Grumps is a circus dog who loves to make people laugh--all he has to do is lie down on the ground with his feet in the air and the crowds cheer and roar. But one day a new dog named Sparks joins the circus. Sparks can jump through hoops, balance a ball on his nose, and even ride on the back of a running zebra. How can an old dog with one simple trick compete with the likes of Sparks? Sue Truesdell's exuberant illustrations capture all the excitement of circus life in this heartwarming story about friendship, family, and the universal need for acceptance.
About the Author
Andrew Clements
Andrew Clements is the author of picture books and novels for young readers, including Because Your Daddy Loves You and the perennial bestseller Frindle. He lives in Baldwin, Maine, and can also be found at www.andrewclements.com.
Excerpts
Reviews
"Children are sure to demand a repeat performance." School Library Journal
"Kids will respond to lovable Grumps; adult readers will be more attuned to the message about teaching old dogs new tricks." Booklist, ALA
"The well-paced text complements the clean, varied layouts of the illustrations." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books