From School Library Journal
Gr 4 Up-From name choices to costumes to makeup, actions, gags, and simple magic tricks, everything is here for would-be clowns. Burgess offers plenty of practical tips on creating laughter through clothing, joking, and pantomime, but he also explores some of the basic philosophy of clowning in its traditional styles: Auguste, Classic Whiteface, Comedy Whiteface, and character. The author encourages readers to think about their own personality and talents and then decide what type of entertainer to become. For each example, he gives clothing and makeup suggestions and tells how to achieve the desired effects with easily obtainable materials at minimal expense. The directions are clear and easy to follow. The shaded-line drawings are helpful, as are the several black-and-white photos of the author in costume. The design of the book contributes to its liveliness, with bold, stylized type for section headings, sidebars set at an angle, variations in typeface, and an assortment of interesting borders and graphic ornaments. Whatever the reason for wanting to be a clown-participating in a talent show or starting a business entertaining at birthday parties-this book will suit readers' needs. Catherine Perkins's The Most Excellent Book of How to Be a Clown (Copper Beech, 1996) is similar in orientation and has color photos, but Burgess's book has more information and greater detail.
Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, Waterford, NJ
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Review
Costumes, makeup, actions, gags, simple magic tricks, plenty of tips on creating laughter. This book will suit readers' clowning needs. -- School Library Journal
