Are you looking for some Circus children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension ideas? This list may be just what you are looking for!
The Circus is such a special theme and is filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these Circus books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Whether you love the Circus or not, try these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. If I Ran the Circus by Dr. Seuss
Step right up for Dr. Seuss’s classic rhyming picture-book tale of young Morris McGurk’s big circus dreams. This circus has more than a mere lion tamer and trapeze artist!
At this circus you’ll be intrigued by the wink-hooded Hoodwink, terrified by the Spotted Atrocious, and amazed by the daring feats of the great Sneelock. And these are just a few of the astonishing things you’ll find under this big top.
Literacy Extensions:
- Circus Word Bank
- “Circus Senses” Student Booklet
- Paper Plate Circus Elephant Art Project
- Circus Build a Word Game
2. My Special Circus by Emily Ashcroft
This little book is fantastic for speech and language development. The amazing illustrations, sounds and words promote auditory and visual interest.
With bold colors, a circus-y font, and a story told in rhyme, this book invites children to share one child’s memory of an exciting day spent under the big top. Children who accept the invitation will be greeted by a colorful cast of characters.
Literacy Extensions:
- “All About the Circus” Classroom Book
- “I See A Circus” Student Booklet
- Venn Diagram Comparing Circus Acts
- Circus Build a Two Addend Number Sentence
3. Clifford at the Circus by Norman Bridwell
Everyone’s favorite Big Red Dog hits the big top, but this is no time for clowning around! The circus is in town, and everything is going wrong! Emily Elizabeth and Clifford offer to help. But after taming the lions, walking the tightrope, and filling in for an elephant, Clifford no longer needs to save the circus. He needs to rescue Emily Elizabeth! See how they join the circus acts and work together to save the show and the day!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “If I Were a Circus Act”
- Student Booklet: “I See A Circus”
- Circus Counting: How Many Circus Acts
- My Circus Story: Student Worksheets
4. Harold’s Circus by Crockett Johnson
From the treasured creator of Harold and the Purple Crayon, Crockett Johnson, comes another adventure for Harold and his magical purple crayon.
One night Harold, with his trusty purple crayon, goes for a walk on a tightrope. Down he falls into a circus complete with trapeze, clowns, and lion tamers. A must-have for every imaginative child’s bookshelf.
Literacy Extensions:
- Circus Literature List
- Circus Story Parts: Student Worksheet
- Circus Roll It! Read It! Short Vowels
- Paper Plate Circus Clown Project
5. Circus by Lois Ehlert
Simple text and brilliantly colored cut-paper illustrations take children into a big top of circus excitement starring leaping lizards, marching snakes, whistling parrots, and the tumbling Zucchini Brothers.
A colorful master of ceremonies welcomes readers to the greatest circus on earth. They are then treated to Hugo, the world’s biggest elephant, the Pretzel brothers and Samu the tiger. There are marching snakes and leaping lizards and the flying Zucchinis. You also are treated to cotton candy, snow cones, and a lovable clown all at the Circus!
Literacy Extensions:
- “Circus Senses” Student Booklet
- Circus Story Sequencing Student Worksheet
- Circus Elephant Art Project
- Circus Number & Ten Frames
6. Paddington Bear at the Circus by Michael Bond
The circus has come to town, and Paddington and the Browns have front row seats! But Paddington becomes anxious when he looks up and sees a man dangling from a rope by his ankles.
Always ready to lend a paw, he rushes off to save the trapeze artist and as a result the circus is turned upside down! Paddington, however, comes out on top as the star of the show. Find out what happens when the classic bear from visits a circus and accidentally finds himself part of the act!
Literacy Extensions:
- Circus Word Bank
- Circus Literature Retelling Organizer Student Page
- Circus Make a Short Vowel Word Game
- Circus Roll & Cover Math Games
7. Circus by Charles Sullivan
The author uses illustrations taken from famous paintings by Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, Calder, Seurat, and others. Along with photographs from famous circuses like Ringling Brothers and Apple Circus. He presents whimsical poems that capture the whirl of excitement under the Big Top.
Literacy Extensions:
- “If I Were a Circus Act?” Classroom Book
- Circus Make a Short Vowel Word
- Circus Sight Word Match Game
- Circus Build 2 Addend Addition Number Sentences
8. Peter Spiers’s Circus by Peter Spier
The circus is coming to town! Take your front row seat to see how a circus runs from setting up the tent to performing in the center ring. Go soaring through the air on the flying trapeze and see how performers from all over the world come together to put on a show.
With showbiz excitement that only the circus can create. The author delights us with humorous details waiting to be discovered on every page. this book is a guaranteed ticket to fun and adventure
Literacy Extensions:
- “Circus Fun” Classroom Book
- Circus Letter & Sound Match Game
- Circus Build a Word
- Circus Numbers & Ten Frames Math Game
Finally, there are so many Circus children’s books you can choose from. From Circus fiction to nonfiction, the list of books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
