Sandy's Circus

Viking Children's Books | Ages 4 and up
Fall 2008
Illustrated by Boris Kulikov

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About the Book

There once was an artist named Alexander Calder.

Only he didn't call himself Alexander. And he didn't call the things he made art.

Starred Review,  Kirkus: "The lively text shines with apt details....spritely, noteworthy"

Starred Review,  School Library Journal: "Stone and Kulikov spin out a fast-moving tale that is in keeping with their high-energy subject." 

Horn Book: "Stone's narrative is as animated as Calder's figures...Kulikov's [art] vibrant with energy and color...would pair interestingly with Selznick's Hugo Cabret."

Booklist: "beautifully illustrated...spare, direct...Kulikov's elegant, fanciful multimedia collages extend the story...will ignite curiosity in Calder." 

Publishers Weekly: "a biography that kids can easily connect with...the author gracefully communicates the artist's resourcefulness and sense of play...Suggestive of Calder's whimsy." 

 A 2009-2010 Red Clover Book! Kids in VT will choose their favorite among 10 titles chosen. 

A Junior Library Guild Selection.

Bank Street's The Best Children's Books of the Year 

New York Public Library's 2008 "100 Titles For Reading and Sharing" 

Kirkus Best Children's Books of 2008

School Library Journal Best Books of 2008

Washington Post Best Kids Books of 2008 

Beth Wright, Youth Services Librarian: "enchanting, hugely accessible...should be in every school library for its many collaborative uses..." 

Alexander Calder is one of America's most important 20th century artists. In addition to his amazing mobiles and stabiles, which can be seen in public places all over the world, Sandy created a wonderful, whimsical circus out of found materials such as wire, cork, and paper. This is the story of that circus and how he set the art world on fire with his performances.

 Download a FREE Reading/Teacher's Guide!  

 Read a New York Times article about Alexander Calder's Cirque de Calder and the permanent exhibit at the Whitney Museum in New York!