Clown [Paperback]

Quentin Blake (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 1998 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

One day, Clown is thrown into the trash, but he doesn't stay there long.

He tries to find someone to take care of his friends, but no one listens.

Then Clown finds someone he can take care of, and together, they make a home for everyone.

Follow the fortunes of Clown-- who starts in a garbage can and ends up in a happy family-- in this perfectly pitched picture book.

Master illustrator Quentin Blake has created an irrepressible character, an action-filled plot, and an eloquent story that can be read on several levels-- all without the use of a single word.

Clown is a 1996 New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year.

Horn Book Fanfare Book

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

In this tragicomic, wordless picture book, a discarded clown doll escapes from a garbage can, and endeavors to rescue his fellow toys from the trash. "With a few brushstrokes and scribbles of ink, Blake conveys moods, contrasts economic situations?and praises those who appreciate secondhand items," said PW. Ages 3-8.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (September 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805059334
• ISBN-13: 978-0805059335
• Product Dimensions: 12.4 x 8.9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #657,393 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #29 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( B ) > Blake, Quentin

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing, touching book containing an invaluable lesson, November 19, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Clown (Hardcover)

This book, without using any words at all, taught me one of the greatest lessons in life. The co-existence of humility and love. Watching the story develop with eyes and imagination,I realizes that this book allows each reader to come up with their own dialogue, providing a unique, special experience for each child (and adult) who happens upon it. I read this book a few months ago, and loved it. I am 21 years old, and think "Clown" has transcended the language and age barriers some of us have come across. It should be enjoyed by everyone.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A charming tale with a heartwarming message, October 4, 2000

By 

R. Smith "Zonkerette" (Near Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Clown (Hardcover)

I've been reading this captivating story to my 4-year-old daughter for about a year now, and we are both quite fond of it. I think it's one of the easiest wordless picture books to "read" because there is an illustration to depict every little event, so you don't have to rack your brain for words to describe what is going on--I find that the words just flow. The expressive characters seem very real, and the compassionate clown will easily find a place in your heart.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book, simple illustrations, funny, warm-hearted and loving, December 9, 2006

By 

A. Woodley "Patroness, Janeites, the Austen list" (New Zealand) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Clown (Paperback)

This is a wry, funny and wonderful book. Quentin blakes water colours are the best I have seen and the story he tells is amazing. A family dump their toys in a rubbish bin. A clown doll comes to life. He has lost his feet so he finds a pair of shoes, and then goes off searching for someone to save him and his friends. This is the story of his trip, the various people he finds, and the reasons he can't be saved. It is really beautiful and it works on many levels. You can talk about processes of following a story, there is the discussion of what is happening and why. There is the simple narrative you can make, you can get the children to talk about the story (and about the emotions) Overall it has a wonderful happy ending where everything turns up right.