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Table of Contents
About The Book
Petronius is the funniest clown in the world, but he’s tired of being told what to do by the ringmaster. The animals are tired of being bossed around too. So, Petronius and his friends—Theodore the donkey, Ferdinand the horse, Gustav the lion, Luise the giraffe, and Otto the dog—leave the circus. With a little patience and creativity, the friends realize just what it would take to make them happy. They may not have a big top, but Petronius can tell his wonderful stories, the dog can run free without his collar, and the horse can nap through the waltz if he’s getting sleepy. And soon the band of friends perform the show they’ve always dreamed of doing.
This picture book classic from 1961 has been newly illustrated by award winner Torben Kuhlmann for a whole new generation to enjoy.
STARRED REVIEW "Now with stunning new illustrations, this classic picture book centers on a circus clown who’s tired of being “the funniest.” He learns a word that everyone should be brave enough to wield: “no.” ...Everyone realizes that letting living beings speak and live their truths makes for the best spaces possible." – Foreword Reviews
About The Illustrator
Torben Kuhlmann lives and works in Hamburg as a freelance children’s author and illustrator. He studied illustration and communications design at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences. He wrote and illustrated his first picture book, Lindbergh: the Tale of a Flying Mouse, in 2012 as his final thesis, and it was published in 2014 by NordSüd Verlag. It quickly became a bestseller and has been translated into more than 30 languages. Three more mouse adventures followed and were equally successful. In 2024, the tenth anniversary was celebrated by the publication of Earhart, the fifth book in the series. However, a few mouse-free books have also crept into the repertoire during the last ten years, including Moletown, The Clown Said No, and The Gray City.
Product Details
- Publisher: NorthSouth Books (October 4, 2022)
- Length: 32 pages
- ISBN13: 9780735844766
- Grades: P - 2
- Ages: 4 - 8
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Raves and Reviews
*STARRED REVIEW*"Now with stunning new illustrations, this classic picture book centers on a circus clown who’s tired of being “the funniest.” He learns a word that everyone should be brave enough to wield: “no.” ...Everyone realizes that letting living beings speak and live their truths makes for the best spaces possible."
– Foreword Reviews
"It’s a quest worth taking, this move toward authenticity; children will understand why the clown and his merry followers say no, and love how small changes can lead to big satisfaction."
– School Library Journal
"Those who turn the pages will find a sweet mix of action and reflection as they cheer on the earnest gaggle of performers. Part storybook, part pep talk to anyone with a dream in reach."
– Kirkus Reviews
"...as relevant today as it was sixty years ago."
– Just Imagine
"Children ages four to eight will learn to be true to themselves and let their unique personality shine."
– San Francisco Book Review
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): The Clown Said No Hardcover 9780735844766