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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 was born in Germany in 1982. Highly creative as a young child, Torben was recognized as early as kindergarten for being a gifted draftsman. He was captivated by small airplanes, strange machines, and steaming trains; these elements made their way into his drawings. He studied illustration and design at the Hamburg University for Applied Sciences. His preferred media are pen and watercolor. He also works with acrylics, oil paints, and digital programs. He works as a freelance illustrator in Hamburg. His books Lindbergh: The Tale of a Flying Mouse, Moletown, and Armstrong: The Adventurous Journey of a Mouse to the Moon quickly became best sellers and owe their inventiveness to Torben’s great enthusiasm for unusual mechanical inventions. Edison: The Mystery of the Missing Mouse Treasure, his fourth picture book for NorthSouth Books, was chosen as a 2019 Batchelder Honor.
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