DIY Circus Lab for Kids: A Family-Friendly Guide for Juggling, Balancing, Clowning and Show-Making

Gr 7 Up—If readers have ever wanted to join the circus or learn how to juggle, walk a tightrope, or become a clown, this title can help them do just that. The author has been involved with circus activities for many years and has designed this guide for the novice who yearns to learn how to do tricks worthy of the big top. She concentrates on activities involving toss juggling, balance, partner acrobatics, human pyramids, and clowning. Within each area she explains how to make props, the history of the activity, and how it can be a benefit to kids in life and not just in the circus. She stresses how to be safe as learners master the tricks described. A web link is given for online tutorials on how to create the props and learn the skills. These videos are well done, with step-by-step directions, but currently they do not include instructions for every prop and skill listed. The design is very attractive with fonts and blocks of color that enhance the text, as well as colorful photos of kids in action.