The Clown of God

We recently got this and the first time I read it to my 3 year old, I almost choked in tears on the last page. It's very moving. What a beautiful story that spans the life of Giovanni, introduces the breathless aspect of the skill of juggling and offers a glimpse into spirituality. I myself am Buddhist but I believe it's important for my daughter to know about Jesus and so that was something nice about this book. It's not overtly religious but you get the sense throughout and certainly at the end, that spirituality is an essential component to the story. The page where Giovanni collapses is a bit jarring and I quickly turned to my daughter to see if she was shocked or upset- I think she was just trying to process and she did ask me several times afterwards 'why did he die?' it may take more time for her to get the full depth of the story because she is too young to really understand death yet. Nevertheless, it's a really beautiful message- not only that making others happy is beautiful, but that giving all that you have and what you alone have, is the greatest gift of all. It's written well- to capture the sweetness of Giovanni and also to help create excitement during the juggling scenes. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, too. A feast.

One of my all time favorite books to gfit to children for it's exquisite illustrations and a wonderful life lesson to know. Huge fan of Tomie De Paola books

Our two-year-old adores this book. She made me read it over and over when it first arrived, sometimes three or four times a day. We adjusted the ending to suit her age -- Giovanni falls asleep at the end instead of dying. It's worth reading once through if your child is very young to decide how you want to handle that. On the plus side, she loved learning the interesting words like Sorrento, Giovanni and maestro. She caught on to the concept that Giovanni was aging throughout the book, and had a lot of fun spotting him in each picture and saying, "There's Giovanni!" She also learned the words "serious" and "stern," which came in handy when trying to explain other books to her. ("Why is Olivia's mommy mad?" "She's not mad, she's just *stern* because Olivia wants to read five bedtime stories and her mommy just wants to read one.") Lastly, it teaches the beautiful concept that bringing joy to others also honors God.

The art work depicting Italy is beautiful and authentic. The legend is a beautiful story that all children can love.

Some stories are offered and they are nice to listen to, and that is all. Other stories are told and they linger in your mind, they captivate the possibility that life, my life, can be live differently. The Clown of God remains for me an enchanting tale that I return to time and time again. My three year old son loves hearing the story!The pictures are simple and reflect the simple nature of the story without overwhelming the words and meaning. De Paola has fashioned this story more than adequately.As to its meaning? Well, a good story never has just one meaning and each time I read The Clown of God, something that was once hidden is revealed, even if just for a moment. Perhaps what is so captivating is the possibility that God delights even in something as a person who is a skillful juggler. God delights in people expressing the beauty of who they are, even in old age when everyone else ignores them or derides them.A timeless classic which will remain on my shelves, and be shared with as many as possible, child and adult, for many years to come.

This was a beautiful book. I would not recommend it for three year olds as it deals with death somewhat. Tomie DePaola died back in March , I believe. He was one of my all time favorite author/ illustrators. I would love to have met him!

I just love this story and the beautiful illustrations. I lost my childhood copy so I bought this for my daughter to have. I hope she loves it as much as I do.

I still have my copy of this story from my childhood. It was one of my favorite books and to this day, the beauty in the story is amazing. Tomie DePaola’s magnificent illustrations just make it even more amazing. This was a must for my godson’s recent baptism. The lesson the everyone has a gift to be celebrated is much needed in our world today.

Bought for my children, friends' children, god-children! One of my favourite books as a child, and lovely to pass on to next generation. Beautiful story and illustrations. Makes a lovely Baptism or First Communion gift.

If you want a book with a wonderful story, fabulous drawings and a heart warming message, then The Clown of God is for you.

Beautiful, beautiful book - they don't write children's books like this anymore - with such depth and sorrow and beauty in them.Very very pleased and entirely satisfied with supplier, too.

My girls love this story and I can read it to them over and over again. Illustrations are so colourful. I've bought it for my goddaughter. I know her mum will enjoy reading it to her.

Classic French tale rewritten for young readers-beautiful story perfect for Christmas time with lovely illustrations