school library, and one day I heard a teacher telling her very young class "children shouldn't tell adults things, they should only ask adults things". I mean -- seriously?
I loved it. My daughter loved it -- and she's the brightest, most colourful, clowniest soul I know. I want to live in a crazy circus world.
I loved it. My daughter loved it -- and she's the brightest, most colourful, clowniest soul I know. I want to live in a crazy circus world.
August 6, 2009
In the middle of a heartwrenching nightmare, my 16 yo son with a disability yells at 6am, "It's day, get up."
So started a day of difficulties. But, in the mail that morning was a lovely book --- Crazy Circus World, wrapped in gift paper with a personal note from the author.
This book brought me back to the fun of life. Thanks for a wonderful reminder that life gets dull/tough sometimes, but in our attitude, we can make a difference. Let's have fun --- let's bring the color back and enjoy what is around us.
I have two grandsons, a little too young for this book, but as they get older, it will be a regular when they visit. Thanks for the opportunity to read this fun book, Jayce.
So started a day of difficulties. But, in the mail that morning was a lovely book --- Crazy Circus World, wrapped in gift paper with a personal note from the author.
This book brought me back to the fun of life. Thanks for a wonderful reminder that life gets dull/tough sometimes, but in our attitude, we can make a difference. Let's have fun --- let's bring the color back and enjoy what is around us.
I have two grandsons, a little too young for this book, but as they get older, it will be a regular when they visit. Thanks for the opportunity to read this fun book, Jayce.
August 5, 2009
"Crazy Circus World" will be a book that gets read over and over again in my home! It's amazing how a little story can be so profound. It teaches that it's ok, even encouraged, to be the "light" in the world, to "go against the flow"! My boys loved the story with the funny animals and cute pictures, but hopefully they will get to know what this story "really" is about.
Awesome...I'm just so blown away by how a "children's" book can make such an impact!
Awesome...I'm just so blown away by how a "children's" book can make such an impact!
January 7, 2023
This was a great book to read and fun for my kids and myself. It reads like a cross between Dr. Seuss, Fancy Nancy and Tim Burton. The drawings are mindful of Burton's work or maybe M.C. Escher. The poetic story is of a young boy who is bored and wants more from life than TV and so he creates a magical circus world in his mind, and decides to bring some of the light, fun and adventure to those in his family and the world around him. Wonderfully written and excellently illustrated, it is sure to enthral children of all ages. It will be fun to read again and again.
August 6, 2009
I was fortunate enough to win this book in a first reads giveaway. As soon as I opened the mail, my boys wanted to read it so we sat down tonight while we were waiting for dinner to cook.
My reading of Crazy Circus World was accompanied by a lot of giggles as I read about the antics of the circus. And there were just as many giggles from the pictures as the words. The vocabulary was a little above my boys age level (3 & 5) but I'm sure it's a book we'll read again and again. And definately one they can grow into.
For the older kids and the grownups, it holds a reminder that if your life is a little boring, or not quite as exciting as you'd like, there's an easy remedy with a little imagination.
My reading of Crazy Circus World was accompanied by a lot of giggles as I read about the antics of the circus. And there were just as many giggles from the pictures as the words. The vocabulary was a little above my boys age level (3 & 5) but I'm sure it's a book we'll read again and again. And definately one they can grow into.
For the older kids and the grownups, it holds a reminder that if your life is a little boring, or not quite as exciting as you'd like, there's an easy remedy with a little imagination.
August 17, 2009
"Crazy Circus World" is a bedtime story for young children, which is why I'm having trouble reviewing it... I was hoping for something a little more adult-friendly. The storyline is simple: a bored child has a dream featuring some colorful characters, then realizes that by using his imagination, he can make the waking world less boring. I guess boredom could be conflict enough for little kids, but to me it seemed like the book lacked action. I would have liked it better if the main character had gotten into some trouble that needed to be resolved, or if the dream was more of a quest in the circus world, rather than just a glimpse of its inhabitants. The illustrations are lovely and I appreciated the hand-written note from the author!
August 21, 2009
This was a very cute book. One reviewer said something about it being a mixture of Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein. The illustrations that go with the words are fantastic, and I love the idea of a children's book that aims at increasing vocabulary in a subtle form. However, I am unsure of the age range the author is trying to reach. At what age should a child know the meaning of the word "plethora", really? As someone who majored in Creative Writing, the writing is a bit loose at times, and could use better rhymes and a more discernable rhythm... All that said, it's a good book to read to children. :) Thanks Jayce!
June 9, 2010
As per my agreement with the first reads program, here goes my review.
What surprised me the most about this book was the fact that this book is a picture book. I was expecting something different in terms of format. However, this book was one of the most colorful children's books I've seen in awhile, and I really loved the illustrations. The bears with tutus and mutant animals were the best!
All in all, a good book to read when one's in a bad mood. I could have done without the couplet rhyming style of the text, but otherwise, a good read.
What surprised me the most about this book was the fact that this book is a picture book. I was expecting something different in terms of format. However, this book was one of the most colorful children's books I've seen in awhile, and I really loved the illustrations. The bears with tutus and mutant animals were the best!
All in all, a good book to read when one's in a bad mood. I could have done without the couplet rhyming style of the text, but otherwise, a good read.
August 18, 2009
Thank you Jayce for sending this book -- a signed copy at that. I found it to be a nice inspiring read and would imagine that children would like it as well. I liked how the author was able to go back to the pre-jaded years of childhood when everything was exciting and your imagination was just as important as real-life daily happenings. It reminded me a little bit of Holden Caulfield and his "phonies". Kudos to the author for a nice children's book that also appeals to adults.
January 15, 2010
I'll have to wait until I read this to children to finalize my assessment of the book. I couldn't get a handle on the appropriate age of the "reader." The story and vocabulary seemed much older than the illustrations. The point of the story is fine for a very young child, and seems most "graspable" for an older child.
Going from black/white to color was very good--adds to the message.
Jury still undecided
Going from black/white to color was very good--adds to the message.
Jury still undecided
August 2, 2014
Not quite suessy but not horrible, this book shows the wisdom of spreading creativity and color throughout the world. A cute story that I recommend for beginning readers (as a plus it includes some cool vocabulary: plethora). I'm glad I read it.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
December 19, 2020
It really is fun.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews