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    The Clown of God
    The Clown of God
    The Clown of God
    Audiobook13 minutes

    The Clown of God

    Written by Tomie dePaola

    Narrated by Charles Cioffi

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    Giovanni, a once-famous juggler now old and penniless, gives one last, unforgettable performance on Christmas Eve.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherWeston Woods
    Release dateJan 1, 1982
    ISBN9780545257848
    The Clown of God
    Author

    Tomie dePaola

    Tomie dePaola (1934–2020) was the beloved author and/or illustrator of more than 270 books for young readers, including the children’s classic Strega Nona. He was the recipient of the Newbery Honor, Caldecott Honor, and the 2011 Children’s Literature Legacy Award for “significant and lasting contribution to children’s literature.” A native of Connecticut, Mr. dePaola studied at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and spent much of his life in New London, New Hampshire. Visit his work online at Tomie.com.

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    Reviews for The Clown of God

    4/5

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    • 5/5
       This book was actually a big surprise for me. I think it has a lot of religious influence and a strong message. The illustrations really give a lot to the story. It shows how Giovanni grows with age and sadness, and how his clothes became rags. The pictures also show how the crowds reacted to his juggling, when they loved him, and they hated him after he dropped the golden ball. Also, the story line showed how Giovanni’s life gave him great experiences. He had no mother and father, but fended for himself and figured out how to survive through his juggling. Giovanni then goes to discover how happy he can make others with his skill. He uses it to make people laugh and smile, but only realizes this at the end of the story when he needs to give a gift to the Holy Child. The big message in the book is to never take for granted a skill. It can eventually lead you to something great. In Giovanni’s case, he ended up dying with the Holy Child accepting Giovanni’s gift.
    • 4/5
      This is an interesting story (and legend) about a boy with a gift for entertaining audiences with his juggling. The story lends itself well to dePaola's colorful drawing style!
    • 4/5
      One of my favorite authors growing up, my son too! When reading any Tomie de Paola it is even more entertaining with an Italian accent! The rhymes are fun & catchy, melodic to my 2 year old! Reading this story at breakfast time always makes for a happy day!
    • 4/5
      Giovanni the juggler learns that his gift can be used to give glory to God. This is a retelling of a French oral legend. Tomie de Paola, like many storytellers before him, has changed some aspects to fit his own experience, and has given the story an Italian setting. This book is recommended for children in 2nd grade and up. It could be effectively used as a supplement to lessons in early childhood religion classes or Sunday school.
    • 3/5
      A wonderfully illustrated and awesome book with profound message for adults as well as older children. Themes include vocation, aging, determination, religious devotion and the miraculous. A good read aloud in Christian schools especially, but well suited when a multicultural theme is wanted..
    • 5/5
      I first encountered The Clown of God in college, during a course on spirituality and developmental psychology. It tells the story of a poor beggar boy who finds joy and fame in his juggling -- and surprising blessings as well.dePaola does an excellent job adapting this "old story" to medieval Italy; the setting fits the story like a glove. The delightful illustrations bring the story to life. My children love pouring over the rich images.A great story for kids and adults alike, The Clown of God gets my highest recommendation.
    • 5/5
      This book has many angles you could teach from. I think the biggest lesson is that we are born with nothing and die with nothing. The clown became famous but in the end of his life he was just as he was when he was young. He was poor and had to beg for food. I loved the book it was very touching but I think it would be hard to teach a lesson with.
    • 4/5
      A beautifully illustrated story about the gift of one's self.
    • 5/5
      Wonderful legend for illuminating stewardship and the offering of gifts and talents. Appropriate for 2nd grade and up.
    • 5/5
      my favorite Tomie dePaola book.