Gaston® is a curious gator whose adventures have entertained generations of children and their parents. From Mardi Gras to the rodeo and even to the Kentucky Derby he will go—if only to discover what sorts of unusual things he can find there. So when the circus sets up tent next to his shady swamp, he has to investigate. What he finds beneath the flaps of that striped tent are marvelous doings by man and beast! Elephants, acrobats, tigers, lions, and tightrope walkers, too! Gaston® thinks it is too good to be true, and so he asks if he, too, can join the circus.
From fairground to fairground the wagons roll, and Gaston® learns circus acts when he’s not doing his chores. He tries walking on that thin tightrope and juggling bright-red pins. He even tries to be a ringmaster. But Gaston® fails at every act he tries. Finally, Gaston® discovers the job he does best—he loves to cut up and make people laugh. Can you guess what Gaston® does with the circus that summer?
The iconic illustrations of legendary author and illustrator James Rice once again bring Gaston® the Green-Nosed Alligator to life. Born in the swamp, in a wet bayou abode, Gaston® finds all kinds of adventures. Rice’s colorful and comical drawings breathe new life into this classic character of children’s literature.
About the Author/Illustrator
Author/illustrator James Rice (1934-2004) produced sixty books, including the illustrations for Pelican’s treasured The Night Before Christmas Series. Rice’s first book, the well-loved classic Cajun Night Before Christmas®, has more than 750,000 copies in print. Young readers can enjoy more of Gaston®’s adventures in Gaston® Goes to Mardi Gras and sample Rice’s other children’s stories with favorites such as Texas Jack at the Alamo. With more than 1.5 million copies of his books in print, Rice ranks among the nation’s best-selling creators of children’s books, receiving awards from Printer Industries of America and the Children’s Book Council, among others. Years after his death, Rice’s family found the art and text Gaston® Joins the Circus, and this discovery has brought Gaston® back for one more adventure!
GASTON® JOINS THE CIRCUS
Written and illustrated by James Rice
JUVENILE FICTION / People& Places / United States / General
JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Alligators & Crocodiles
32 pp. 8 1/2 x 11
16 color illus. 15 b/w illus.
Ages 5-8 Grades K-3
Gaston® Series
ISBN: 9781455620920 pb