Tents, Tigers and the Ringling Brothers (Badger Biographies Series) [Paperback]

Jerry Apps (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up | Series: Badger Biographies Series

This addition to the Badger Biographies series for young readers features the story of the young Ringling brothers of circus fame. The book tells the inspiring story of the seven sons of German and French immigrants who were guided by their dreams to escape poverty through hard work and ambition. These entrepreneurial brothers moved with their parents to Baraboo, Wisconsin where their fantastic circus adventure began. With no prior circus experience, the brothers tackled one of the riskiest businesses of the time. Each brother contributed his unique talents to make their enterprise successful. The Ringling brothers were admired for their technological innovations, strategy, and devotion to education. They were also esteemed for their genuine appreciation of their audience.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The Ringling brothers grew up in a Mississippi river town where every summer they saw circuses, which were brought to the town on riverboats. Several of the seven brothers became performers themselves, and they dreamed of owning a circus. Eventually, all of the brothers became involved in the circus enterprise, each taking a different business role. Much of this book, which is part of the Badger Biography series, focuses on the Ringlings' day-to-day struggles to keep the circus going as they traveled from town to town in wagons and, later, in railcars. Additional chapters describe the care of the animals and the circus' winter quarters in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Black-and-white period photographs appear on nearly every page and illuminate almost every activity, from the raising of the big top to the training of the elephants. Back pages include suggested classroom activities, further readings, and a concise, descriptive paragraph about each brother. An illuminating account of nineteenth-century circus life for reports or browsing. Todd Morning
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"Jerry Apps recalls for me the poignant memories of good times and camaraderie when I worked on the circus 1937 through 1941." (Paul Ringling, grandson of Alf T. Ringling. Paul worked for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus when it was managed by John Ringling North)

"Mr. Apps captured the spirit of the brothers who had a dream, worked together, and persevered to become one of the largest circuses in the world. Not only is this biography a wonderfully entertaining story, but it's narrated in a way that makes the reader feel a part of the growing excitement and adventure of developing a circus. Even though the vocabulary and captivating factual information is geared towards children, this is a book that can be enjoyed by young and old alike because it does resurrect that child in all of us!" (Barbara Bellmer, art specialist and teacher at Brandon School, Brandon, WI)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Wisconsin Historical Society Press; 1 edition (September 6, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870203746
• ISBN-13: 978-0870203749
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,618,788 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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