The Clown of God

Written by Tomie dePaola

Grade:

K-3

ISBN-13:

978-1534430129

Publisher:

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (2019)

Based on an old French legend, this is the story of Giovanni, a juggler who spends his life seeking his purpose. Young and homeless, Giovanni’s only way of earning a meal is through juggling in the marketplace. As a young man, Giovanni joins a travelling troupe of entertainers where he refines his juggling skills and becomes widely famous. As he becomes an older man, Giovanni begins to lose his mastery of the art and soon falls on hard times, leaving him once again penniless and without a home. In search of shelter one night, Giovanni stumbles upon a Christmas celebration in a monastery where he feels compelled to offer the only thing he has: a juggling performance to delight his maker. One of dePaola’s most moving works, this is a story of generosity, perseverance, and charity.