CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: Parade of Colors

In this stagy catalogue, the Cirque du Soleil's acrobats and musicians pose in full regalia, looking like revelers plucked from the streets of Carnivale. Robertson, in her writing debut, focuses on the personas and color-coordinated outfits of "Mr. Red Pierrot!/ He's upside down!/ An acrobat (and not a clown)" and "Ooh-la-la Monsieur Fleur!/ So florally fabulous (full of allure...)." Red Pierrot leans on his shoulder in a diagonal headstand, attired in a scarlet skull cap and orange robes, while the smirking Monsieur Fleur gets a close-up, wearing a top hat and beaded vest. Robertson also introduces groups like the Water Nymphs, who stand on each other's shoulders to form a tower ("A perfect balance!/ Green on Green !"), and the leaping Baroques, in sans-culottes garb with frizzy wigs ("Red hot! And popping pink !.../ The Baroques are rash,/ and they love to clash"). In some of the photos, bodies appear to be in motion; as the beret-capped "La Garçonne" skips rope or the Asian-inspired "Yao" waves his patterned flag, their movements are captured in a gauzy blur. More often, the actors freeze in place, allowing for careful inspection of their makeup, glitter and accessories, but not displaying their physical skill and timing. As a colors book, this pictorial parade treats that theme in only the most cursory fashion. Young circus fans may find themselves wondering where the clowns and tightropes are—this book seems to be presuming the audience's familiarity with the Cirque du Soleil, rather than kindling an interest in it. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)