Toby Tyler, or Ten Weeks with a Circus [Paperback]

James Otis (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Classic story of a little orphan boy who runs away to join the circus, only to learn, unhappily, that his new employer is a cruel taskmaster. 30 illustrations enhance a story that will tug on the heartstrings of readers of all ages as they enter the world of an old-time traveling circus.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

James Otis Kaler (March 19, 1848 — December 11, 1912) was an American journalist and author of children’s literature. He used the pen name James Otis. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 135 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (April 14, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486293491
• ISBN-13: 978-0486293493
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,462,267 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great kids book!!!, December 27, 2004

By 

James R. Rhyan (Spring Branch, Texas United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Toby Tyler, or Ten Weeks with a Circus (Paperback)

My main disagreement with the above review is that it is obviously written by an adult for adults. I do not believe most young children read a book for the reasons he complains about. I have not read this book in over 50 years but I still remember it well. I can remember lying in bed at night reading this book and dreaming that I was right there along side Toby and sharing his adventure. I will not give away any of the plot but I can also remember a scene where my little boy tears just flowed(in am age where little boys were not supposed to cry). I loved the book then and am now buying it for my grandson!!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic American children's novel, May 26, 2008

By 

Stephen Balbach (Ashton, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Toby Tyler, or Ten Weeks with a Circus (Paperback)

Toby Tyler was first published in 'Harper's Young People' as a serial in 1877, and then as a book in 1881. It was an immediate classic and favorite among young boys and girls who dreamed of running off with the circus. It was very popular and sold so well that a few years later Mark Twain wrote his own story of a run-away conscious-stricken orphan who joins the circus: 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' (1884). The central theme of the novel is doing what you know is right versus doing what comes naturally and following your instincts, as shown by the character Mr. Stubbs the monkey. Although written to be a "wholesome" children's novel of what happens to bad boys, most remember it for the romantic story of running off with the circus. Indeed, by the end Toby has become so successful in the circus, his reason for returning home stretches credibility (probably to the secret delight of younger readers who knew what they would have done in Toby's shoes: stayed with the circus!). The novel was influential for at least 3 generations, a young Carl Sandburg thought it his favorite novel and William S. Burroughs mentions it in his memoirs. Disney paid it homage in a 1960 movie adaption. Since then it has become increasingly obscure, but it's close similarities with Huckleberry Finn should give it a wider audience as a comparison novel. The original included 30 pen and ink drawings by W. A. Rogers (1854-1931) which are essential.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great read, March 19, 2011

By 

Kcathy - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Toby Tyler Or, Ten Weeks with a Circus (Kindle Edition)

Saw the movie when a child, read this as a grandparent and cried... I will read this to my grandchildren. It is a wonderful book.