The Clown of God

Please Note: This item is offered at a sale price because there is a black marker line (remainder mark) along the bottom of the page edges, near the spine. This will not impact your reading experience, but please be aware that this book is not in pristine condition. Sales items are not eligible for return.

Based on an ancient French legend, though Tomie dePaola set this version in Renaissance Italy instead. this is the story of a talented juggler who rises from homelessness to great acclaim. As he ages, he is rejected by the audiences that once adored him. Eventually, destitute, he finds his way to a monastery on Christmas Eve, where a crowd has gathered to lay their gifts before a statue of the Virgin and Christ Child. The juggler has only one gift to give—that of his talent—so he presents a final, miraculous performance to the statue. The juggler's selfless, moving gift captures the meaning of Christmas better than any other picture book I know.