Subject
Circus animals -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
J. Macdonald (James Macdonald) Oxley
The Family on Wheels
"The Family on Wheels" by J. Macdonald Oxley is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the Tamby family, a group of young siblings and their beloved elephant, Nalla, as they navigate the challenges of life as traveling performers. Their adventures include amusing escapades, encounters with various characters, and the struggle for survival in a world that often overlooks them. The opening of the book introduces us to the boys of Morainville in their excitement for an upcoming military parade. They play as pretend soldiers, but their plans are quickly changed when they encounter the Tamby family, who are performing with their elephant, Nalla. As curiosity overcomes them, the children abandon their military drill to form a guard of honor for this remarkable troupe. Nadine, the eldest sister of the Tamby family, soon becomes a central figure as she seeks permission from the local mayor to perform publicly, showcasing her maturity and determination. This early setup signals a blend of adventure, humor, and the theme of resilience as the children rely on one another and their unique talents to face obstacles.
George Ethelbert Walsh
Buster the Big Brown Bear
"Buster the Big Brown Bear" by George Ethelbert Walsh is a children's fiction book written in the early 20th century. The story introduces young readers to Buster, a cub living in the North Woods, who embarks on various adventures. Buster's encounters with other animals and his experiences transitioning from a carefree cub to facing challenging situations are central to the plot, fostering themes of courage, friendship, and survival. The opening of the story establishes Buster's early life in a cozy cave with his mother in the springtime woods, portraying a peaceful and playful childhood. However, that tranquility is shattered when Buster disobeys his mother's warning to stay hidden, leading him to meet Loup the Lynx, a threatening predator. As Buster grapples with fear and the consequences of his curiosity, readers are introduced to the challenges he will face, foreshadowing a series of exciting adventures and lessons about obeying one's parents and navigating dangers in the wild. The narrative skillfully combines adventure with moral lessons, promising to engage young readers with Buster's thrilling journey.
Howard Roger Garis
Umboo, the Elephant
"Umboo, the Elephant" by Howard Roger Garis is a children's story that belongs to the genre of animal fiction, written during the early 20th century. The narrative focuses on the adventures of Umboo, a young elephant, who recounts his life in the jungle, the challenges he faces after being taken from his home, and his experiences in the circus. Through the lens of Umboo’s perspective, the book explores themes of friendship, growing up, and survival in the wild. The opening of the story introduces a hot circus setting where various animals, including Umboo and a group of monkeys, are trying to cope with their captivity. Infuriated by the heat, the monkeys express their longing for the jungle. Umboo demonstrates his playful nature by providing them some relief from the heat through his trunk by spraying water. He is soon prompted to share stories of his past in the jungle, particularly how he learned to navigate his environment and become strong. The initial chapters blend humor and adventure as Umboo engages with his fellow circus animals, leading to a narrative filled with camaraderie, reflections on his jungle upbringing, and foreshadowing his eventual adventures and challenges ahead as he recounts tales from his youth.
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