The Circus Ship by Chris Van Dusen

Van Dusen tells the story of a shipwrecked band of circus animals who manage to swim to safety on an island off the coast of Maine. There they wander into town and encounter some very bewildered – and nervous! – townspeople, who are wondering why there are lions on the lawn and pythons in the pantry. After one of the animals makes a daring rescue of a young child, the townspeople come to love their new residents. So when the angry circus boss arrives on the island demanding his animals back, the townspeople rally together to protect their new friends. 

Van Dusen is perhaps best known for his amazing If I Built a… picture book series. He also illustrates many popular books from author Kate DiCamillo, such as the Mercy Watson early chapter book series. But The Circus Ship is a lesser-known gem in his collection, worthy to be discovered and shared.  

The Circus Ship showcases Van Dusen’s signature vintage illustrations, which are bright, cheerful, and full of personality. And his charming rhyming verse partners with a well-paced story that culminates into a satisfying ending. Toward the end of the book, there is a hilarious full-page illustration that acts as a “Where’s Waldo” moment for young readers as they search for the circus animals hiding in plain sight. It’s clever and just plain fun.

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1. Have you ever been to the circus?
2. How would you respond if you discovered circus animals roaming around in your backyard?
3. If you could keep any circus animal as a pet, which would you choose?