The Clown of God

The Clown of God retells an old French legend about Giovanni, an orphaned street performer in medieval Italy. Through his juggling performances, he brings joy to crowds and earns enough to survive. As Giovanni grows from a boy to a man, his reputation as an entertainer spreads throughout Italy. He becomes known for his signature move - tossing colored balls in the air while proclaiming "the sun in the heavens!" Success and acclaim follow Giovanni's career, until age begins to affect his abilities. He must then confront questions about his purpose and worth when he can no longer perform as he once did. This picture book explores themes of devotion, humility, and the value of offering one's gifts - however simple they may be - with a full heart. The story speaks to readers of all ages about finding meaning through sincere service to others.

Readers connect emotionally with this retelling of the medieval French legend, with many parents and teachers reporting that children request repeated readings. The religious themes and medieval Italian setting resonate with Catholic families in particular. Readers appreciate: - dePaola's distinctive illustration style and use of color - The theme of giving one's best gift, regardless of its perceived value - Its effectiveness for teaching children about dedication and self-worth Common criticisms: - The ending is too sad for young children - Religious content makes it unsuitable for secular settings - Some find the story too long for toddlers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.28/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (240+ ratings) "This book brings tears to my eyes every time I read it," notes one teacher reviewer. Several parents mention skipping it for children under 5 due to themes of death. Multiple reviewers cite using it successfully in Catholic religious education programs.

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🎪 The story is based on a French legend from the 1300s about a juggler who performs for a statue of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus. 🎭 Author Tomie dePaola was inspired to write this version after seeing a performance of the opera "Le Jongleur de Notre Dame" as a child. ⛪ The book's setting of Sorrento, Italy, was chosen because dePaola studied art there and fell in love with the region's architecture and culture. 🌟 The main character Giovanni's red-and-gold juggling balls were inspired by traditional Italian Christmas decorations. 🎨 DePaola's distinctive illustration style in the book was influenced by medieval Italian frescoes and Renaissance art, particularly in his use of deep blues and golds.