Circus Opposites: An Interactive Extravaganza!

by Suse MacDonald, Suse MacDonald (Illustrator)

Overview

In this innovative book from Caldecott Honor illustrator Suse MacDonald, readers of all ages will enjoy eye-catching cut-paper artwork that conveys the concept of opposites! Suse's simple, striking artwork leads readers into the topsy-turvy world of the circus where opposites such as IN/OUT, BIG/SMALL, PLAIN/FANCY, and many more are explored via pull-tabs, wheels, flaps, and other interactive elements!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781416971542
Publisher:	Little Simon
Publication date:	08/17/2010
Pages:	20
Product dimensions:	8.20(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Suse MacDonald published her first book, Alphabatics, for Simon & Schuster in 1986. This book won a Caldecott Honor in 1987, kicking off a prolific and successful career. Suse continues to write and illustrate books for children, including Fish, Swish! Splash, Dash!: Counting Round and Round, Alphabet Animals: A Slide and Peek Adventure, and Dino Shapes. Suse loves to work in her studio and finds pleasure in encouraging readers to make their own artistic discoveries. Suse lives in Arvada, Colorado, with her husband, Stuart.

Suse MacDonald published her first book, Alphabatics, for Simon & Schuster in 1986. This book won a Caldecott Honor in 1987, kicking off a prolific and successful career. Suse continues to write and illustrate books for children, including Fish, Swish! Splash, Dash!: Counting Round and Round, Alphabet Animals: A Slide and Peek Adventure, and Dino Shapes. Suse loves to work in her studio and finds pleasure in encouraging readers to make their own artistic discoveries. Suse lives in Arvada, Colorado, with her husband, Stuart.

Editorial Reviews

MacDonald's crisp trademark paper collages are the main event, as she uses the sights of the circus to explore the concept of opposites. Readers kick things off by pulling a tab to let 11 clowns "out" of a tiny yellow car. They can also literally turn a clown's frown upside down, taking him from sad to happy; help a small mouse scurry out from under a big elephant; and make an empty truck full, when the circus comes to a close. The elaborate costumes and variety of interactive elements should prove kid-pleasing. Ages 3–7. (Aug.)

Publishers Weekly

PreS-K—"In" and "out," "plain" and "fancy," "empty" and "full" are just a few of the opposites featured in this romp through the big top. MacDonald's artwork is brightly colored with crisp contrasts and clean lines. The images, created using cut-paper collages, are matched with two contrary phrases. Each spread can be manipulated in some way (flaps, pull tabs, wheels, foldouts) to demonstrate the concept. The simple presentation and well-designed paper-engineered components are sure to encourage interaction. Clever techniques include a rotating mouth to make a "happy" clown "sad," and a turning wheel makes it appear that the balls a monkey is juggling go "up" and "down." This engaging book will leave youngsters satisfied, yet wanting more.—Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ

School Library Journal