PETER SPIER'S CIRCUS
by Peter Spier & illustrated by Peter Spier
In the large, square format of his Christmas (1983), the Caldecott medalist lovingly details a large traveling circus: their departure from winter quarters, setting up the big top, a full performance, and a last glimpse of the abandoned site in a city's rural outskirts. No surprises here, but lots of authentic minutiae to explore in the deft, evocative art (Spier thanks the people of the Big Apple Circus for their help); also a plus is the emphasis on the many nationalities of the expert performers and on the way whole families are involved. A treat. Processors beware: the endpapers are part of the story! (Picture book. 4-9)