Book review - Be a Clown

Be a Clown: Techniques from a Real Clown (Quick Starts for Kids!) by Ron Burgess, Heather Barberie (Illustrator), Ron Phillips

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(Editor's note: this book should not be confused with Turk Pipkin's Be A Clown (complete with nose) nor Mark Stolzenberg's Be A Clown, and has no relation to Cole Porter's classic song "Be A Clown")

A children's book (grades 4 - 8) that introduces the basics of clowning, including clown types (Auguste, White face, Tramp/Hobo), character development, and various funny bits. Illustrated, as well as black & white photographs of Ron Burgess in character as "Silly Willy." Catherine Perkins's The Most Excellent Book of How to Be a Clown is similar and has color photos, but Burgess' book has more information and greater detail. Ron Burgess is a humorist, professional clown, and second-grade teacher

Publisher Comments about Be A Clown!:

Bring on the clowns!

Paint on your funniest (or saddest) clown face.
Create an amazing clown costume using everyday clothing and props.
Perform awesome tricks, hilarious pratfalls, and funny bits.

Author's Comments about Be A Clown!:

"The Library Journal that reviews books for libraries and schools had a long article about my book. Here are just two sentences from the review: "Whatever the reason for wanting to be a clown - participating in a talent show or starting a clown business entertaining at birthday parties this book will suit readers needs. "How To Be a Clown" by C. Perkins is a similar type book, but Burgess' book "Be A Clown" has more information and greater detail."

Wow!!! Talk about getting a big head.

The book is good for kids and adults."

I rate it 4 clowns on a 5-clown scale.

Books by Ron Burgess: Be A Clown!, Clown Jokes & Walkaround Gags, Son of Clown Jokes and Walkaround Gags, Make Magic: 50 Tricks to Mystify & Amaze, Laughing Lessons: 149 2/3 Ways to Make Teaching and Learning Fun,